Creamy Chicken Orzo Soup (Sun-Dried Tomato Twist!)

This Creamy Chicken Orzo Soup with Sun-Dried Tomatoes is the ultimate feel-good food, perfect for a cozy dinner! It's a rich, flavorful, and incredibly easy one-pot meal featuring tender chicken, tiny orzo pasta, savory sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach (optional, but delicious!), all simmered in a creamy broth. I absolutely love making this Chicken Orzo Soup because it comes together quickly, tastes incredibly satisfying, and requires minimal cleanup - exactly what I need on a busy weeknight, even during these lovely spring days here in the United States on April 21st!

Why You'll Love This Chicken Orzo Soup

• One-Pot Meal: Everything cooks together in one pot (or Dutch oven) for easy preparation and cleanup.
• Quick and Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknights.
• Creamy and Comforting: Heavy cream creates a luscious broth that's incredibly satisfying.
• Flavor Packed: Sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, Italian seasoning, and optional chili flakes add layers of delicious flavor.
• Versatile: Easily adaptable with different vegetables or proteins.

Ingredients for Chicken Orzo Soup with Sun-dried Tomatoes

Here's what you'll need to make this creamy and comforting soup. The full list with measurements is in the recipe card below.

Main Components

• Chicken breast or tenders, sliced (Meat)
• Orzo pasta (Pasta)
• Sun-dried tomatoes in oil, chopped (Vegetable) (Oil reserved for cooking)
• Onion, minced (Vegetable)
• Garlic cloves, minced (Aromatic)
• Low-sodium chicken stock (Liquid)
• Heavy cream (Dairy)
• Spinach (optional, mentioned in similar recipes/variations) (Vegetable)

Seasoning & Garnish

• Italian seasoning (Spice Blend)
• Crushed red pepper flakes (optional) (Spice)
• Salt (Seasoning)
• Fresh cracked black pepper (Spice)
• Fresh chopped basil (for garnish) (Herb)
• Jalapeño, sliced (for garnish) (Vegetable)

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card below.)

Variations

I adore the sun-dried tomato and basil combination in this Chicken Orzo Soup, but feel free to try these variations:

• Add Vegetables: Stir in frozen peas, chopped carrots, celery, or zucchini along with the broth.
• Different Pasta: Use small shells, ditalini, or another small pasta shape instead of orzo.
• Make it Spicy: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
• Cheesy Version: Stir in some grated Parmesan or mozzarella cheese along with the heavy cream.
• Lemon Brightness: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end for a touch of acidity.

How to Make Chicken Orzo Soup with Sun-dried Tomatoes

Let me show you how easy it is to make this delicious one-pot Chicken Orzo Soup:

Cook Chicken and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, I heat a tablespoon of the reserved oil from the sun-dried tomato jar over medium-high heat. Using this oil adds extra flavor right from the start!
2. I add the sliced chicken breast or tenders and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
3. Next, I add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Sauté Aromatics and Orzo

1. I add the minced onion, minced garlic, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), and Italian seasoning to the pot.
2. I continue cooking for about 1 minute, until the onion softens and the garlic is fragrant.
3. Then, I add the uncooked orzo pasta and stir it for about 30 seconds to coat it well with the oil and aromatics. This helps toast the pasta slightly.

Simmer the Soup

1. I pour the chicken stock over the mixture in the pot and bring it to a boil.
2. Once boiling, I reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer over low heat.
3. I let the soup simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo pasta is almost cooked through (al dente). Keep an eye on the liquid level; add a splash more stock or water if it seems to be absorbing too quickly.

Finish and Serve

1. I stir in the heavy cream and let the soup cook for just 1 minute more, stirring regularly, until heated through. Avoid boiling rapidly after adding the cream.
2. I taste the Chicken Orzo Soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and fresh cracked black pepper as needed.
3. I ladle the soup into bowls.
4. Garnish and serve

Tips and Tricks for the BEST Chicken Orzo Soup

Here are my secrets for making this Chicken Orzo Soup truly exceptional:

• Use Sun-Dried Tomato Oil: Utilizing the oil from the sun-dried tomato jar infuses the soup with extra flavor right away.
• Don't Overcook Orzo: Cook the orzo just until al dente; it will continue to soften slightly in the hot soup. Mushy orzo isn't pleasant!
• Scrape the Pot: When adding the broth, scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pot - this adds depth of flavor.
• Gentle Simmer with Cream: Once the cream is added, keep the soup at a low simmer to prevent curdling.
• Fresh Garnish: Fresh basil or parsley adds a wonderful pop of freshness at the end.

How to Serve

This Chicken Orzo Soup is a satisfying meal on its own! Serve it hot, garnished with:

• Fresh chopped basil or parsley
• Sliced fresh jalapeño (for those who like heat!)
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Crushed red pepper flakes

It's also delicious served with:

• Crusty bread or garlic bread for dipping
• A simple side salad

Make Ahead and Storage

• Storage: Store leftover Chicken Orzo Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave. The orzo will absorb more liquid upon standing, so you may need to add a splash of chicken broth or water to thin the soup back to your desired consistency when reheating.

FAQs about Chicken Orzo Soup

• Can I use dried tortellini or ravioli instead of orzo?
  • Yes, but you will need to adjust the simmering time significantly based on the package directions for the filled pasta. Refrigerated tortellini (as in a previous recipe) cooks much faster.
• Can I make this dairy-free?
  • Yes! Substitute the heavy cream with full-fat canned coconut milk or an unsweetened cashew cream for a dairy-free creamy version. Omit the optional Parmesan garnish or use a dairy-free alternative.
• Can I use leftover cooked chicken?
  • Absolutely! Stir in shredded or chopped cooked chicken (like rotisserie chicken) during the last few minutes along with the heavy cream, just to heat it through.

Enjoy this easy, creamy, flavorful, and comforting Chicken Orzo Soup with Sun-dried Tomatoes! It's the perfect one-pot meal.

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