This chicken orzo soup recipe combines tender chicken, orzo pasta, and bright lemon with Parmesan cheese. It’s a simple yet flavorful dish, ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying lunch.

⏱ Time: 45 min
👥 Servings: 6
📊 Level: Easy
🥗 10 ingredients
Zesty Lemon Parmesan Chicken Orzo Soup - Chicken orzo: savor this hearty lemon parmesan soup. Perfect for a cozy meal, packed with flavor and easy to make in un

Zesty Lemon Parmesan Chicken Orzo Soup

Chicken orzo: savor this hearty lemon parmesan soup. Perfect for a cozy meal, packed with flavor and easy to make in under an hour.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 380
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound ground chicken
  • 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped
  • 4 ounces Cremini mushrooms, sliced
  • 3-4 cloves garlic, chopped or pressed
  • 3 cups chicken stock
  • 2 cups water
  • 15 ounces canned diced tomatoes
  • ½ teaspoon lemon rind, grated
  • 1 piece Parmesan rind

Method
 

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
  2. Add ground chicken and cook, crumbling it with a wooden spoon as you stir, for about 6-7 minutes or until lightly browned.
  3. Add oregano, mushrooms, and garlic and continue to cook and stir occasionally for 5 minutes.
  4. Stir in the chicken stock, water, diced tomatoes, lemon rind, and Parmesan rind; add salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and allow it to simmer for 20-25 minutes.
  6. Add in the orzo, and continue to simmer for about 7 minutes more, or until al dente.
  7. As soon as the orzo is cooked to al dente, add the spinach and stir to wilt.
  8. Serve while hot and garnish with freshly grated Parmesan and chopped parsley if desired.

Notes

– For extra flavor, brown the ground chicken well to develop a rich fond at the bottom of the Dutch oven before adding liquids.
– If the soup seems too thick after adding the orzo, you can thin it with a little extra chicken stock or water until it reaches your desired consistency.
– Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water if needed.
– Ensure the ground chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
Nutrition information is an estimate, calculated automatically. Values vary with brands, substitutions and portion sizes.

Pro tips

  • For extra flavor, brown the ground chicken well to develop a rich fond at the bottom of the Dutch oven before adding liquids.
  • If the soup seems too thick after adding the orzo, you can thin it with a little extra chicken stock or water until it reaches your desired consistency.
  • Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water if needed.
  • Ensure the ground chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.

This Lemon Parmesan Chicken Orzo Soup is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Enjoy this hearty and flavorful meal, perfect for any day of the week!

Try this next: Creamy Lemon Chicken Soup: Your New Comfort Favorite!

More from Chicken Soups →