There’s just something so comforting about a warm bowl of soup, isn’t there? It wraps you up like a cozy blanket! My pressure cooker chicken orzo soup recipe is a game-changer when you need a hearty meal that comes together in no time. I remember the first time I made this dish; it was a chilly evening, and I was craving something soothing. The aroma that filled my kitchen was simply magical! With tender chicken, little orzo pasta, and a medley of veggies, this soup is not just delicious but also packed with flavor. And the best part? It cooks up in a flash thanks to the pressure cooker! Trust me, you’re going to love every spoonful of this delightful dish.
Ingredients List
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How to Prepare Pressure Cooker Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe
Now, let’s dive into making this delicious pressure cooker chicken orzo soup! It’s super straightforward, and I promise you’ll feel like a pro in no time. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a warm, hearty meal ready in just about 25 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, set your pressure cooker to sauté mode. Once it’s hot, pour in the olive oil. You want it to shimmer a bit—this is where the magic starts!
- Now, toss in your chopped onion, diced carrots, and celery. Sauté these veggies for about 3–4 minutes until they soften up and your kitchen smells heavenly. It’s like a warm hug in the air!
- Next, add the minced garlic and cook for just another minute. Keep an eye on it; we don’t want it to burn!
- Time to introduce the star of the show: place the diced chicken breast into the pot. Pour in the chicken broth, sprinkle in the dried thyme and oregano, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Give everything a good stir to combine.
- Close the lid securely and set the pressure cooker to high for 10 minutes. This is where the magic happens—your chicken will cook perfectly tender!
- When the timer goes off, carefully release the pressure. Remove the chicken, shred it with two forks, and return it to the pot. This step adds so much flavor!
- Finally, add the orzo pasta and switch back to sauté mode for about 5 minutes or until the orzo is tender and cooked through. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Once it’s all done, garnish with fresh parsley just before serving. And there you have it—your bowl of comfort is ready to enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation—ready in just 25 minutes!
- Hearty and comforting, perfect for chilly nights.
- Packed with protein from tender chicken and healthy veggies.
- Orzo adds a delightful texture that makes every spoonful satisfying.
- Easy cleanup thanks to the pressure cooker—less time washing dishes!
- Great for meal prep; leftovers taste even better the next day.
Tips for Success
To make your pressure cooker chicken orzo soup truly shine, here are some of my favorite tips! First, don’t skip the sautéing step—browning the veggies adds a depth of flavor that you’ll notice in every bite. If you’re short on time, feel free to use rotisserie chicken instead; it cuts down on prep and still tastes fantastic!
Also, be sure to adjust the seasoning after cooking; each broth can vary in saltiness. And remember, the orzo will continue to absorb liquid as it sits, so if you have leftovers, just add a splash of broth when reheating to keep it soupy and delicious!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your pressure cooker chicken orzo soup is a breeze! Just let it cool down to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 2 months—just be sure to leave some space in the container for expansion.
When it’s time to enjoy those leftovers, simply reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if it’s thickened up. Give it a good stir, and you’ll have that comforting soup ready to warm you up all over again!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the scoop on the nutritional values for my pressure cooker chicken orzo soup recipe! Each serving, about 1 cup, contains approximately:
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 7g
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Sugar: 3g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Cholesterol: 70mg
These values are estimates, but they give you a great idea of how hearty and satisfying this soup is while still being health-conscious!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if you’re using frozen chicken breasts. The pressure cooker is fantastic for cooking them from frozen without any hassle.
What can I substitute for orzo pasta?
If you don’t have orzo on hand, you can use small pasta shapes like ditalini or even rice if you prefer. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as rice might take a bit longer!
Can I add more vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in your favorite veggies like spinach, peas, or even zucchini. Just remember to chop them into small pieces so they cook through in the same time.
Is this soup good for meal prep?
Yes! This pressure cooker chicken orzo soup is perfect for meal prep. It stores well in the fridge and tastes even better the next day, making it a great option for lunches throughout the week.
How can I make the soup gluten-free?
To make this soup gluten-free, simply swap the orzo with a gluten-free pasta or use quinoa instead. Both options will work beautifully and keep your soup hearty!
For more information on the health benefits of chicken soup, you can check out this Healthline article.
If you’re interested in more delicious soup recipes, feel free to explore my soup collection for more comforting options!
And if you’re looking for a delightful dessert to pair with your meal, try this chocolate mousse recipe for a sweet finish!
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Pressure Cooker Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe to Soothe You
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A hearty and comforting pressure cooker chicken orzo soup recipe.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Set the pressure cooker to sauté mode. Add olive oil.
- Add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until softened.
- Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Add chicken breast, broth, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Close the lid and set the pressure cooker to high for 10 minutes.
- Release the pressure and remove the chicken. Shred it and return to the pot.
- Add orzo and cook on sauté for 5 minutes until tender.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Use rotisserie chicken for quicker prep.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Pressure Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: pressure cooker chicken orzo soup recipe
