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Creamy Chicken Orzo Soup with Carrots and Celery

This comforting creamy chicken orzo soup is a nostalgic dish that brings warmth and satisfaction. Packed with tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a rich creamy broth, it’s perfect for chilly days.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced (about 1 cup)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 medium carrots, diced (about 1 cup)
  • 2 celery stalks, diced (about 1 cup)
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 1/2 cups uncooked orzo pasta
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken works well)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (about half a lemon)
  • Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until soft and translucent.
  2. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
  3. Add the diced carrots and celery to the pot and cook for 5-7 minutes until they are slightly softened.
  4. Sprinkle the dried thyme, oregano, pepper, and salt over the vegetables and stir well to combine.
  5. Pour the chicken broth into the pot and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and let the soup simmer for about 10 minutes.
  6. Add the uncooked orzo and cook the soup for an additional 8-10 minutes until the pasta is al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  7. Stir in the cooked chicken, cream, Parmesan, and lemon juice. Mix well and let the soup simmer for 2-3 minutes until heated through and the cheese is melted.
  8. Taste the soup and adjust the salt if necessary. Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme if desired.

Nutrition

Keywords: To avoid overcooking the orzo, ensure it is cooked al dente. You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience, and feel free to substitute with other small pasta or add more vegetables as desired.