Description
Warm Chicken Orzo Tomato Soup is a cozy and satisfying dish featuring tender chicken, silky orzo pasta, and a vibrant tomato base. This comforting soup uses simple pantry ingredients to create a nutritious, flavorful meal that is quick to prepare and easily customizable for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 2 cups chicken breast, skinless, cubed
Pasta
- 3/4 cup orzo pasta
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 1/2 cups fresh tomatoes or 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
Liquids
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tbsp olive oil (natural)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (natural)
Herbs and Seasonings
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 tsp dried thyme)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Base: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil (natural) in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion, garlic, diced carrots, and celery. Stir occasionally until softened and fragrant, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Cook the Chicken: Add cubed chicken breast to the pot. Cook gently until the outside turns opaque, sealing in juices and developing a rich flavor.
- Add Tomatoes and Broth: Stir in fresh or canned diced tomatoes and 6 cups of vegetable broth. Season with salt, black pepper, and fresh thyme. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to simmer for 15 minutes to meld flavors.
- Cook the Orzo: Add 3/4 cup orzo pasta to the simmering soup. Cook according to package instructions, about 8 to 10 minutes, until tender but not mushy.
- Finish with Fresh Herbs and Vinegar: Stir in chopped parsley and 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (natural) to brighten the soup. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve warm.
Notes
- Do not overcook the orzo to keep texture perfect.
- Sauté vegetables first to enhance sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Add apple cider vinegar (natural) at the end to maintain fresh acidity.
- Use homemade vegetable broth for best flavor.
- Stir fresh herbs in last for bright, fresh notes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Soups
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: chicken soup, orzo soup, tomato soup, comforting soup, quick soup, healthy soup, easy dinner, one pot meal
