Barilla Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe

Barilla Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe is made with butter, sweet onion, garlic, carrots, celery, dried Italian seasoning, boneless skinless chicken breasts, chicken broth, dried orzo pasta, fresh basil leaves, shaved Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. This hearty Barilla Chicken Orzo Soup recipe creates a comforting dinner that takes about 45 minutes to prepare and can serve up to 8 people.

Barilla Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 large sweet onion, peeled and chopped
• 5 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cups sliced carrots
• 2 cups sliced celery
• 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
• 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 12 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup dried orzo pasta (can use whole grain or gluten-free pasta)
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 1/3 cup shaved Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Barilla Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe Instructions

1. In a large saucepot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3 minutes until the onions are softened.
2. Add the sliced carrots, celery, dried Italian seasoning, and 1 teaspoon of salt to the pot. Sauté for an additional 3-5 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.
3. Place the whole chicken breasts into the pot. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
4. Remove the cooked chicken breasts from the pot and place them on a cutting board. Add the dried orzo pasta to the soup and stir well to prevent sticking. Continue to simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the orzo is tender.
5. While the orzo is cooking, shred or chop the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces.
6. Return the shredded chicken to the pot. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
7. Stir in the chopped fresh basil leaves and shaved Parmesan cheese until well combined and heated through.
8. Ladle the chicken orzo soup into bowls and serve warm. Optionally, garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves.

Recipe Tips

• Use Homemade Chicken Broth: If possible, use homemade chicken broth for richer flavor. You can make it ahead of time and store it in the freezer until ready to use.
• Sauté Vegetables Well: Take your time to sauté the onions, garlic, carrots, and celery until they are softened and caramelized. This step enhances the depth of flavor in the soup.
• Add Fresh Herbs at the End: Stirring in fresh basil leaves right before serving adds a burst of fresh flavor. You can also garnish each bowl with additional basil for a vibrant presentation.

How To Store Barilla Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe

Refrigerate: Allow the Barilla Chicken Orzo Soup to cool completely. Transfer it into an airtight container or cover the pot with a lid or plastic wrap. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freeze: For longer storage, freeze the soup. Let it cool completely first. Transfer the soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Label with the date and contents. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then gently reheat on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.

How To Reheat Leftover Barilla Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe

On the Stove: Pour the leftover Barilla Chicken Orzo Soup into a saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches a simmer. Let it simmer for a few minutes until heated through.

In The Microwave: Transfer a serving of the soup into a microwave-safe dish. Cover loosely with a microwave-safe lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap. Microwave on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.

In The Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover soup in an oven-safe dish and cover with aluminum foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until it is hot throughout.

What To Serve Barilla Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe

Barilla Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe pairs well with crusty bread, a fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, and garlic bread. It also can be served alongside a cheese platter, crackers, fruit salad, and a glass of white wine for better savoring of the meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute boneless, skinless chicken thighs for chicken breasts if you prefer. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure they are fully cooked.

Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried Italian seasoning?

Absolutely! Fresh herbs can add a wonderful flavor to the soup. Use about 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, and oregano instead of the dried Italian seasoning.

How can I make this soup vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version, you can replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit the chicken. Increase the amount of vegetables and consider adding chickpeas or white beans for protein.

Try more recipes:

• Avgolemono Soup Recipe With Orzo
• Applebee’s Onion Soup Recipe
• Ina Garten’s Minestrone Soup Recipe