Make this simple, comforting soup featuring shredded chicken, orzo pasta, and a bright lemon flavor balanced with a creamy base.
Author:Ahazzam
Prep Time:15 min
Cook Time:25 min
Total Time:40 min
Yield:6 servings
Category:Soup
Method:Stovetop
Cuisine:American
Diet:Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
6 cups chicken broth
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup orzo pasta
3 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast
1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon lemon zest
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5 to 7 minutes.
Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
Stir in the orzo pasta. Reduce the heat and simmer for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the orzo is tender.
Stir in the shredded chicken, heavy cream, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Heat through gently; do not boil after adding the cream.
Season the soup with salt and pepper to your preference.
Stir in the fresh parsley just before serving.
Notes
For a thicker soup, you can whisk 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the simmering soup before adding the cream.
Use rotisserie chicken for quick preparation.
If you prefer a tangier soup, add another teaspoon of lemon juice at the end.