Hearty Creamy Chicken and Orzo Soup
Warm up on a chilly winter evening with this nourishing Hearty Creamy Chicken and Orzo Soup. Loaded with vibrant vegetables, tender chicken, and nutty orzo, this creamy delight is not only satisfying but also heart-healthy. Perfect for meal prep, this soup freezes beautifully, allowing you to enjoy a homemade meal whenever you crave comfort food. Each bowl offers a wholesome blend of flavors and ingredients that make it exceptional for lunch or a cozy dinner at home. A delightful recipe that’s great for sharing with loved ones, including family members in need of nutritious meals.
N/A
Servings
133
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
1 (tablespoon)
carrot
1 (cup, peeled and chopped)
celery
1/2 (cup, chopped)
green onion or white onion
1/4 (cup, chopped)
orzo pasta
1 (cup)
low sodium chicken broth
2 (cans (429 ml) or approximately 1 L homemade)
dried oregano
1/2 (teaspoon)
marjoram
1/2 (teaspoon)
dried basil
1/2 (teaspoon)
dried sage
1/8 (teaspoon)
salt
1/4 (teaspoon (or to taste))
pepper
1/4 (teaspoon)
skim milk
1 1/2 (cups)
flour
2 (tablespoons)
cooked chicken
2 (cups, diced)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped carrots, celery, and green onion (or onion) and sauté until they are tender yet crisp, about 5-7 minutes.
2
Stir in the orzo pasta along with the chicken broth, oregano, marjoram, basil, sage, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a full boil and cook for 5 minutes.
3
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the orzo to cook through.
4
In a small bowl, whisk together the skim milk and flour until smooth. Gradually add this mixture to the soup while stirring constantly. Continue to cook until the soup returns to a gentle boil and begins to thicken slightly, approximately 2-3 minutes.
5
Fold in the diced cooked chicken and allow it to heat through before serving.
6
For a creamier texture, feel free to add more milk to adjust the consistency to your liking.
Nutrition Information
3g
Fat
14g
Carbs
10g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Creamy Chicken and Orzo Soup?
It is a warm, nourishing soup featuring vegetables, tender chicken, and nutty orzo in a creamy, heart-healthy base.
How many calories are in this soup?
Each serving contains approximately 133 calories.
Is this soup suitable for freezing?
Yes, this soup freezes beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep.
What vegetables are needed for this recipe?
You will need carrots, celery, and either green or white onions.
How much fat is in one serving?
There are 3 grams of fat per serving.
How much protein does this soup provide?
This recipe provides 10 grams of protein per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 14 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the first step in making the soup?
Heat olive oil in a large pot and sauté carrots, celery, and onions until tender-crisp.
How long should I sauté the vegetables?
Sauté the vegetables for about 5 to 7 minutes.
How is the orzo cooked?
Add orzo to the broth and herbs, bring to a boil for 5 minutes, then simmer for another 5 minutes.
Which herbs are used for seasoning?
The soup uses dried oregano, marjoram, basil, and sage.
How do you make the soup creamy?
Whisk together skim milk and flour, then stir the mixture into the soup and boil gently to thicken.
What type of chicken should be used?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of diced, cooked chicken.
Can I adjust the thickness of the soup?
Yes, you can add more milk to adjust the consistency to your personal preference.
What kind of broth is best for this recipe?
Low sodium chicken broth or homemade chicken broth is recommended.
How much milk is required?
The recipe requires 1 1/2 cups of skim milk.
What is orzo pasta?
Orzo is a small, rice-shaped pasta that adds a nutty flavor to the soup.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Absolutely, it is described as being perfect for meal prep and easy to reheat.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 15 ingredients listed in the recipe.
What type of oil is used?
One tablespoon of olive oil is used for sautéing the vegetables.
How much flour is needed?
You will need 2 tablespoons of flour to help thicken the soup.
When do I add the cooked chicken?
Fold the diced chicken in at the very end and allow it to heat through before serving.
How much salt and pepper should I add?
The recipe suggests 1/4 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper, or to taste.
What heat level should I use for simmering?
Once the mixture has reached a boil, reduce the heat to low to simmer the orzo.
Can I use white onion instead of green onion?
Yes, the recipe allows for either 1/4 cup of chopped green onion or white onion.
Is this soup heart-healthy?
Yes, the description specifically mentions that it is a heart-healthy creamy delight.
Is this soup suitable for children?
Yes, it is described as a great recipe for sharing with loved ones, including family members.
How long does it take for the soup to thicken after adding the milk mixture?
It takes approximately 2 to 3 minutes once it returns to a gentle boil.
What kind of carrots should I use?
Use 1 cup of peeled and chopped carrots for the best results.
Is this soup good for winter?
Yes, it is specifically described as a great way to warm up on a chilly winter evening.