Description
This Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup with Spinach is light, cozy, and full of flavor. Tender chicken, orzo pasta, and fresh spinach come together in a zesty lemon-infused broth that feels bright and comforting with every bite.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 3/4 cup orzo pasta
- 3 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add onion and carrots, and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil.
5. Add orzo and cook for 8–10 minutes until tender.
6. Stir in shredded chicken, lemon juice, zest, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
7. Add chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 1 minute.
8. Serve warm, garnished with parsley and an extra squeeze of lemon if desired.
Notes
Use fresh lemon juice for the best bright flavor.
Don’t overcook the orzo; it continues to soften as it sits.
Add spinach at the end to keep it vibrant and green.
Store leftovers separately to prevent pasta from absorbing too much broth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 55mg