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Creamy Comfort Chicken Florentine Soup with Orzo

creamy chicken florentine soup with orzo - featured image
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A cozy, creamy chicken soup with tender chicken, fresh spinach, and orzo pasta in a rich, garlicky broth with a hint of nutmeg. Perfect for quick, nourishing meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
  • 3/4 cup orzo pasta, uncooked
  • 4 cups fresh baby spinach
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a large soup pot, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 4-5 minutes until soft and translucent but not browned. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  2. Pour in 4 cups of chicken broth and increase heat to medium-high. Bring to a simmer, watching for tiny bubbles around the edges.
  3. Stir in 3/4 cup uncooked orzo pasta. Simmer gently for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until orzo is tender but slightly firm.
  4. Add 2 cups shredded cooked chicken. Stir and heat through for 3-4 minutes.
  5. Add 4 cups fresh baby spinach and stir until just wilted, about 2 minutes.
  6. Lower heat to medium-low and pour in 1 cup heavy cream. Stir gently to combine. Add 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg, salt, and black pepper to taste. Simmer for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  7. Remove from heat. Stir in 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese if using. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Notes

If the soup thickens too much when cooled, add a splash of chicken broth or water when reheating to loosen. Add cream after lowering heat to prevent curdling. Use cooked chicken for best texture. Orzo should be tender but not mushy. Variations include using kale or Swiss chard instead of spinach, substituting coconut milk for cream for dairy-free, or gluten-free pasta/quinoa for orzo.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken soup, creamy soup, Florentine soup, orzo soup, comfort food, quick soup, spinach soup, easy dinner

Find it online: https://swooshspice.com/creamy-comfort-chicken-florentine-soup-with-orzo-easy-recipe-for-cozy-meals/