Chicken, Tomato and Orzo Soup

Tomato soup is comfort food. Add some chicken, orzo, herbs and spices to it, and you have a fantastic meal. This soup tastes great on its own, or with grilled cheese sandwiches.

Ingredients

4 chicken thighs or drumsticks
6 c. chicken broth
1 onion, chopped fine
3 cloves garlic, minced fine
2 carrots, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
1 Tbs. olive oil
1 (15 oz.) cans diced or crushed tomatoes
1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
1 tsp. tomato paste
1/2 tsp. basil
1/2 tsp. oregano
1/4 tsp. rosemary
Pinch of red pepper flakes
2 bay leaves
1/4 c. parsley
3/4 c. orzo
salt and pepper to taste
1/2 c. heavy cream (Optional)
1/4 to 1/2 grated Parmesan cheese (Optional)

Directions

Simmer the chicken thighs or drumsticks in the chicken broth until the meat is falling off the bone. Remove from heat. When the chicken meat is cool enough to handle, remove the bones, gristle and the skin. Shred the chicken meat and set aside.

In a large heavy pot, sauté the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery in olive oil for about 6 minutes. 

Stir in chicken broth, tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, basil, oregano, rosemary, red pepper flakes, bay leaves and parsley. Bring to a boil.

Add the Orzo, and shredded chicken meat. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook until the Orzo is done. Stir occasionally to keep the orzo from sticking to the bottom of the pot. 

Stir in the heavy cream. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. Add the Parmesan cheese if desired.

Serve and enjoy.

**If you want a smoother soup, use an immersion blender before adding the orzo and chicken. Remove the bay leaves before blending, then blend the soup until smooth.