Description
A hearty chicken orzo soup that is perfect for cold days. Packed with vegetables and flavor!
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cups diced mirepoix (or 1 cup each: diced yellow onion, diced celery, diced carrots)
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 1 bay leaf (optional)
- 3/4 cup uncooked orzo pasta
- 2 cups rotisserie chicken (shredded/chopped)
- 2 cups coarsely chopped baby spinach
- 2 large lemons
Instructions
- In a large pot over medium heat, add olive oil. Once oil is shimmering, add diced onion, celery, and carrots. Cook until veggies are crisp-tender, stirring occasionally, for about 7–9 minutes (reduce heat if veggies are browning too quickly).
- Add minced garlic and stir for 30 seconds.
- Add the seasonings and stir for 30 seconds. Pour in the chicken broth and add the bay leaf if using. Increase heat and bring to a boil. Once boiling, add the orzo. Cook according to package directions, subtracting 2 minutes from the recommended cooking time.
- Stir in the shredded rotisserie chicken and the spinach. Gently stir to warm through the chicken and allow the spinach to wilt, about 1–3 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Stir in 1-1/2 teaspoon lemon zest and 3–4 tablespoons lemon juice. Season to taste if any additional salt or pepper is needed.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish, if desired, with fresh thyme. Add optional Parmesan cheese to individual bowls. Serve with crusty bread.
Notes
- Note 1: Mirepoix is a mixture of diced onions, celery, and carrots commonly used in cooking.
- Note 2: Cooking time for orzo may vary; adjust based on package instructions.
- Note 3: Rotisserie chicken is a shortcut for quick meals; feel free to use cooked chicken of your choice.
- Note 4: Fresh lemons add brightness to the soup, and zest enhances the flavor.
- Note 5: This soup pairs well with crusty bread for dipping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 65mg