Description
Hearty chicken orzo soup from Italy offers comfort and healing in a single bowl. Nonna’s traditional recipe combines simple ingredients with love, promising warmth and nourishment that brings families together.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 lb boneless chicken thighs
- 2 medium carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- small pasta (e.g., orzo) optional
Instructions
- Finely chop onions, carrots, celery, and mince garlic for a flavor-packed base.
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium temperature; sauté onions until they become translucent and softened.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, releasing its aromatic essence.
- Carefully place chicken thighs into the pot, searing each side until a golden-brown crust develops.
- Incorporate chopped carrots and celery, stirring to distribute evenly and allow vegetables to slightly soften.
- Pour chicken broth over the ingredients, ensuring everything is fully submerged.
- Increase heat to bring the liquid to a rolling boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer for approximately 20 minutes.
- Sprinkle dried oregano and taste, adjusting seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Optional: Add pasta during the final ten minutes of cooking for additional texture.
- Remove chicken thighs, shred the meat, and return it to the soup.
- Ladle the steaming soup into bowls and serve alongside crusty, rustic bread for a comforting meal.
Notes
- Customize veggies by adding zucchini or spinach for extra nutrition and color variation.
- Swap chicken thighs with rotisserie chicken to reduce cooking time and simplify preparation.
- Use gluten-free pasta or skip pasta entirely for low-carb dietary needs, ensuring soup remains hearty and satisfying.
- Store leftover soup in airtight containers for up to 4 days, allowing flavors to develop and intensify overnight.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg