Description
A bright and comforting Mediterranean-inspired soup featuring tender shredded chicken, delicate orzo pasta, and a refreshing hint of lemon. This easy-to-make soup is light yet satisfying, perfect for any season or as a wholesome meal any day.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 celery stalk, chopped
Protein and Pasta
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
- ½ cup orzo pasta
Broth and Seasonings
- 4 cups chicken broth
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: parsley or spinach for garnish
Instructions
- Heat oil: In a pot over medium heat, warm 1 tablespoon of olive oil to prepare for sautéing the vegetables and aromatics.
- Sauté onion and garlic: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot, cooking them until fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add carrot and celery: Incorporate the diced carrot and chopped celery into the pot, cooking for a few minutes until they start to soften, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add broth and boil: Pour in 4 cups of chicken broth and bring the mixture to a rolling boil to prepare for cooking the orzo.
- Cook orzo: Stir in ½ cup of orzo pasta, lowering the heat to a simmer and cooking for 8–10 minutes until the orzo is tender but not mushy.
- Add shredded chicken: Mix in 1 cup of cooked, shredded chicken to warm through evenly in the soup.
- Season with lemon and salt: Squeeze the juice of 1 lemon into the soup, then season with salt and pepper according to taste.
- Garnish and serve: Optionally add chopped parsley or fresh spinach for extra nutrients and a pop of color, then serve the soup warm.
Notes
- Add spinach for extra nutrients and a vibrant green color.
- Adjust the lemon juice amount based on your desired level of tanginess.
- This soup reheats well and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken to save prep time.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
