Name: Broccoli Chicken Orzo Soup with Spinach
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 onion, chopped; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 2 carrots, diced; 2 cups broccoli florets; 2 cups baby spinach; 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 3/4 cup orzo pasta; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 tbsp lemon juice; Optional: 1/2 tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning

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Broccoli Chicken Orzo Soup with Spinach is the kind of cozy, nourishing dish I love making when I want something hearty but not heavy. It’s packed with tender chicken, fresh veggies, and orzo pasta all swimming in a flavorful, comforting broth. The addition of spinach and broccoli makes it feel fresh and wholesome, while the orzo adds just the right amount of heartiness to make it a full, satisfying meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this soup because it’s fast, filling, and full of simple, clean ingredients. The orzo makes it comforting, the chicken brings protein, and the vegetables round everything out with flavor and texture. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner, great for meal prep, and easy to customize based on what I have in the fridge. Best of all, it comes together in one pot and makes the whole kitchen smell amazing. Broccoli Chicken Orzo Soup with Spinach

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
Olive oil
Onion, chopped
Garlic, minced
Carrots, diced
Broccoli florets
Baby spinach
Chicken broth (low sodium)
Orzo pasta
Salt and pepper
Lemon juice (for brightness)
Optional: dried thyme or Italian seasoning

Directions

I heat olive oil in a large pot and sauté the onion and carrots for a few minutes until they begin to soften.
I add garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
I stir in the chicken, season with salt, pepper, and herbs if using, and cook until lightly browned on the outside.
I pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Then I reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
I remove the chicken, shred it with two forks, and return it to the pot.
I stir in the orzo and let it simmer for another 8–10 minutes until the pasta is tender.
I add the broccoli and cook for 3–4 minutes more until it’s just tender but still bright.
I stir in the spinach and let it wilt for a minute or two.
I finish the soup with a squeeze of lemon juice, taste, and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4–6 and takes about 35–40 minutes from start to finish.

Variations

Sometimes I swap the chicken for turkey or chickpeas for a vegetarian option. I’ve also added a splash of cream or a spoonful of grated Parmesan for a richer version. If I don’t have orzo, I use rice, small pasta shells, or even quinoa. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a nice little heat.

Storage/Reheating

I store the soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The orzo will soak up some of the broth as it sits, so I add a splash of water or broth when reheating. I warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave until hot. It also freezes well — I just leave out the orzo and add it fresh when reheating to avoid mushiness. Broccoli Chicken Orzo Soup with Spinach

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes, I often use shredded rotisserie chicken to speed things up. I just add it after the orzo cooks to warm it through.

Will the orzo get mushy?

If I’m planning to store leftovers, I cook the orzo separately and add it to each bowl when serving to keep it from over-softening.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Absolutely. I use vegetable broth and skip the chicken or replace it with chickpeas or white beans for protein.

What’s the best way to add flavor?

I use a good quality broth, season each layer as I cook, and always finish with fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors.

Can I add more greens?

Yes — kale, Swiss chard, or even arugula work great in place of or in addition to the spinach.

Conclusion

Broccoli Chicken Orzo Soup with Spinach is one of those feel-good meals I turn to when I want something warm, nourishing, and simple. It’s full of fresh flavors, easy to adapt, and perfect for making ahead. Whether I’m serving it on a chilly evening or packing it for lunch, it’s always comforting, flavorful, and satisfying.