Lemon orzo soup – the ultimate comfort food for a chilly evening! ️ I mean, what’s not to love about a warm, citrusy bowl of goodness that’s ready in, like, no time? As a self-proclaimed soup enthusiast, I’ve scoured the internet for the best
I’ve got a confession to make: I’m a total lemon chicken orzo soup fanatic. There’s just something about the combination of juicy chicken, tangy lemons, and creamy orzo that hits all the right spots. But, I know some of you might be thinking, “Isn’t orzo just for salads?” And to that, I say… no way, friend! Orzo is an incredibly versatile ingredient that shines in soups, and I’m about to show you 20 reasons why.
Recipe 1: Classic Lemon Orzo Soup
This one’s a game-changer for a quick dinner. It’s like a big hug in a bowl, and who doesn’t love hugs?
Ingredients:
- 1 cup orzo
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 lemons, juiced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the onion and garlic until softened.
2. Add the orzo, chicken broth, and lemon juice.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Why You’ll Love It:
This classic lemon orzo soup is a staple for a reason – it’s easy, flavorful, and ready in just 20 minutes. Plus, you can customize it with your favorite veggies or proteins. Tip: Use high-quality chicken broth for an extra boost of flavor.
Recipe 2: Spicy Lemon Orzo Soup with Chicken
Add some heat to your weeknight meals with this spicy twist. It’s like a party in your mouth!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup orzo
- 1 pound boneless chicken breast
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 cup diced jalapeños
- 2 lemons, juiced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the chicken and set aside.
2. Sauté the jalapeños and onion until softened.
3. Add the orzo, chicken broth, and lemon juice.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer.
5. Shred the chicken and add it to the pot.
Why You’ll Love It:
This spicy lemon chicken orzo soup is a fun twist on the classic. The jalapeños add a nice kick, while the cumin adds a smoky depth. Pro tip: Adjust the level of heat to your liking by using more or fewer jalapeños.
Recipe 3: Creamy Lemon Orzo Soup with Spinach
Get your greens on with this creamy, dreamy lemon orzo soup. It’s like a healthy hug in a bowl!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup orzo
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
- 2 lemons, juiced
- 1 cup fresh spinach
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the orzo according to package instructions.
2. In a separate pot, combine the chicken broth, heavy cream, and Parmesan.
3. Bring to a simmer and stir until the cheese is melted.
4. Stir in the lemon juice and spinach.
5. Combine the cooked orzo and creamy broth.
Why You’ll Love It:
This creamy lemon orzo soup is a decadent treat that’s still relatively healthy. The spinach adds a nice boost of nutrients, while the heavy cream adds a rich, velvety texture. Tip: Use fresh spinach for the best flavor and texture.
Recipe 4: Lemon Orzo Soup with Roasted Vegetables
Roasting your veggies before adding them to the soup brings out their natural sweetness. It’s like a flavor explosion!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup orzo
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 lemons, juiced
- 1 cup mixed roasted vegetables (such as zucchini, bell peppers, and carrots)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Roast the vegetables in the oven until tender.
2. Sauté the onion and garlic until softened.
3. Add the orzo, chicken broth, and lemon juice.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer.
5. Stir in the roasted vegetables.
Why You’ll Love It:
This lemon orzo soup is a great way to use up any leftover roasted veggies you have on hand. The roasting process brings out their natural sweetness, which pairs perfectly with the tangy lemon. Pro tip: Experiment with different combinations of roasted vegetables to find your favorite.
Recipe 5: One-Pot Lemon Orzo Soup
Who doesn’t love a good one-pot wonder? This recipe is perfect for a quick dinner.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup orzo
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 lemons, juiced
- 1 pound boneless chicken breast
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the onion and garlic until softened.
2. Add the chicken and cook until browned.
3. Add the orzo, chicken broth, and lemon juice.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer.
5. Cook until the chicken is cooked through and the orzo is tender.
Why You’ll Love It:
This one-pot lemon orzo soup is a staple for busy weeknights. It’s easy, convenient, and ready in just 25 minutes. Tip: Use a large pot to ensure everything cooks evenly.
Recipe 6: Lemon Orzo Soup with Shrimp
Add some seafood to your weeknight meals with this delicious and easy recipe. It’s like a taste of the ocean in a bowl!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup orzo
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 lemons, juiced
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the onion and garlic until softened.
2. Add the shrimp and cook until pink.
3. Add the orzo, chicken broth, and lemon juice.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer.
5. Cook until the orzo is tender.
Why You’ll Love It:
This lemon orzo soup with shrimp is a fun twist on the classic. The seafood adds a nice protein boost, while the lemon adds a bright, citrusy flavor. Pro tip: Use fresh, high-quality shrimp for the best flavor and texture.
Recipe 7: Lemon Orzo Soup with Kale
Get your greens on with this healthy and delicious lemon orzo soup. It’s like a healthy hug in a bowl!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup orzo
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 lemons, juiced
- 2 cups curly kale, stems removed and discarded, leaves coarsely chopped
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the onion and garlic until softened.
2. Add the orzo, chicken broth, and lemon juice.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer.
4. Stir in the chopped kale.
5. Cook until the kale is wilted.
Why You’ll Love It:
This lemon orzo soup with kale is a great way to get your daily dose of greens. The kale adds a nice boost of nutrients, while the lemon adds a bright, citrusy flavor. Tip: Use curly kale for the best texture and flavor.
Recipe 8: Creamy Lemon Orzo Soup with Bacon
Because everything is better with bacon, right?
Ingredients:
- 1 cup orzo
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
- 2 lemons, juiced
- 6 slices of bacon, diced
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the bacon until crispy.
2. In a separate pot, combine the chicken broth, heavy cream, and Parmesan.
3. Bring to a simmer and stir until the cheese is melted.
4. Stir in the lemon juice and cooked orzo.
5. Top with crispy bacon.
Why You’ll Love It:
This creamy lemon orzo soup with bacon is a decadent treat that’s perfect for a special occasion. The bacon adds a smoky, savory flavor, while the heavy cream adds a rich, velvety texture. Pro tip: Use high-quality bacon for the best flavor.
Recipe 9: Lemon Orzo Soup with Chicken and Mushrooms
Add some earthy flavor to your weeknight meals with this delicious and easy recipe. It’s like a taste of the forest in a bowl!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup orzo
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 lemons, juiced
- 1 pound boneless chicken breast
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the onion and garlic until softened.
2. Add the chicken and cook until browned.
3. Add the mushrooms and cook until tender.
4. Add the orzo, chicken broth, and lemon juice.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer.
Why You’ll Love It:
This lemon orzo soup with chicken and mushrooms is a hearty and satisfying meal that’s perfect for a chilly evening. The mushrooms add an earthy flavor, while the lemon adds a bright, citrusy flavor. Tip: Use a variety of mushrooms for the best flavor and texture.
Recipe 10: Lemon Orzo Soup with Asparagus
Get your green on with this healthy and delicious lemon orzo soup. It’s like a taste of spring in a bowl!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup orzo
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 lemons, juiced
- 1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the onion and garlic until softened.
2. Add the asparagus and cook until tender.
3. Add the orzo, chicken broth, and lemon juice.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer.
5. Cook until the orzo is tender.
Why You’ll Love It:
This lemon orzo soup with asparagus is a great way to get your daily dose of greens. The asparagus adds a nice boost of nutrients, while the lemon adds a bright, citrusy flavor. Pro tip: Use fresh, high-quality asparagus for the best flavor and texture.
Recipe 11: Lemon Orzo Soup with Turkey
Add some lean protein to your weeknight meals with this delicious and easy recipe. It’s like a healthy hug in a bowl!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup orzo
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 lemons, juiced
- 1 pound ground turkey
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the onion and garlic until softened.
2. Add the ground turkey and cook until browned.
3. Add the orzo, chicken broth, and lemon juice.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer.
5. Cook until the orzo is tender.
Why You’ll Love It:
This lemon orzo soup with turkey is a healthy and satisfying meal that’s perfect for a busy evening. The turkey adds a nice protein boost, while the lemon adds a bright, citrusy flavor. Tip: Use lean ground turkey for the best flavor and texture.
Recipe 12: Lemon Orzo Soup with Bell Peppers
Add some crunchy texture to your weeknight meals with this delicious and easy recipe. It’s like a taste of summer in a bowl!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup orzo
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 lemons, juiced
- 2 bell peppers, diced
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the onion and garlic until softened.
2. Add the bell peppers and cook until tender.
3. Add the orzo, chicken broth, and lemon juice.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer.
5. Cook until the orzo is tender.
Why You’ll Love It:
This lemon orzo soup with bell peppers is a great way to add some crunchy texture to your meal. The bell peppers add a sweet, slightly smoky flavor, while the lemon adds a bright, citrusy flavor. Pro tip: Use a variety of bell peppers for the best flavor and texture.
Recipe 13: Lemon Orzo Soup with Zucchini
Get your green on with this healthy and delicious lemon orzo soup. It’s like a taste of summer in a bowl!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup orzo
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 lemons, juiced
- 1 medium zucchini, diced
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the onion and garlic until softened.
2. Add the zucchini and cook until tender.
3. Add the orzo, chicken broth, and lemon juice.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer.
5. Cook until the orzo is tender.
Why You’ll Love It:
This lemon orzo soup with zucchini is a great way to get your daily dose of greens. The zucchini adds a nice boost of nutrients, while the lemon adds a bright, citrusy flavor. Tip: Use fresh, high-quality zucchini for the best flavor and texture.
Recipe 14: Lemon Orzo Soup with Carrots
Add some sweet, crunchy texture to your weeknight meals with this delicious and easy recipe. It’s like a taste of spring in a bowl!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup orzo
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 lemons, juiced
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the onion and garlic until softened.
2. Add the carrots and cook until tender.
3. Add the orzo, chicken broth, and lemon juice.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer.
5. Cook until the orzo is tender.
Why You’ll Love It:
This lemon orzo soup with carrots is a great way to add some sweet, crunchy texture to your meal. The carrots add a nice boost of nutrients, while the lemon adds a bright, citrusy flavor. Pro tip: Use fresh, high-quality carrots for the best flavor and texture.
Recipe 15: Lemon Orzo Soup with Green Beans
Get your green on with this healthy and delicious lemon orzo soup. It’s like a taste of spring in a bowl!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup orzo
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 lemons, juiced
- 1 cup fresh green beans, trimmed
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the onion and garlic until softened.
2. Add the green beans and cook until tender.
3. Add the orzo, chicken broth, and lemon juice.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer.
5. Cook until the orzo is tender.
Why You’ll Love It:
This lemon orzo soup with green beans is a great way to get your daily dose of greens. The green beans add a nice boost of nutrients, while the lemon adds a bright, citrusy flavor. Tip: Use fresh, high-quality green beans for the best flavor and texture.
Recipe 16: Lemon Orzo Soup with Peas
Add some sweet, tender texture to your weeknight meals with this delicious and easy recipe. It’s like a taste of spring in a bowl!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup orzo
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 lemons, juiced
- 1 cup frozen peas
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the onion and garlic until softened.
2. Add the orzo, chicken broth, and lemon juice.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer.
4. Stir in the frozen peas.
5. Cook until the orzo is tender and the peas are thawed.
Why You’ll Love It:
This lemon orzo soup with peas is a great way to add some sweet, tender texture to your meal. The peas add a nice boost of nutrients, while the lemon adds a bright, citrusy flavor. Pro tip: Use high-quality frozen peas for the best flavor and texture.
Recipe 17: Lemon Orzo Soup with Corn
Get your yellow on with this healthy and delicious lemon orzo soup. It’s like a taste of summer in a bowl!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup orzo
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 lemons, juiced
- 1 cup frozen corn
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the onion and garlic until softened.
2. Add the orzo, chicken broth, and lemon juice.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer.
4. Stir in the frozen corn.
5. Cook until the orzo is tender and the corn is thawed.
Why You’ll Love It:
This lemon orzo soup with corn is a great way to add some sweet, creamy texture to your meal. The corn adds a nice boost of nutrients, while the lemon adds a bright, citrusy flavor. Tip: Use high-quality frozen corn for the best flavor and texture.
Recipe 18: Lemon Orzo Soup with Chicken and Broccoli
Add some lean protein and green to your weeknight meals with this delicious and easy recipe. It’s like a healthy hug in a bowl!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup orzo
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 lemons, juiced
- 1 pound boneless chicken breast
- 2 cups broccoli florets
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the onion and garlic until softened.
2. Add the chicken and cook until browned.
3. Add the broccoli and cook until tender.
4. Add the orzo, chicken broth, and lemon juice.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer.
Why You’ll Love It:
This lemon orzo soup with chicken and broccoli is a healthy and satisfying meal that’s perfect for a busy evening. The chicken adds a nice protein boost, while the broccoli adds a nice boost of nutrients. Pro tip: Use fresh, high-quality broccoli for the best flavor and texture.
Recipe 19: Lemon Orzo Soup with Turkey and Spinach
Get your green on with this healthy and delicious lemon orzo soup. It’s like a taste of spring in a bowl!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup orzo
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 lemons, juiced
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 2 cups fresh spinach
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the onion and garlic until softened.
2. Add the ground turkey and cook until browned.
3. Add the orzo, chicken broth, and lemon juice.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer.
5. Stir in the fresh spinach.
Why You’ll Love It:
This lemon orzo soup with turkey and spinach is a great way to get your daily dose of greens. The spinach adds a nice boost of nutrients, while the lemon adds a bright, citrusy flavor. Tip: Use fresh, high-quality spinach for the best flavor and texture.
Recipe 20: Lemon Orzo Soup with Shrimp and Bell Peppers
Add some seafood and crunchy texture to your weeknight meals with this delicious and easy recipe. It’s like a taste of the ocean in a bowl!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup orzo
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 lemons, juiced
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 bell peppers, diced
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the onion and garlic until softened.
2. Add the shrimp and cook until pink.
3. Add the bell peppers and cook until tender.
4. Add the orzo, chicken broth, and lemon juice.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer.
Why You’ll Love It:
This lemon orzo soup with shrimp and bell peppers is a fun twist on the classic. The seafood adds a nice protein boost, while the bell peppers add a sweet, crunchy texture. Pro tip: Use fresh, high-quality shrimp for the best flavor and texture.
In conclusion, these 20 lemon orzo soup recipes are perfect for a quick dinner or a weeknight meal. They’re all easy, delicious, and ready in 30 minutes or less. Whether you’re in the mood for something classic and simple or adventurous and twisty, there’s a recipe on this list for you. So go ahead, get creative, and make some lemon orzo soup magic happen in your kitchen! With these recipes, you’ll be enjoying a warm, comforting bowl of lemon chicken orzo soup in no time. Happy cooking!
