Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Orzo & Broccoli Soup
Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Orzo & Broccoli Soup is a creamy, comforting, and easy-to-make meal perfect for weeknight dinners. This satisfying soup combines tender chicken, al dente orzo pasta, and vibrant broccoli in a rich, flavorful broth enhanced with garlic, herbs, and Parmesan cheese. Ideal for families and picky eaters alike, it offers a balanced, nutritious dish with minimal effort and cleanup.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 to 6 hours (depending on crockpot setting)
- Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes to 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (use gluten-free pasta or quinoa as a substitute)
Ingredients
Protein
- Chicken breasts or thighs (boneless, skinless) – 1.5 to 2 pounds
Vegetables and Aromatics
- Fresh broccoli florets – 2 cups
- Onion, chopped – 1 medium
- Garlic, minced – 3 cloves
Liquids and Dairy
- Chicken broth – 6 cups
- Heavy cream or half-and-half – 1 cup
Grains and Pasta
- Orzo pasta – 1 cup
Cheese and Seasonings
- Parmesan cheese, grated – 1/2 cup
- Italian seasoning – 1 teaspoon
- Salt – 1 teaspoon, or to taste
- Black pepper, freshly ground – 1/2 teaspoon, or to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Base: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs at the bottom of the crockpot. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic on top to create an aromatic foundation for the soup.
- Add Broth and Seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth, then sprinkle the Italian seasoning, salt, and freshly ground black pepper over the ingredients. Gently stir to combine, keeping the chicken mostly at the bottom, allowing it to slowly cook and become tender.
- Cook Low and Slow: Set the crockpot to low for 5 to 6 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours. This slow cooking melds flavors and ensures the chicken becomes juicy and easy to shred.
- Add Orzo and Broccoli: About 30 minutes before serving, shred the chicken directly in the crockpot using two forks. Stir in the orzo pasta and fresh broccoli florets. Allow the orzo to cook until al dente and the broccoli to soften while retaining its bright green color.
- Finish with Cream and Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream or half-and-half and the grated Parmesan cheese until the soup is creamy and rich. Adjust seasoning if needed and let the soup warm through for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh broccoli and shred the chicken just before adding for best texture.
- Add the orzo later in the cooking process to avoid mushy pasta.
- If possible, use homemade chicken broth for richer flavor.
- Stir gently once broccoli is added to keep it vibrant and crisp.
- Start with less cream and adjust to your desired creaminess to prevent heaviness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: crockpot, slow cooker, chicken soup, orzo soup, broccoli soup, creamy soup, easy dinner, weeknight meal, family-friendly