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Pesto Chicken Orzo Soup

Pesto Chicken Orzo Soup
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Pesto Chicken Orzo Soup is a comforting and flavorful soup that combines tender chicken, fresh basil pesto, and delicate orzo pasta in a savory chicken broth. This easy-to-make dish offers bright herbal notes with hearty protein and grains, perfect for cozy meals any day of the week.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 2 boneless chicken breasts or thighs, fresh

Pasta and Grains

  • 3/4 cup orzo pasta

Herbs and Sauces

  • 1/4 to 1/3 cup basil pesto
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Broth and Liquids

  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups fresh spinach or kale

Dairy and Garnishes

  • Parmesan cheese for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken: Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Sauté it in 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat until cooked through and golden on the outside. Remove from the pan and shred or dice into bite-sized chunks.
  2. Sauté aromatics: In the same pot, add another tablespoon of olive oil. Gently cook the minced garlic until fragrant but not browned to form the aromatic base of the soup.
  3. Build the broth: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer, creating a flavorful base for the orzo and chicken.
  4. Cook the orzo: Stir in the orzo pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, until tender but slightly firm, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  5. Add greens and chicken: Fold in the fresh spinach or kale and the cooked chicken chunks. Allow them to soften and warm through in the broth.
  6. Stir in pesto and finish: Turn off the heat, then stir in a generous spoonful of basil pesto and a splash of lemon juice. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Notes

  • Use homemade pesto for the freshest flavor and personalize it to your taste.
  • Do not overcook the orzo to avoid mushy texture; keep an eye on it while simmering.
  • Add fresh greens near the end of cooking to preserve color and nutrients.
  • Season the broth gradually and taste frequently to balance flavors before adding pesto.
  • Choose a high-quality chicken broth to enhance the overall soup depth.

Nutrition

Keywords: pesto chicken soup, orzo soup, easy chicken soup, basil pesto soup, comforting soup, Italian soup, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://marybaking.com/pesto-chicken-orzo-soup/