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–+ servings
Bowl of Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is garnished with fresh arugula leaves and red pepper flakes.
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Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe

Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is light, healthy, wholesome and ready in minutes. Delicious Mediterranean flavors in an oh-so-simple-to-make soup!
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 190kcal
Author: Stephanie Wilson

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 carrots medium-sized, peeled and chopped finely
  • 2 celery ribs chopped finely
  • ½ onion medium-sized, chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • red pepper flakes
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 cup dry orzo pasta
  • 6 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth
  • ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 bay leaf
  • salt and black pepper to taste
  • ½ bunch greens like arugula, kale, or spinach
  • ½ cup milk (whole, half and half, or full-fat coconut milk)
  • 1 lemon for juice and zest
  • fresh parsley for serving
  • Parmesan cheese for serving

Instructions

  • Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add onion, celery, carrots, garlic and chili flakes; cook until fragrant and softened, about 5 minutes.
  • Add the butter and stir in the orzo. Sauté until golden; 1 to 3 minutes.
  • Pour in the broth, Italian seasoning, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil over high heat. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for 8 to 10 minutes or until the orzo is al dente, stirring frequently.
  • Stir in the milk parmesan, greens, and lemon. Cook until few minutes or until the greens are wilted and the soup is warmed through.
  • Divide the soup among bowls and top with Parmesan, black pepper, and fresh parsley.

Notes

  1. Chicken: Use rotisserie, leftover, or poached chicken; stir in at the end to warm through.
  2. Orzo: Pasta will thicken the soup as it sits — add extra broth when reheating.
  3. Vegetarian Option: Use vegetable broth and omit chicken; add extra greens for heartiness.
  4. Storage: Refrigerate for up to 3–4 days. When reheating, thin with broth; freezing is not recommended.
  5. Lemon Flavor: Adjust brightness by adding more juice just before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 190kcal | Carbohydrates: 28g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 11mg | Sodium: 59mg | Potassium: 222mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 3678IU | Vitamin C: 14mg | Calcium: 54mg | Iron: 1mg