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Creamy Tomato Orzo Soup With Chicken Meatballs

This comforting soup combines tangy tomato broth with savory chicken meatballs and orzo for a heartwarming meal that feels like a hug on cold nights.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Soup
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs
  • 1 lb Ground chicken
  • 3 cloves Garlic Crushed
  • 1/4 cup Fresh parsley Chopped
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 1/2 tsp Black pepper
For the Soup
  • 1 Tbsp Low-calorie cooking spray
  • 1 Tbsp Extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 medium Onion Diced
  • 1 medium Carrot Diced
  • 1 medium Red bell pepper Diced
  • 1 Tbsp Herbes de Provence
  • 1 tsp Sweet paprika
  • 1/4 tsp Cayenne Optional
  • 1 can Canned plum tomatoes
  • 2 Tbsp Tomato paste
  • 1 tsp Sugar
  • 4 cups Chicken stock
  • 1 cup Uncooked orzo
  • 8 oz Light cream cheese Cut into chunks

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Mix the ground chicken, crushed garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. Gently combine using your hands and form into small, uniform meatballs (about 25 total).
  2. Heat a large saucepan over medium-high heat and spray lightly with low-calorie cooking spray. Brown the meatballs for about 8 to 10 minutes, rotating until golden brown on all sides. Remove and set aside.
Cooking the Soup
  1. In the same pan, add extra virgin olive oil and sauté the diced onion, carrot, red bell pepper, and remaining garlic for about 6 minutes until softened and caramelized.
  2. Add canned plum tomatoes (breaking them up), tomato paste, and chicken stock. Bring to a rolling boil, then cover and simmer for 10 minutes.
  3. Stir in sugar, herbes de Provence, sweet paprika, and cayenne if using. Adjust seasoning as needed.
  4. Return the meatballs to the pot, add uncooked orzo, and stir together. Gently stir in the light cream cheese in chunks until melted and fully incorporated.
  5. Simmer uncovered for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and the soup reaches your desired consistency.

Notes

For a richer flavor, consider substituting heavy cream or half-and-half. Store leftovers in the fridge, where the flavor improves overnight. Adjust spices to cater to your family’s taste preferences.