Creamy Chicken Orzo Pesto Soup

Orzo pasta, tender chicken and vegetables simmered in a creamy pesto infused broth.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I’m sure I’ve said it before, but a quick, hearty soup is my favorite meal for a busy winter’s night. And this Creamy Chicken Orzo Pesto Soup is a new family favorite.

I’ve made this soup at least three times this month and there are never any leftovers. Best of all, it couldn’t be any easier!

A shredded rotisserie chicken is perfect to use in this recipe, but feel free to cook your own, or even use leftovers.

I used the refrigerated Buitoni pesto in this recipe and it’s just the right amount. And the pesto adds so much unique flavor to this soup.

It’s a great addition that turns a regular chicken noodle soup into something special.

If I’m lucky, I’ll have some homemade fresh pesto in my freezer to use in this soup. But it’s just as delicious with a store bought pesto.

This was one of those meals where if you wanted a second helping, you had to be quick, because this soup went fast!

I guess it goes without saying that we didn’t have any leftovers. My 12 year-old even proclaimed it to be his favorite soup ever! We eat a lot of soup around here, so that’s really saying something!

All you need is a loaf of crusty bread and you’ve got the perfect, comforting meal for a chilly evening.

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Ingredients

• Chicken broth
• Produce: carrots, garlic
• Chicken
• Orzo
• Heavy cream
• Lemon juice
• Basil pesto
• Salt and pepper

Creamy Chicken Orzo Pesto Soup

Orzo, chicken and vegetables in a creamy pesto broth.

4.53 from 21 votes

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Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes minutes

Servings: 8 servings

Author: Danelle

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Ingredients 

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• 8 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup diced carrots
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 3 cups cooked shredded chicken
• 1 1/2 cups orzo uncooked
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 3/4 cups prepared basil pesto
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

• In a large soup pot, bring broth to a boil over medium high heat. Add carrots, garlic, chicken and orzo and simmer for about 10 minutes, or until orzo is just tender.
• Stir in cream, lemon juice and pesto and continue to simmer for another 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soup has thickened slightly. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.

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