Broccoli Chicken Orzo Soup with Spinach is a delightful dish that perfectly blends tender chicken, nutritious vegetables, and comforting orzo. This soup not only satiates your hunger but also nourishes your body with essential vitamins and minerals. Rich in protein and bursting with flavor, this wholesome recipe is an excellent choice for any meal of the day, especially on chilly evenings when you crave warmth and comfort.
Why make this Broccoli Chicken Orzo Soup with Spinach recipe
- Protein-rich: Packed with shredded chicken, this soup provides a substantial amount of protein, making it a fulfilling meal.
- Quick prep: Ready in under 30 minutes, this soup is perfect for busy weekdays or last-minute dinner plans.
- Meal-prep friendly: Great for making ahead, you can easily store portions for meals throughout the week.
- Low-carb: With plenty of veggies and orzo, it balances carbs with hearty ingredients and can be made lower-carb if desired.
- Kid-approved: Tasty and colorful, this soup is sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
"This soup has become a weekly staple in our house! It’s healthy, delicious, and everyone loves it!" – Sarah M.
How to make Broccoli Chicken Orzo Soup with Spinach
Creating Broccoli Chicken Orzo Soup with Spinach is one of the easiest culinary tasks you’ll undertake. Starting with a large pot to combine all ingredients, you essentially sauté vegetables and boil broth, culminating in a colorful dish that satisfies your hunger and nourishes your body. While preparing, check out our recipe for Creamy Chicken Casserole for another delightful meal option.
Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese for serving
These ingredients for Broccoli Chicken Orzo Soup with Spinach are thoughtfully chosen to create a balanced and flavorful dish. Feel free to substitute the orzo with other types of pasta or incorporate additional vegetables such as zucchini or peas depending on your personal taste and dietary needs.
Directions
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, and carrot, and sauté until softened.
- Add chicken broth and bring to a boil.
- Stir in the orzo and cook for about 8 minutes, until al dente.
- Add the broccoli and shredded chicken; cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Stir in the fresh spinach until wilted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, topped with Parmesan cheese.
For more recipes like this one, you might enjoy our Healthy Meal Prep for Weight Loss which offers more nutritious options to fuel your body.
How to serve Broccoli Chicken Orzo Soup with Spinach
Serving Broccoli Chicken Orzo Soup with Spinach is just as easy as making it. You can ladle it into bowls and garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of black pepper for extra flavor. For a complete meal, consider serving this soup alongside crusty whole-grain bread or a light green salad. Not only does it create a colorful plate, but it also adds to the nutritional profile of your meal.
If you’re looking for more ways to enjoy chicken dishes, explore our Bold Refreshing Southwest Chicken Salad for a tasty twist!
How to store
To store Broccoli Chicken Orzo Soup with Spinach, allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to five days or frozen for up to three months. When ready to reheat, simply warm it on the stove over medium heat until heated through. Make sure to check the temperature with a food thermometer for safety guidelines.
For safe storage timing, see USDA FoodData Central.
Tips to make
- Before serving, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning, ensuring a delicious flavor profile.
- If you prefer a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half just before serving.
- For variety, try adding different herbs and spices such as thyme or basil to elevate the flavors.
- Always keep an eye on the orzo, as it can become mushy if overcooked.
- Leftover soup can still be enjoyed the next day, but consider adding a little extra broth during reheating, as pasta absorbs liquid.
Variations
You can customize Broccoli Chicken Orzo Soup with Spinach to fit various dietary preferences. For a gluten-free option, swap out the orzo for gluten-free pasta. You can also increase the vegetable content by adding bell peppers, zucchini, or corn. If you’re looking for a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth and substitute chicken with legumes like chickpeas or white beans.
FAQs
Can I use frozen vegetables in Broccoli Chicken Orzo Soup with Spinach?
Yes, frozen vegetables will work well in this recipe. Just add them during the last few minutes of cooking until they are heated through.
How can I make Broccoli Chicken Orzo Soup with Spinach ahead of time?
You can prepare this soup in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days or in the freezer for three months.
Is Broccoli Chicken Orzo Soup with Spinach suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! It’s a great meal prep option, as it stores well and remains tasty even after being reheated. Try portioning it out into containers for easy lunches throughout the week.
This soup not only satisfies your hunger but is also a wholesome way to incorporate healthy ingredients into your diet.
For more nutritious insights, you can additionally refer to resources from Healthline for health tips and dietary advice.
Broccoli Chicken Orzo Soup with Spinach is a must-try recipe for anyone wanting to enjoy a flavorful and healthful meal at home. Give it a go today, and don’t forget to share your thoughts or variations in the comments below!
Broccoli Chicken Orzo Soup with Spinach
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium carrot, diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- to taste Salt and pepper
- Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
Cooking Instructions
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, and carrot, and sauté until softened.
- Add chicken broth and bring to a boil.
- Stir in the orzo and cook for about 8 minutes, until al dente.
- Add the broccoli and shredded chicken; cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Stir in the fresh spinach until wilted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, topped with Parmesan cheese.