Introduction
Delve into the comforting world of homemade soup with this flavorful Chicken and Orzo Soup recipe. Bursting with fresh ingredients and aromatic herbs, this dish is perfect for a cozy dinner, and it’s as nutritious as it is delicious. With tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and creamy orzo, this recipe will warm you from the inside out.
Detailed Ingredients with Measures
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 medium carrots, diced
– 2 celery ribs, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
– ¾ teaspoon salt
– ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
– 1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary
– 2 teaspoons chopped fresh parsley
– 1½ cups orzo pasta
– ½ cup fresh lemon juice
– 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
– 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
– ½ cup heavy cream
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: Serves 4-6
Instructions
1. Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or stockpot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until softened.
2. Add the diced celery, carrots, and chicken pieces to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through.
3. Stir in the minced garlic, salt, black pepper, chopped rosemary, and chopped parsley. Cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add the orzo pasta, fresh lemon juice, and chicken broth to the pot. Stir to combine all ingredients.
5. Cover the pot and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook until the orzo is just tender, stirring occasionally. This should take about 8 minutes once the soup begins to simmer.
6. Remove the lid and stir in the heavy cream.
7. Add the chopped spinach and stir until the spinach is wilted.
8. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Heat the Oil
Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or stockpot over medium heat.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion
Add the diced onion and sauté until it has softened, approximately 3-5 minutes.
Step 3: Add Vegetables and Chicken
Add the diced celery, carrots, and chicken pieces to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 4: Incorporate Seasonings
Stir in the minced garlic, salt, black pepper, chopped rosemary, and chopped parsley. Cook for an additional 30 seconds until the garlic is fragrant.
Step 5: Add Orzo and Liquids
Add the orzo pasta, fresh lemon juice, and chicken broth to the pot. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
Step 6: Bring to a Simmer
Cover the pot and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook until the orzo is just tender, stirring occasionally. This should take about 8 minutes once the soup begins to simmer.
Step 7: Stir in Cream
Remove the lid and stir in the heavy cream until well incorporated.
Step 8: Add Spinach
Add the chopped spinach to the pot and stir until the spinach is wilted, about 1-2 minutes.
Step 9: Serve
Serve the dish immediately and enjoy!
Notes
Storage
This dish can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove.
Customize Your Recipe
Feel free to add additional vegetables such as bell peppers or peas for more color and nutrition.
Adjusting Creaminess
For a richer flavor, you may add more heavy cream to taste or use half-and-half instead.
Herb Alternatives
If fresh herbs are unavailable, dried herbs can be substituted, but use them sparingly as they are more concentrated in flavor.
Cook techniques
Sautéing
Sautéing involves cooking ingredients quickly in a small amount of oil or fat over medium to high heat. This technique is used at the beginning of the recipe to soften the onions, celery, and carrots, enhancing their flavors and releasing their natural sweetness.
Stir-frying
Stir-frying is a method where ingredients are cooked quickly in a hot pan while being stirred constantly. This technique is utilized when adding the chicken pieces to ensure they cook evenly and thoroughly without becoming dry.
Simmering
Simmering involves cooking food in liquid at a low temperature just below boiling. In this recipe, the orzo pasta simmers in the chicken broth, allowing it to absorb flavors while becoming tender.
Incorporating
Incorporating is the process of blending ingredients together smoothly. After simmering, heavy cream and spinach are added, ensuring they are well mixed into the soup for a rich, creamy texture.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of pasta instead of orzo?
Yes, you can substitute orzo with other small pasta shapes, but cooking times may vary. Adjust the time according to the pasta used.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make this recipe vegetarian, omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can add more vegetables or plant-based protein for added texture.
Can I store leftovers, and how should I reheat them?
Yes, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a bit of water or broth to prevent sticking.
Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
Certainly! To make this dish dairy-free, you can use coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative instead of heavy cream.
What can I use instead of fresh herbs?
If you don’t have fresh herbs, you can use dried herbs. However, use about one-third of the amount, as dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor.
Conclusion
This delicious dish combines tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and orzo pasta, all brought together with a hint of lemon and a creamy finish. It’s a comforting and hearty meal that’s perfect for any day of the week. Enjoy the delightful flavors and the nourishment it brings!
More recipes suggestions and combination
Chicken and Vegetable Stir-Fry
Combine diced chicken with an assortment of colorful vegetables like bell peppers and broccoli, stir-fried in soy sauce and sesame oil for a quick and healthy meal.
Herbed Chicken Salad
Use cooked chicken mixed with fresh herbs, diced celery, and a light lemon dressing served over a bed of mixed greens for a refreshing salad option.
Creamy Mushroom Risotto
Substitute orzo with Arborio rice, adding mushrooms and vegetable broth for a creamy risotto, finished with parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.
Lemon Chicken Soup
Take your soup concept further with a variety of vegetables, rice, and an enhanced lemon flavor for a bright and zesty soup.
Italian Chicken Pasta Bake
Combine cooked orzo with tomato sauce, chicken, mozzarella cheese, and Italian spices, then bake until bubbly for a delightful baked pasta dish.
Spinach and Chicken Quiche
Utilize leftover chicken and spinach in a savory quiche with eggs and cream, baked in a flaky crust for a perfect brunch dish.
