Welcome to a culinary adventure that will transport your taste buds straight to Italy! This delightful Lemon Chicken and Spinach Orzo Soup is not just a meal; it's a warm embrace in a bowl, perfect for any day of the week. With its vibrant flavors and nourishing ingredients, this soup is sure to become a family favorite. Imagine tender chicken, fresh spinach, and zesty lemon dancing together in a savory broth—sounds irresistible, right? Ready to whip up a comforting dish that’s both quick and satisfying? Let’s dive into the recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent and soft, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic to the pot and cook for an additional 30-45 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning and release the garlic's aromatic flavors.
- Pour chicken broth into the pot and bring the mixture to a gentle boil over high heat.
- Once boiling, add orzo pasta and reduce heat to medium. Simmer for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Stir in the shredded cooked chicken and continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat the chicken thoroughly.
- Add fresh spinach leaves and cook until they wilt and become tender, approximately 1-2 minutes.
- Remove the pot from heat and squeeze fresh lemon juice into the soup, stirring to distribute the bright citrus flavor evenly.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning as needed.
- Let the soup rest for 2-3 minutes to allow flavors to meld together before serving hot in individual bowls.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, you can chop the onions and garlic the night before. This way, you can simply sauté them when you're ready to cook.
- Use Quality Broth: The flavor of your soup largely depends on the chicken broth you use. Opt for a low-sodium or homemade broth for a richer taste.
- Cook the Orzo Al Dente: To prevent the orzo from becoming mushy, cook it until just al dente. It will continue to soften in the soup even after you remove it from the heat.
- Fresh Spinach: For the best flavor and texture, use fresh spinach rather than frozen. It wilts beautifully and adds a vibrant color to the soup.
- Adjust the Lemon: Depending on your preference for acidity, feel free to adjust the amount of lemon juice. Start with half and add more to taste.
- Leftovers Storage: If you have leftovers, store the soup without the orzo. This will prevent the pasta from absorbing too much broth and becoming soggy. Reheat and add fresh orzo when serving.
- Garnish for Extra Flavor: Top your soup with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs like parsley for an added burst of flavor.Enjoy making this delicious soup, and don’t forget to share your culinary creations!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 65mg
