Heavenly Creamy Chicken Basil Orzo Soup Recipe for Cozy Nights

Soup lovers rejoice as this creamy chicken basil orzo soup delivers comfort in every delightful spoonful.

Tender chicken nestles among soft pasta pearls, creating a luxurious meal that warms you from the inside out.

Aromatic basil whispers fresh Mediterranean notes through the rich broth.

Hearty ingredients mingle seamlessly, promising a satisfying dining experience.

Each serving brings layers of flavor that dance across your palate with remarkable harmony.

The recipe combines simple ingredients into an extraordinary culinary creation.

Grab your ladle and get ready to savor pure, soul-soothing deliciousness.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 478 kcal

Servings: 7

Creamy Chicken Basil Orzo Soup Ingredient List

• Chicken: Tender, boneless meat that provides hearty protein and rich flavor for the soup's foundation.
• Chicken Broth: Liquid gold that infuses deep, savory undertones and creates a robust soup base.

• Garlic: Aromatic powerhouse that adds intense, pungent depth to the soup's overall taste profile.
• Sun-dried Tomatoes: Concentrated, tangy ingredient that brings a sweet-tart Mediterranean essence.
• Basil: Fragrant herb that introduces a fresh, bright green note to the dish.
• Tomato Paste: Concentrated tomato flavor that adds richness and depth to the soup.
• Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, Italian Seasoning, Red Pepper Flakes: Spice blend that creates a complex, multilayered seasoning experience.

• Orzo: Petite pasta that adds delightful texture and transforms the soup into a hearty meal.
• Heavy Cream: Silky ingredient that creates luxurious, velvety smoothness.
• Cream Cheese: Soft, rich cheese that melts into a luscious, creamy consistency.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, salty cheese that provides a delightful nutty undertone.
• Spinach: Nutrient-packed green that wilts beautifully and adds vibrant color.
• Olive Oil: Smooth cooking fat that helps develop initial flavors and prevent sticking.
• Salt: Essential seasoning that balances and elevates all other ingredients.

Tools That Help with Creamy Chicken Basil Orzo Soup

• Dutch oven: Large, deep pot perfect for simmering soups and one-pot meals.
• Wooden spoon: Essential for stirring ingredients without scratching the pot's surface.
• Cutting board: Sturdy surface for chopping chicken, garlic, and spinach.
• Sharp knife: Needed for precise chopping of ingredients.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient proportions.
• Grater: Used for grating fresh parmesan cheese.
• Spatula: Helpful for scraping and stirring ingredients smoothly.

How to Cook Creamy Chicken Basil Orzo Soup Simply

• Chicken Preparation

Sizzle chicken pieces in a Dutch oven with olive oil until golden brown and delicious.

• Flavor Base

Awaken the pot with fragrant garlic, then introduce sun-dried tomatoes and tomato paste for a rich depth of flavor.

• Liquid Magic

Create a dreamy soup foundation by combining chicken broth, heavy cream, and a symphony of herbs and spices like basil, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.

• Pasta Transformation

Introduce orzo into the bubbling liquid, allowing it to dance and soften for about 10-15 minutes until perfectly tender.

• Creamy Finale

Gently fold in fresh spinach, melt cream cheese and parmesan into a luxurious swirl, creating a velvety finish that brings all ingredients into harmonious comfort.

Flavor Tips for Chicken Basil Orzo Soup

• Swap chicken breasts with rotisserie chicken or leftover roasted chicken for a quicker preparation and added depth of flavor.
• Experiment with different proteins like shredded turkey, white beans, or diced tofu to create unique variations of this comforting soup.
• Toss in extra vegetables like zucchini, carrots, or bell peppers to increase nutritional value and add more texture to the soup.
• Adjust red pepper flakes to match your heat preference – reduce for mild warmth or increase for a spicier kick that will tantalize your taste buds.
• Prepare the soup in advance and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, allowing flavors to meld and intensify for an even more delicious meal.

Serving Creamy Chicken Basil Orzo Soup Comfortably

• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley on top of each serving to add a burst of color and a fresh, aromatic finish.
• Pair with Crusty Bread: Serve alongside warm, crusty Italian bread or garlic toast to soak up the creamy, flavorful broth and add a delightful crunch.
• Create a Complete Meal: Complement the soup with a light side salad dressed with a simple vinaigrette to balance the richness of the creamy chicken orzo soup.
• Customize with Toppings: Let diners add extra grated parmesan, red pepper flakes, or a drizzle of olive oil to personalize their bowl and enhance the flavors.

How to Store Chicken Basil Orzo Soup Smoothly

• Refrigerate with Care: Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, keeping its delightful flavors intact and ready for quick reheating.
• Freeze for Future Meals: Carefully transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top. Freeze for up to 2 months, ensuring a delicious backup meal when you need it most.
• Reheat Gently: Warm the soup slowly over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Add a splash of chicken broth if the soup seems too thick after refrigeration or freezing.
• Maintain Texture Tricks: Keep orzo and spinach at their best by storing cream-based soups separately from pasta and greens. Add fresh spinach and orzo when reheating to preserve their perfect texture and prevent mushiness.

Silky Chicken Basil Orzo Soup Recipe

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4.6 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Hearty chicken basil orzo soup delivers comforting Mediterranean flavors in one delightful bowl. Homemade goodness combines tender chicken, aromatic herbs, and silky orzo for a satisfying meal you’ll crave repeatedly.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1.5 lbs (680 g) boneless skinless chicken fillets, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 8 cups (1.9 L) low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 (8 oz/226 g) package cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy whipping cream
• ¾ cup (135 g) orzo
• ½ cup (50 g) grated parmesan cheese
• ½ cup (75 g) chopped sun-dried tomatoes
• 3 cups (90 g) chopped fresh baby spinach
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
• 3 tbsps (45 ml) tomato paste
• 4 tsps minced garlic
• 4 tsps chopped fresh basil
• 2 tsps kosher salt or to taste
• 1.5 tsps Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes

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Instructions

1. Searing Chicken: Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat (375°F / 190°C). Add chicken pieces and sear until golden brown on all sides, creating a flavorful foundation for the soup.
2. Aromatic Base: Introduce minced garlic, tomato paste, and sun-dried tomatoes to the pot. Stir continuously to develop a rich, fragrant base without burning the ingredients.
3. Liquid Foundation: Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Incorporate basil, kosher salt, Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper flakes. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer.
4. Pasta Integration: Sprinkle orzo into the simmering liquid. Cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent clumping, until pasta reaches perfect al dente consistency.
5. Final Touches: Lower heat and fold in fresh spinach leaves. Add cream cheese and parmesan, stirring gently for 10-15 minutes until cheese melts completely and spinach wilts, creating a luxuriously creamy and harmonious soup.

Notes

• Sear Chicken Perfectly: Brown chicken pieces thoroughly for maximum flavor development and create a rich golden exterior that locks in moisture.
• Prevent Garlic Burning: Add garlic quickly after searing chicken and stir constantly to avoid bitter, scorched taste that can ruin the entire soup’s flavor profile.
• Pasta Stirring Technique: Gently stir orzo every few minutes to prevent clumping and ensure even cooking, checking texture to achieve ideal al dente consistency.
• Cheese Melting Secrets: Add cream cheese and parmesan off direct heat, stirring slowly to create a smooth, velvety texture without potential separation or graininess.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 478
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 754 mg
• Fat: 33 g
• Saturated Fat: 16 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 118 mg