Name: Chicken Orzo Tomato Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
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 meat recommended); 1/4 cup heavy cream; 1–2 cups water as needed for desired consistency; Parmesan cheese, herbs (such as parsley or basil), red pepper flakes, and lemon for serving; Bread for serving; Pesto for serving (optional; recipe notes included)

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Introduction

Chicken Orzo Tomato Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, delicate orzo pasta, and a rich tomato base. This easy-to-make soup brings together savory and fresh flavors, perfect for a cozy meal any day of the week.

The image shows a dark gray soup pot filled with orange-red broth, with visible white chunks of chicken and small grains of rice mixed with green herbs floating on top, giving a textured look. A gold spoon inside the pot scoops the soup, showing the same mixture of chicken, rice, and greens. In the background, there is a small white bowl with green sauce and two pieces of crusty light brown bread on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced or minced
1/4 cup tomato paste
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
4 cups chicken broth
Salt to taste
1 cup orzo pasta
2 cups chopped or shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken recommended)
1/4 cup heavy cream
1–2 cups water as needed for desired consistency
Parmesan cheese, fresh herbs (parsley or basil), red pepper flakes, and lemon for serving
Bread for serving
Pesto for serving (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until soft and fragrant, taking care not to brown it to avoid bitterness.
Step 2: Stir in the tomato paste and Italian seasoning. Cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the tomato paste to caramelize and deepen in color to enhance the soup’s flavor.
Step 3: Gradually add the chicken broth, stirring to combine into a smooth liquid. Season with salt, starting with 1/2 teaspoon, and adjust to taste.
Step 4: Add the orzo pasta and bring the soup to a gentle simmer. Cook for about 10 minutes until the orzo is tender. Add water or additional broth as needed to reach your preferred soup consistency.
Step 5: Stir in the heavy cream to add a creamy texture, then add the cooked chicken and squeeze in fresh lemon juice for brightness.
Step 6: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with grated Parmesan, fresh herbs, and red pepper flakes. Serve with warm crusty bread and pesto, if using.

Tips & Variations

Use a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven to prevent burning the garlic and tomato paste while sautéing.
Pesto pairs wonderfully with this soup and can be made by blending fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan, and olive oil.
Rotisserie chicken makes this recipe quick, but leftover cooked chicken works just as well.
Adjust the amount of water or broth to make the soup thicker or more broth-like according to your preference.
Lemon juice is essential to balance the richness of the cream and brighten the flavors.

Storage

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a little water or broth if the soup has thickened. For longer storage, freeze the soup for up to 2 months, thawing overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

A close-up of a dark bowl filled with a warm soup that has a reddish orange broth base with visible herbs and spices. The soup contains small pieces of white shredded chicken and rice or small pasta, scattered evenly throughout the liquid. A golden spoon lifts a spoonful of the soup showing more chicken and rice pieces inside. In the background, there are pieces of crusty bread resting on a white marbled surface and a small white bowl with green sauce. The soup bowl is on a dark cloth laid over the white marbled background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta instead of orzo?

Yes, small pasta shapes like ditalini or acini di pepe can be used as substitutes, but cooking times may vary slightly.

Is it necessary to add heavy cream?

No, the soup will still be delicious without the cream, but adding it gives a richer, smoother texture that many find comforting.