This Chicken Orzo Tomato Soup fits the bill. It’s bright from tomatoes, silky from a splash of cream, and satisfying thanks to tender shredded chicken and little orzo pearls that soak up the flavor. Think warm, homey, and just a touch fancy like comfort food that cleaned up nicely for company.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Top reasons to make it: it’s quick, uses pantry staples, and turns leftover or rotisserie chicken into an easy family-night winner.
- Ready in about 30 minutes for busy weeknights
- Made with simple pantry staples and rotisserie chicken
- Great for meal prep and easy leftovers
- Comforting, slightly creamy, and bright with lemon
Ingredients For the Soup
- 2 tablespoons DeLallo Private Reserve Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced or minced
- 1/4 cup DeLallo Tomato Paste
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 4 cups chicken broth
- Salt, to taste
- 1 cup DeLallo Orzo Pasta
- 2 cups chopped or shredded cooked chicken (pulled rotisserie chicken recommended)
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1–2 cups water, as needed for desired consistency
- Parmesan cheese, for serving
- Fresh herbs (such as parsley or basil), for serving
- Red pepper flakes, optional, for a little heat
- Lemon, for serving (wedges or a squeeze of juice)
- Bread, for serving
- Pesto, for serving (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions of Chicken Orzo Tomato Soup Recipe
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Sauté the garlic until fragrant and just golden, about 30–45 seconds.
- Add the tomato paste and Italian seasoning; stir and cook 1–2 minutes to deepen the tomato flavor.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, scraping any browned bits from the bottom.
- Stir in the orzo and salt to taste; simmer uncovered for about 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is al dente.
- Add the shredded chicken and 1 cup water (add more if you want a thinner soup); warm through for 2–3 minutes.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in the heavy cream; taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavors and add red pepper flakes if you like a little kick.
- Serve hot topped with grated Parmesan and chopped herbs, with bread and optional pesto on the side.
Tips for Success
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time and boost flavor quickly.
- Don’t overcook the orzo it swells as it sits. Cook until just tender for the best texture.
- Add lemon at the end to brighten the whole bowl; a little goes a long way.
Substitutions & Variations of Chicken Orzo Tomato Soup Recipe
To Make It Vegan/Gluten-Free:
- Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Replace heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or a plant-based creamer.
- Swap DeLallo Orzo for a gluten-free orzo or small rice pasta.
Variations:
- Stir a spoonful of pesto into each bowl for herb-forward richness.
- Add a handful of spinach or kale at the end for quick greens.
- Swap shredded chicken for white beans for a vegetarian protein boost.
- Try a creamy twist similar to other comforting chicken soups like Creamy Chicken Macaroni Cheese Soup for more dinner ideas.
Storage Instructions of Chicken Orzo Tomato Soup Recipe
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. The orzo will soak up broth over time; add a splash of water or broth when reheating.
Freezer: For best texture, freeze the soup without orzo for up to 3 months. Thaw and cook fresh orzo when reheating. If you must freeze with orzo, expect a softer pasta after thawing.
Make-Ahead: Shred the chicken and mix the tomato base a day ahead. Cook the orzo just until underdone, cool, and store separately to keep texture perfect.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) of Chicken Orzo Tomato Soup Recipe
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes rotisserie chicken is ideal. It’s fast, flavorful, and keeps this soup super easy.
Can I make the soup thicker or creamier?
Yes. Reduce the water, cook a little longer to concentrate flavors, or add an extra splash of cream or a spoonful of butter to finish.
Can I freeze the completed soup with orzo?
You can, but the orzo will soften. For best texture, freeze the soup base separately and add freshly cooked orzo when reheating.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Orzo Tomato Soup Recipe is a simple, cozy bowl that makes weeknights better fast, filling, and flexible enough to fit your pantry and schedule. Give it a try, then come back and tell me how it went: leave a comment and a star rating so others know this is a keeper.
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Cozy Weeknight Chicken Orzo Tomato Soup
A quick and comforting Chicken Orzo Tomato Soup made with pantry staples and rotisserie chicken, perfect for busy families.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons DeLallo Private Reserve Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced or minced
- 1/4 cup DeLallo Tomato Paste
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 4 cups chicken broth
- Salt, to taste
- 1 cup DeLallo Orzo Pasta
- 2 cups chopped or shredded cooked chicken (pulled rotisserie chicken recommended)
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1–2 cups water, as needed for desired consistency
- Parmesan cheese, for serving
- Fresh herbs (such as parsley or basil), for serving
- Red pepper flakes, optional, for a little heat
- Lemon, for serving (wedges or a squeeze of juice)
- Bread, for serving
- Pesto, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Sauté the garlic until fragrant and just golden, about 30–45 seconds.
- Add the tomato paste and Italian seasoning; stir and cook for 1–2 minutes to deepen the tomato flavor.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, scraping any browned bits from the bottom.
- Stir in the orzo and salt to taste; simmer uncovered for about 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is al dente.
- Add the shredded chicken and 1 cup water (add more if you want a thinner soup); warm through for 2–3 minutes.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in the heavy cream; taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavors and add red pepper flakes if you like a little kick.
- Serve hot topped with grated Parmesan and chopped herbs, with bread and optional pesto on the side.
Notes
Use rotisserie chicken to save time and boost flavor quickly. Don’t overcook the orzo — cook until just tender for the best texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: None