Description
Hearty Italian Chicken and Orzo Soup made with tender chicken, smoked turkey bacon, fresh herbs, and rich vegetable broth. This comforting soup features a perfect balance of savory, smoky, and fresh flavors with wholesome ingredients, ideal for chilly days or whenever you crave a nourishing, homemade meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken pieces, bite-sized
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon, chopped
Pasta
- 3/4 cup orzo pasta
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)
Herbs and Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
- Salt and pepper (natural), to taste
Liquids and Oils
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (natural)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (natural)
Instructions
- Prepare the Aromatics and Bacon: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, garlic, carrots, and celery and sauté until softened and fragrant. Next, add chopped smoked turkey bacon and cook until slightly crispy, releasing a rich, smoky aroma.
- Add Chicken and Herbs: Stir in bite-sized chicken pieces, cooking gently until lightly browned on all sides. Toss in fresh thyme and parsley, allowing their flavors to mingle with the sautéed vegetables and meat.
- Pour in Broth and Tomatoes: Pour in vegetable broth and diced tomatoes to create the base of the soup. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and let simmer to deepen flavors and tenderize the chicken further.
- Cook the Orzo: Add the orzo pasta and continue to simmer until the pasta is tender and has absorbed some of the delicious broth, about 8 to 10 minutes.
- Final Touches: Add a splash of apple cider vinegar (natural) to brighten everything up. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Finish off with a handful of torn basil leaves stirred in for a fresh, herbal lift.
Notes
- Use fresh herbs for maximum flavor compared to dried options.
- Add orzo towards the end to prevent it from becoming mushy.
- Use homemade or high-quality vegetable broth for the richest taste.
- Lightly brown chicken pieces to add savory complexity.
- Adjust soup consistency by adding more broth or water if preferred thinner.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soups
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: Italian chicken soup, orzo soup, comforting soup, easy chicken soup, healthy soup, homemade soup
