Creamy Chicken and Orzo Soup with Fresh Dill
Creamy Chicken and Orzo Soup with Fresh Dill is a cozy, heartwarming soup perfect for chilly days. Featuring tender chicken, delicate orzo pasta, and a rich, creamy broth infused with the bright and herbaceous flavor of fresh dill, this soup offers comfort, nutrition, and fresh flavors in every spoonful. Quick to prepare and versatile, it makes a satisfying lunch or soothing dinner option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (use gluten free orzo)
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
Pasta
- 3/4 cup orzo pasta
Herbs and Dairy
- 2–3 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
Broth and Aromatics
- 4 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Vegetables
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
Fats and Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the base: Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until fragrant and softened to build a rich flavor foundation.
- Cook the chicken: Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the pot. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Cook for about 5-6 minutes until the chicken turns white and is nearly cooked through.
- Simmer with broth: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes, allowing flavors to meld while the chicken finishes cooking.
- Add orzo pasta: Stir in the orzo pasta and cook for 7-9 minutes, stirring regularly to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking, until the orzo is tender.
- Finish with cream and dill: Lower the heat and slowly stir in the heavy cream or half-and-half for a silky texture. Add the chopped fresh dill and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Heat through gently without boiling for about 2 minutes to prevent curdling.
Notes
- Use fresh herbs like dill for the best vibrant flavor.
- Monitor the orzo closely to avoid overcooking and mushiness.
- For a rustic texture, shred the chicken instead of cubing.
- Temper the cream by whisking it with some hot soup liquid before adding to prevent curdling.
- Adjust seasoning last to keep flavors bright and fresh.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: chicken soup, creamy soup, orzo soup, fresh dill, comfort food, easy dinner, quick soup