Description

Creamy Chicken and Orzo Soup with Fresh Dill is a comforting, nourishing soup that combines tender chicken, delicate orzo pasta, and bright fresh dill in a creamy broth. Perfect for cold days or when you need a wholesome, heartwarming meal, this recipe is flavorful, quick to make, and packed with protein and vitamins to energize and soothe you.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

1 lb chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

Pasta

3/4 cup orzo pasta

Vegetables

1/2 cup diced carrots
1/2 cup diced celery
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced

Herbs and Seasonings

1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
1 tsp salt (to taste)
1/2 tsp black pepper (to taste)
1 tsp lemon juice

Liquids and Fats

4 cups chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream or milk
2 tbsp butter or olive oil

Instructions

Sauté the aromatics: Warm butter or olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add minced garlic and diced onions, cooking until translucent and fragrant to build a savory flavor base.
Cook the chicken: Add bite-sized pieces of chicken to the pot, season with salt and pepper, and brown slightly. Then simmer gently until fully cooked and tender.
Add vegetables and broth: Stir in diced carrots and celery, pour in chicken broth, and bring to a simmer. Let the vegetables soften and flavors meld.
Cook orzo: Add orzo pasta directly to the simmering soup and cook according to package instructions until tender but not mushy, providing a pleasant chewy texture.
Finish with cream and dill: Lower the heat and stir in heavy cream along with freshly chopped dill. Add lemon juice to brighten the soup and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.

Notes

Use homemade chicken broth for richer flavor.
Do not overcook orzo; aim for al dente to avoid mushiness when stored.
Add fresh dill at the end to preserve its bright flavor.
Use full-fat cream for a silky, rich texture.
Season gradually, tasting as you go for perfect balance.
For dairy-free, substitute cream with coconut or almond milk.
Leftover cooked chicken can be added near the end to warm through without drying.
Freeze soup without cream; add cream fresh when reheating.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Soups
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 280 kcal
Sugar: 3 g
Sodium: 700 mg
Fat: 14 g
Saturated Fat: 6 g
Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 18 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 20 g
Cholesterol: 60 mg

Keywords: creamy chicken soup, orzo soup, fresh dill soup, comforting soup, easy chicken soup, nourishing soup