This easy soup is always a crowd pleaser. Using standard ingredients in your fridge and pantry, it comes together without an extra trip to the grocery store!
Up until this summer, I had given up all hope of my boys showing any interest in playing a musical instrument. As a former music major and someone who started playing the flute when I was nine, I secretly hoped for a family trio. Unless you count the thump of a soccer ball against the side of the house as music, my secret hope was not meant to be.
Until this year.
At the end of elementary school in June, my youngest son (T) announced that he wanted to play the trombone in the middle school band. First, I did a not-so-silent fist pump, then reflected on the fact that T had picked the perfect instrument for his personality. Trombonist friends that I knew in college collectively described themselves as "trouble looking for a place to happen", but "funny and friendly". Anyone that knows T and his mischievous, but well-intentioned, ways would say, "Yep, that's him."
I also distinctly remember my trombonist friends being able to consume copious amounts of food and beer. Thankfully, we're not at the beer stage with T, but the boy does love his food. So, I see it as my motherly duty to keep my little brass player well-fueled with healthy meals for his musical endeavors.
This easy soup is on of those recipes that involves rummaging around in your fridge and pantry for some staple items: chicken breasts, whole wheat pasta, crushed tomatoes, carrots and so forth. Nothing fancy. Just good, hearty comfort food, perfect for trombonists or any other "funny and friendly" types.
And if you love the ease of cooking with orzo in soups and pasta dishes, try these recipes: Mushroom Orzo "Risotto", Orzo with Grilled Pears & Cheese and Lemon Orzo Salad.
Other healthy chicken recipes:
Cookin' Canuck's Hearty Chicken Stew with Butternut Squash & Quinoa
Cookin' Canuck's Baked Hummus Chicken Tenders
Healthy Seasonal Recipes' Healthy Chicken Piccata
Gimme Some Oven's Skinny Orange Chicken
Healthy Delicious' Baked Chicken & Spinach Flautas
Printable Recipe
Easy Chicken, Tomato & Orzo Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 teaspoons olive oil divided
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into ¾ –inch pieces
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground pepper
- ½ yellow onion chopped
- 3 carrots cut into half-circles
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- ¾ teaspoon ground oregano
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 28 ounce can crushed tomatoes
- 5 ¼ cups low sodium chicken broth
- â…” cup whole wheat orzo pasta
- 1 14 ounce can of chickpeas, drained & rinsed
- ¼ cup minced flat-leaf parsley
Instructions
- Heat 2 teaspoons olive oil in a large saucepan set over medium-high heat. Add the chicken, salt and pepper, and sauté until just cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a bowl.
- Turn the heat to medium and heat the remaining 1 teaspoon of oil in the saucepan. Add the onions and carrots, and cook until the vegetables are starting to soften, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic, oregano and red pepper flakes, and cook for 1 minute.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the orzo and cook until tender, 8 to 10 minutes.
- Stir in the chickpeas and heat for about 2 minutes.
- Stir in the parsley. Serve.
Notes
Nutrition
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Shelley@TwoHealthyKitchens
I could so totally relate to your story! My son is the kick-the-ball-against-the-house kid, and his twin sister has steadfastly remained passionate about band (percussionist - go figure!). As someone who played clarinet clear through high school and also played high school soccer, I've enjoyed wondering which of my interests my kiddos would follow along, and which new endeavors they'd explore, too! Such fun! And just as great as your story ... this wonderful soup! My kids will love this, too! Definitely pinning to save and to share!
Holly N @ Spend With Pennies
I absolutely love orzo so this is definitely going on my MUST make list! It looks like a big bowl of comfort!
The Food Hunter
This soup sounds amazing and exactly what I was looking for. Can't wait to try it.
Andi @ The Weary Chef
My husband and I were always in the band too, so I expect my kids to be interested in playing an instrument as well. My oldest is in fourth grade this year and is going to try trumpet. I'm not looking forward to the practicing 😉 Love this soup, Dara!
Derek @ Dad With A Pan
I have so much orzo and chickpeas in the house. Definitely will be trying this out!
Kacey @ The Cookie Writer
This soup is stunning!! I love everything about it! I really hope my daughter wants to play an instrument in the future. It is so important for their development (plus, it is great to listen to them!)
Tasha @thatssoyummy
This soup looks so comforting love the orzo addition
Marisa Franca @ All Our Way
I am so glad I found your blog -- you are just a treasure trove of delicious and nutritious recipes! I just posted your Sautéed Zucchini, Corn & Blistered Tomatoes recipe and it started out that I had all the ingredients in the fridge and needed to use it up. It was delicious -- I did link back to you. Thank you for such inspiring recipes. Your son sounds like a handful :-D.
Alice @ Hip Foodie Mom
Hooray for the trombone!!! That instrument needs some love! Dara, oh my goodness, this soup looks fabulous! I love whole wheat orzo!!!
Stephanie
This soup looks so hearty and delicious. Can't wait to try it!