Description
Creamy chicken basil orzo soup combines Italian comfort with fresh herb elegance. Mediterranean-inspired ingredients meld together, delivering a silky, hearty experience you’ll savor to the last spoonful.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken fillets, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
Liquids and Seasonings:
- 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 4 teaspoons minced garlic
- 4 teaspoons chopped fresh basil
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt or to taste
- 1.5 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Additional Ingredients:
- ¾ cup orzo
- ½ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
- 3 cups chopped fresh baby spinach
Instructions
- Initiate the culinary process by heating olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat (375°F / 190°C), then carefully introduce chicken pieces and sear until golden brown on all exterior surfaces.
- Introduce finely minced garlic to the heated vessel, allowing it to release its aromatic essence without scorching. Immediately incorporate tomato paste and sun-dried tomatoes, continuously stirring to prevent adherence to the cooking surface.
- Gradually pour in rich chicken broth and luxurious heavy cream. Blend in freshly chopped basil, kosher salt, Italian seasoning blend, onion powder, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper flakes. Elevate temperature to trigger boiling, then immediately reduce to a gentle medium simmer.
- Delicately sprinkle orzo pasta into the bubbling liquid, allowing it to gently cook for 10 to 15 minutes until achieving perfect al dente texture. Periodically stir to prevent potential pasta clustering or sticking.
- Reduce cooking temperature to low, gracefully fold in roughly chopped fresh spinach leaves. Add softened cream cheese and generously grated parmesan cheese. Continue gentle stirring for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, ensuring complete cheese integration and spinach wilting while maintaining a creamy, harmonious consistency.
Notes
- Customize heat levels by adjusting red pepper flakes for mild or spicy preferences.
- Cream cheese adds luxurious richness and helps create a velvety smooth texture to the soup.
- Fresh basil brings vibrant, aromatic flavor that elevates the entire dish’s taste profile.
- Choose quality chicken pieces like boneless thighs or breasts for tender, juicy results.
- Sun-dried tomatoes contribute deep, concentrated sweetness and complex umami notes.
- Perfectly cooked orzo should be al dente with a slight bite, avoiding mushy consistency.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 515 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 890 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 19 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 155 mg