There’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of chicken noodle orzo soup when you need warmth and comfort in a hurry. This recipe has been my go-to for years—whether I’m fighting off a cold or just craving something cozy on a rainy day. The orzo makes it feel extra special, like a hug in a bowl. My kids call it “the happy soup” because it’s what I always make when they come home from school shivering or feeling under the weather. In just 30 minutes, you’ll have a pot full of tender chicken, slurpable pasta, and vegetables that somehow taste better together than they do alone. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you wonder why you’d ever reach for a can of soup again.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Noodle Orzo Soup

This soup checks all the boxes for those nights when you need something delicious fast. Here’s why it’s become my family’s favorite:

• Comfort in a bowl: That perfect balance of silky broth, tender chicken, and little orzo pearls just hits different when you’re feeling blah
• Weeknight superhero: From chopping to serving in 30 minutes flat – even faster if you use leftover chicken
• Pantry-friendly: I bet you’ve got most ingredients already (that half-used bag of orzo in your cabinet? This is its destiny)
• Flavor bomb: The garlic-thyme combo makes it taste like you simmered it for hours
• Kid-approved: The orzo cooks up soft enough for little ones but still has that satisfying pasta texture

Trust me, after one spoonful you’ll understand why this soup has earned a permanent spot in my recipe rotation.

Ingredients for Chicken Noodle Orzo Soup

Here’s what you’ll need to make this cozy, flavorful soup. I’ve included prep details to make things super clear—no guesswork here! And don’t worry, there’s room for substitutions if you’re missing something or want to switch it up.

• 1 tbsp olive oil – For sautéing the veggies. You can use butter if you prefer, but olive oil gives it a lighter feel.
• 1 onion, diced – Yellow or white works best here. Dice it small so it blends into the soup beautifully.
• 2 carrots, sliced – I like them thin so they cook quickly and add a little sweetness.
• 2 celery stalks, chopped – Don’t skip these! They add that classic chicken soup flavor.
• 3 garlic cloves, minced – Fresh garlic is a must—it gives the soup that deep, savory kick.
• 6 cups chicken broth – Homemade is amazing, but store-bought works just fine. Low-sodium is best so you can control the salt.
• 1 cup orzo pasta – Orzo cooks fast and adds that comforting noodle texture. Don’t swap it for rice—it’s not the same!
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded – Leftover rotisserie chicken is my secret weapon here. It’s quick and adds so much flavor.
• 1 tsp dried thyme – This herb is a game-changer. Fresh thyme works too—just double the amount.
• Salt and pepper to taste – Season as you go, especially at the end. Start with a pinch and adjust to your liking.
• Fresh parsley for garnish – Optional, but it adds a pop of color and freshness right before serving.

See? Simple, fresh, and all things you probably already have on hand. Let’s get cooking!

How to Make Chicken Noodle Orzo Soup

This soup comes together so easily once you get going. I’ve broken it down into three simple steps that’ll have you ladling out bowls of comfort in no time. The key is keeping an eye on that orzo—it cooks quicker than you think!

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Grab your favorite soup pot (I use my trusty Dutch oven) and heat the olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion, sliced carrots, and chopped celery. Now here’s my trick—don’t rush this part! Let the veggies soften for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’ll know they’re ready when the onions turn translucent and the carrots start to brighten in color. That’s when you add the minced garlic—just cook it for 30 seconds until your kitchen smells incredible. Careful not to burn the garlic, or you’ll have to start over (ask me how I know).

Step 2: Add Broth and Orzo

Pour in all that glorious chicken broth and crank the heat up to high. Once it reaches a rolling boil (those big bubbles that don’t disappear when you stir), dump in the orzo. Give it one good stir to prevent sticking, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Set your timer for 7 minutes—that’s the sweet spot where the orzo turns perfectly al dente. Peek at it around the 5-minute mark though, because pasta can be sneaky. You want tender but still slightly firm to the bite.

Step 3: Finish with Chicken and Seasoning

Now for the best part—toss in your shredded chicken and sprinkle the thyme over everything. Let it all get cozy together for about 3 minutes just to heat through. This is when I taste and adjust the seasoning—start with 1/4 teaspoon each of salt and pepper, then add more if needed. The broth should taste vibrant but not overpowering. Pro tip: The saltiness can vary based on your chicken broth and how salty the chicken is, so go slow. Ladle it into bowls, scatter some fresh parsley on top if you’re feeling fancy, and serve immediately before everyone starts hovering around the stove!

Tips for the Best Chicken Noodle Orzo Soup

After making this soup more times than I can count, I’ve picked up some tricks that take it from good to knock-your-socks-off delicious. Here are my can’t-live-without tips:

• Broth is boss: Homemade chicken broth makes all the difference if you’ve got it. That gelatinous goodness adds body you just can’t get from a box (though store-bought works in a pinch!)
• Orzo watch: Set that timer! Overcooked orzo turns to mush faster than you can say “Oops.” I pull it when it’s still got the slightest bite at the center.
• Fresh finish: That parsley garnish isn’t just pretty – the bright herbal note cuts through the richness perfectly. A squeeze of lemon works magic too.
• Double duty: Make a big batch but leave out the orzo when freezing. Cook fresh pasta when reheating to avoid a gummy texture disaster.

Follow these simple tricks and you’ll have soup so good, even your pickiest eater will be asking for seconds!

Variations for Chicken Noodle Orzo Soup

This soup is so forgiving—play around with it! Try tossing in a handful of baby spinach at the end for extra greens. Leftover turkey works just as well as chicken after Thanksgiving. Feeling adventurous? A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a nice kick. My sister swears by adding a Parmesan rind while simmering for extra umami magic. The possibilities are endless!

Serving and Storing Chicken Noodle Orzo Soup

Nothing beats curling up with a steaming bowl of this soup and a hunk of crusty bread for dipping – that golden, slightly chewy baguette soaks up the broth like a dream. If I’m feeling fancy, I’ll sprinkle extra parsley on top and add a lemon wedge on the side for squeezing. Leftovers keep beautifully in the fridge for about 3 days, though the orzo will keep absorbing liquid (just add a splash of broth when reheating). For freezing, I leave out the pasta and add fresh-cooked orzo later – frozen soup lasts up to 2 months. Gently warm it on the stove to keep that perfect texture.

Nutritional Information for Chicken Noodle Orzo Soup

Now, I’m no nutritionist, but I do like knowing what’s going into my body—especially when it’s something as wholesome as this soup! These numbers are estimates since actual values can vary based on your specific ingredients (like how salty your broth is or how much chicken you toss in). But here’s the general breakdown per hearty bowl:

• Calories: 280 – Just right for a satisfying meal that won’t leave you stuffed
• Protein: 20g – Thanks to all that tender chicken keeping you full for hours
• Carbs: 32g – Mostly from the orzo and veggies, so it’s the good kind of energy
• Fiber: 3g – Those carrots and celery working their magic
• Sugar: 4g – All natural from the vegetables, no added sweeteners here

What I love most is that this soup packs so much flavor without being heavy. The olive oil keeps the fat content reasonable (8g total per serving), and at just 800mg sodium, it’s way better than anything from a can. Perfect for when you want something comforting that still feels light and nourishing!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use uncooked chicken? Absolutely! Just dice raw chicken into bite-sized pieces and add it after sautéing the veggies. Let it cook through in the broth (about 8-10 minutes) before adding the orzo. It’ll be just as tender and flavorful!

How do I prevent mushy orzo? The secret is timing. Cook the orzo just until al dente (about 7 minutes) and serve the soup right away. If you’re storing leftovers, keep the orzo separate and add it fresh when reheating to avoid mushiness.

Is this soup freezer-friendly? Yes, but leave out the orzo! Freeze the broth, chicken, and veggies in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Cook fresh orzo when you’re ready to eat for the best texture.

30-Minute Chicken Noodle Orzo Soup: Ultimate Comfort Bowl

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• Author: Christina R. Jones
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Low Lactose

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Description

A comforting chicken noodle soup made with orzo pasta, vegetables, and tender chicken.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened.
3. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute.
4. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil.
5. Add orzo pasta and cook until al dente.
6. Mix in shredded chicken and thyme.
7. Season with salt and pepper.
8. Simmer for 5 minutes.
9. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

• Use leftover rotisserie chicken for convenience.
• Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freeze soup without orzo to prevent mushiness.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Soup
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 45mg

Keywords: chicken noodle orzo soup, easy soup recipe, homemade chicken soup