Ingredients
⭐ For the Soup:
For the Orzo & Chicken 🍗🍜
- 1 ½ cups orzo pasta 🍝
- 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, diced 🍗
- 1 tbsp olive oil 🫒
- 2 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
- ½ onion, diced 🧅
- ½ tsp paprika 🌶️
- ½ tsp dried oregano 🌿
- ½ tsp salt & black pepper 🧂
For the Creamy Sauce 🥣
- 2 cups chicken broth 🍲
- 1 cup heavy cream 🥛 (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated 🧀
- 1 tbsp butter 🧈
For the Freshness 🍅🌿
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved 🍅
- 2 cups baby spinach 🌿
- Juice of ½ lemon 🍋
- 1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped 🌱 (optional)
Execution
Cook the Chicken:
Heat olive oil 🫒 in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken 🍗, season with paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper, and cook until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
Sauté the Aromatics:
In the same pan, melt butter 🧈 and sauté onion 🧅 until soft.
Add garlic 🧄 and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Cook the Orzo & Sauce:
Stir in the orzo pasta 🍝 and toast for 1 minute for extra flavor.
Pour in the chicken broth 🍲 and bring to a simmer.
Cook, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed (about 10 minutes).
Make It Creamy & Flavorful:
Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream 🥛 and Parmesan cheese 🧀 until smooth.
Add the cooked chicken 🍗, cherry tomatoes 🍅, and spinach 🌿, stirring until the spinach wilts.
Final Touches:
Squeeze in lemon juice 🍋 for brightness.
Garnish with fresh basil 🌱 and extra Parmesan cheese 🧀 if desired.
Serve & Enjoy!
Spoon into bowls and savor the creamy, cozy goodness! 😋
Additional tips
- Want an extra flavor boost? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes 🌶️ for a slight kick!
