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Refreshing Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup with Spinach and Veggies Recipe

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4.4 from 37 reviews

  • Author: Amelia
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Diet: Low Fat

Description

A light and refreshing Mediterranean soup featuring tender chicken breasts, delicate orzo pasta, fresh spinach, and vibrant diced vegetables like carrot and celery, all simmered in a flavorful chicken broth and finished with bright, tangy lemon juice. This comforting yet fresh soup is garnished with chopped fresh parsley and perfect for a healthy, low-fat meal.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 2 chicken breasts
  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup orzo pasta
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • 1 carrot, diced
  • 1 celery stalk, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Heat the Broth and Poach Chicken: Bring the 6 cups of chicken broth to a boil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Once boiling, add the chicken breasts to the pot.
  2. Add Vegetables and Simmer: Add the diced carrot, diced celery, and minced garlic to the broth with the chicken. Reduce heat to low and simmer gently until the chicken is fully cooked through, about 15-20 minutes.
  3. Shred Chicken: Remove the cooked chicken breasts from the broth and shred them into bite-sized pieces using two forks.
  4. Cook Orzo: Return the shredded chicken to the pot and add the orzo pasta. Continue cooking until the orzo is tender but not mushy, approximately 8-10 minutes.
  5. Add Spinach: Stir in the fresh spinach and cook just until it wilts, about 1-2 minutes.
  6. Finish with Lemon and Seasoning: Stir in the fresh lemon juice, then season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Heat through for another minute.
  7. Garnish and Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and serve warm for a bright, comforting meal.

Notes

  • Add extra lemon juice if you prefer a more pronounced bright, citrus flavor.
  • For a quicker recipe, use shredded rotisserie chicken instead of poaching your own.
  • Be careful not to overcook the orzo to maintain its delightful texture and avoid mushiness.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Find it online: https://justsosweet.com/refreshing-lemon-chicken-orzo-soup-with-spinach-and-veggies-recipe/