Vegetarian Chicken Orzo Soup

Cozy up with a bowl of hearty and nourishing Vegetarian Chicken Orzo Soup, a plant-based twist on the classic comfort food. Brimming with vibrant vegetables, tender orzo pasta, and savory vegetarian chicken-style pieces, this soup delivers a soulful blend of flavors and textures. Infused with aromatic herbs like thyme, oregano, and bay leaf, and finished with a splash of fresh lemon juice and parsley, every spoonful is a delightful harmony of zest and earthiness. Perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal, this one-pot recipe is ready in just 45 minutes and makes a wholesome, protein-packed option that both vegetarians and carnivores will love. Whether you're looking for a nutritious lunch or a cozy dinner, this vegetarian chicken orzo soup is sure to warm your heart and your table.

Nutriscore Rating: 81/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 stalks celery stalks, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 bay leaf
• 8 ounces vegetarian chicken-style pieces
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 0.5 lemon lemon, juiced

Directions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the diced onion, sliced carrots, and sliced celery to the pot, and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened.

Step 3

Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring until fragrant.

Step 4

Pour in the vegetable broth and add the dried thyme, dried oregano, and bay leaf. Stir to combine.

Step 5

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and cook uncovered for 10 minutes.

Step 6

Add the vegetarian chicken-style pieces and orzo to the pot. Stir to blend, ensuring the orzo does not stick to the bottom.

Step 7

Simmer for 10 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and cooked through.

Step 8

Season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste, adjusting as necessary.

Step 9

Stir in the chopped fresh parsley and lemon juice to enhance the flavors.

Step 10

Remove the bay leaf before serving the soup hot, garnished with additional parsley if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2656.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2142.5

Total Fat 55.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 8.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 8.4g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 7886.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 306.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 45.1g	0%
Total Sugars 45.1g
Protein 107.5g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 566.3mg	0%
Iron 23.3mg	0%
Potassium 4664.2mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 23.2%

Protein: 20.0%

Carbs: 56.9%