Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
why make this recipe
Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is a comforting and refreshing dish that is perfect for any day. The bright flavors of lemon, combined with tender chicken and nutritious vegetables, make this soup both delicious and satisfying. It is easy to prepare, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights or a relaxing weekend meal. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover chicken and add some healthy greens to your diet.
how to make Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
Gather the ingredients. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Stir in 8 ounces of orzo pasta and return to a boil. Cook the pasta uncovered until partially cooked but not yet soft, about 5 minutes; then drain and rinse with cold water until cooled completely.
While the pasta cooks, heat 1 teaspoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 3 chopped medium carrots, 3 chopped ribs of celery, and 1 chopped medium onion. Cook and stir until the vegetables start to soften and the onion becomes translucent, about 5 minutes. Add 2 minced cloves of garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Season the mixture with 1/2 teaspoon each of dried thyme and dried oregano, along with salt, ground black pepper to taste, and 1 bay leaf. Cook for an additional 30 seconds before pouring in 3 (32 ounce) cartons of fat-free, low-sodium chicken broth. Bring the broth to a boil.
Partially cover the pot, reduce the heat to medium-low, and let it simmer until the vegetables are just tender, about 10 minutes. Stir in the cooked orzo, 1/2 cup of fresh lemon juice, 1 lemon zested, and 8 ounces of chopped cooked chicken. Cook until everything is heated through, about 5 minutes.
Finally, add 1 (8 ounce) package of baby spinach leaves and cook until the spinach wilts into the broth and the orzo is tender, about 2 to 3 minutes. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with lemon slices and 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy!
how to serve Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
Serve Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup hot in bowls. It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a simple green salad. You can also sprinkle more Parmesan cheese on top and add extra lemon slices for garnish.
how to store Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
If you have leftovers, let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the soup for up to 3 months. Just be sure to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
tips to make Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
- Adjust the thickness of the soup by adding more or less chicken broth according to your preference.
- Use leftover rotisserie chicken to save time.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like peas or corn for extra color and nutrition.
variation
You can make this soup vegetarian by substituting the chicken broth with vegetable broth and omitting the chicken. Add more vegetables to keep it hearty.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta instead of orzo?
Yes, you can use any small pasta like ditalini or elbows, but cooking times may vary.
How can I make it ahead of time?
You can prepare the soup up to the point of adding the spinach, then store it in the fridge. Add the spinach and reheat before serving.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
Absolutely! Use about three times the amount of fresh herbs as dried for the best flavor.