This Low Calorie Chicken Orzo Soup brings a quiet kind of comfort — you know, the kind you feel when you come home after a long day and just want to curl up with something warm. It’s not about heavy cream or complicated sauces, but about clean, fresh flavors that make you feel cared for. The broth is gently fragrant with herbs, and the tender chicken pieces almost melt into the background as the orzo absorbs that subtle richness. I remember the first time I made it, the smell of onions and garlic wafting through the kitchen distracted me for a moment — I think I forgot what I was chopping halfway through. There’s something calming about stirring a pot like this, watching the colors deepen and the pasta swell, knowing that a meal that’s both light and filling is within reach.
Why You’ll Love It:
- It’s nourishing without being heavy, making it easy to enjoy any time, especially when you want something gentle on your stomach.
- The ingredients are straightforward and familiar, which means it’s approachable even on a busy weeknight.
- Fresh herbs and lemon juice brighten the flavor, so it never feels dull or boring.
- It’s simple — and that’s kind of the point. No fuss, just honest goodness in a bowl.
Even if you’re not usually a soup person, this one has a way of sneaking up on you with its subtle, layered taste. And if you’re worried about leftovers, just know it holds up well for a few days, though the orzo softens more than I’d like after a day or two.
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Low Calorie Chicken Orzo Soup
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
Description
A light and comforting low calorie chicken orzo soup made with tender chicken breast, vegetables, and orzo pasta in a flavorful broth. Perfect for a healthy meal that is both satisfying and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, diced
2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
2 celery stalks, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
8 cups low sodium chicken broth
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
3/4 cup orzo pasta
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Instructions
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot and sauté for 5-6 minutes until vegetables are softened.
Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil.
Add the chicken pieces, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.
Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
Stir in the orzo pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes until the pasta is tender.
Add the chopped spinach and cook for an additional 2 minutes until wilted.
Remove the pot from heat and stir in fresh parsley and lemon juice.
Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Serve hot.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
Kitchen Notes: You don’t need any fancy equipment here, just a decent-sized pot to let everything mingle. I usually serve this with a simple green salad or some crusty bread to soak up every last drop of broth — although sometimes I skip the bread and just savor the soup on its own. You could swap the spinach for kale or add a handful of frozen peas if you have them handy, though I haven’t tested those swaps extensively. If you want a little extra zing, a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce can work wonders.
FAQ
Can I use other pasta shapes? Orzo works best because it cooks quickly and blends well with the broth, but small pastas like acini di pepe might be okay if you’re careful. Is this soup freezer-friendly? The chicken and broth freeze fine, but orzo tends to get mushy, so I’d recommend freezing the soup without the pasta and adding it fresh when reheating. How long will leftovers last? Keep the soup in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat gently to avoid overcooking the pasta.
If you’re craving something light but satisfying, this soup fits the bill. Give it a try and see how something so simple can feel like a warm hug on a chilly evening.