Description

Creamy Chicken Meatball and Orzo Soup is a comforting and nourishing meal combining tender chicken meatballs, delicate orzo pasta, and fresh vegetables in a luscious, creamy broth. This easy-to-make soup delivers warmth and rich textures perfect for cozy evenings or quick weeknight dinners, offering a balanced blend of protein, veggies, and comforting pasta all in one bowl.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken Meatballs

1 lb ground chicken
2 cloves garlic, finely minced
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
1/4 cup breadcrumbs
1 large egg
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Soup Base

1 tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
2 medium carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
6 cups chicken broth
3/4 cup orzo pasta
3/4 cup heavy cream or half and half
Additional fresh parsley or dill, chopped for garnish
Freshly grated parmesan cheese for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken Meatballs: Combine ground chicken with finely minced garlic, chopped parsley, parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix gently to avoid overworking. Form the mixture into small, bite-sized meatballs about one inch in diameter to ensure quick and even cooking.
Brown the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Lightly brown the meatballs on all sides until they develop a golden crust. This step helps seal in flavor and ensures the meatballs hold together well in the soup.
Sauté the Aromatics and Vegetables: In a large pot, add diced onions, carrots, and celery and sauté until softened and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes. This creates the aromatic base necessary for a flavorful soup.
Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil. Add the browned meatballs to the pot and reduce heat to a simmer. Cook for about 10 minutes until the meatballs are fully cooked and tender.
Cook the Orzo and Finish with Cream: Add the orzo pasta directly to the soup and cook until al dente, approximately 7 to 9 minutes. Remove the pot from heat, then stir in the heavy cream and a handful of fresh parsley. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm, garnished with additional parmesan cheese and herbs if desired.

Notes

Use fresh herbs like parsley or dill to brighten the soup’s flavor; dried herbs do not provide the same freshness.
Do not overmix the meatball mixture to keep them tender and avoid dense texture.
For extra depth, toast orzo in a dry pan for 2 minutes before adding it to the soup.
Add cream after removing the soup from heat to prevent curdling and ensure a smooth texture.
Season gradually by tasting as you go to balance salt and pepper perfectly.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Appetizers
Method: Simmering
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
Calories: 320
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 700mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 23g
Cholesterol: 85mg

Keywords: chicken meatball soup, creamy chicken soup, orzo soup, comfort food, easy weeknight dinner, creamy chicken and orzo, healthy soup