Chicken Meatball and Orzo Soup is the perfect recipe for those days when you crave something cozy yet light. This hearty dish combines tender chicken meatballs with delicate orzo pasta, simmered in a rich, savory broth that’s packed with flavor.
It’s a go-to for chilly evenings or when you need a quick, satisfying meal that feels both wholesome and nourishing. Let me walk you through how to bring this comforting soup to life in your own kitchen!
How To Make Chicken Meatball And Orzo Soup?
Recipe Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mediterranean-inspired
Yield: Serves 4-6 people
Equipment Needed
- Large pot
- Medium mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Small scoop (for shaping meatballs)
- Ladle
Ingredients
For The Chicken Meatballs
- 1 lb ground chicken
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For The Soup
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- ¾ cup orzohttps://www.inspiredtaste.net/36893/orzo-pasta-recipe/
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh lemon juice (optional)
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
1. Make The Meatballs
In a medium mixing bowl, I combine ground chicken, grated Parmesan, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. I mix everything together until it forms a cohesive mixture. Using a small scoop, I shape the mixture into bite-sized meatballs.
2. Cook The Meatballs
In a large pot, I heat olive oil over medium heat. I add the meatballs, browning them on all sides for about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, I remove the meatballs from the pot and set them aside.
3. Sauté The Vegetables
In the same pot, I add the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. I cook everything for about 5 minutes until the veggies begin to soften.
4. Add Broth And Orzo
Next, I pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, I add the orzo and reduce the heat to a simmer. I let it cook for about 10 minutes until the orzo is tender.
5. Add The Meatballs And Spinach
I carefully return the chicken meatballs to the soup, letting them simmer for an additional 10 minutes to cook through. During the last 2 minutes, I stir in fresh spinach until it wilts.
6. Season And Serve
Finally, I taste the soup, seasoning it with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice if desired. I ladle the soup into bowls, garnishing with fresh parsley.
Nutrition Facts Of Chicken Meatball And Orzo Soup
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 28 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fat: 12 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
Serving Suggestions Of Chicken Meatball And Orzo Soup
Pair With Crusty Bread
I love serving this soup with warm, crusty bread to soak up the broth. Garlic bread or a toasted baguette are great options.
Top With Parmesan
For an extra cheesy touch, I like to sprinkle a bit more grated Parmesan on top right before serving.
Tips And Variations Of Chicken Meatball And Orzo Soup
Use Ground Turkey Instead Of Chicken
If you don’t have ground chicken, ground turkey works just as well in this recipe. The flavor remains light, and the texture is just as tender.
Swap Spinach For Kale
I sometimes switch out the spinach for kale if I want a heartier green in the soup. Just remember to add it a little earlier in the cooking process since kale takes longer to soften.
Gluten-Free Option
For a gluten-free version, I replace orzo with gluten-free pasta or rice, and I use gluten-free breadcrumbs in the meatballs.
Health Benefits Of Chicken Meatball And Orzo Soup
Rich In Lean Protein
This soup is packed with lean protein from the chicken meatballs, making it perfect for muscle repair and overall health.
Full Of Veggies
With spinach, carrots, and celery, this soup is loaded with fiber, vitamins, and minerals, supporting digestive and immune health.
Light But Filling
Orzo provides just the right amount of carbs without weighing you down. This soup keeps me full and satisfied without being heavy.
Special Note
I find this soup to be the perfect balance of flavors. If I want a brighter, more tangy note, I’ll add an extra splash of lemon juice right at the end. This gives the broth a lively kick that pairs so well with the richness of the meatballs.
Conclusion
Chicken Meatball and Orzo Soup is the perfect blend of hearty, comforting flavors with a touch of lightness from the fresh herbs and vegetables.
Whether you’re serving it for a cozy family dinner or prepping it for a week of healthy meals, this soup delivers on both taste and nutrition.
The tender chicken meatballs and delicate orzo create a satisfying bite, while the savory broth warms the soul. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this recipe as much as I do!
Chicken Meatball And Orzo Soup
Equipment
- Large pot
- Medium mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Small scoop (for shaping meatballs)
- Ladle
Ingredients Â
- 1 lb ground chicken
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion diced
- 2 carrots peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks sliced
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- ¾ cup orzohttps://www.inspiredtaste.net/36893/orzo-pasta-recipe/
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh lemon juice optional
- Fresh parsley for garnish
InstructionsÂ
Make The Meatballs
- In a medium mixing bowl, I combine ground chicken, grated Parmesan, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. I mix everything together until it forms a cohesive mixture. Using a small scoop, I shape the mixture into bite-sized meatballs.
Cook The Meatballs
- In a large pot, I heat olive oil over medium heat. I add the meatballs, browning them on all sides for about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, I remove the meatballs from the pot and set them aside.
Sauté The Vegetables
- In the same pot, I add the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. I cook everything for about 5 minutes until the veggies begin to soften.
Add Broth And Orzo
- Next, I pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, I add the orzo and reduce the heat to a simmer. I let it cook for about 10 minutes until the orzo is tender.
Add The Meatballs And Spinach
- I carefully return the chicken meatballs to the soup, letting them simmer for an additional 10 minutes to cook through. During the last 2 minutes, I stir in fresh spinach until it wilts.
Season And Serve
- Finally, I taste the soup, seasoning it with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice if desired. I ladle the soup into bowls, garnishing with fresh parsley.
Notes
Hello! I am Shikha, I am a soup recipe maker. I have a lot of passion for making soup. With a journey spanning over five years in the culinary industry, I have carved a niche for myself as a distinguished soup maker whose creations are not just meals but experiences that linger on the palate and nourish the soul. My specialization in soup-making is a testament to my creativity and relentless pursuit of perfection. Beyond my skills in the kitchen, I am an avid writer, passionately sharing my knowledge and insights into nutrition through my writing. My approach to soup-making is holistic, emphasizing each ingredient’s taste and health benefits. A well-made soup can be a cornerstone of a healthy diet, providing essential nutrients while pleasing the taste buds.