The only modification I made to this was using ditalini pasta instead of orzo. When everything else was done I added the noodles for 10 minutes and it was WONDERFUL. So warm and cozy and fresh.
Hi Nikki! While I have not tried the recipe this way, you could experiment with gluten free orzo or rice. For each of these, I recommend cooking them according to the package directions, and then stirring them into the soup at the very end. If you try the recipe, I’d love to hear how it goes!
I adapted this recipe to the Instant Pot and it is awesome! Only recipe change was reducing the broth to 6 cups.
1. Turn Instant Pot to Sauté mode. Add oil, carrots, celery, onion, garlic and basil. Sauté for 30 seconds. Add chicken breasts, broth, salt and pepper and give a quick stir.
2. Close Instant Pot lid with pressure valve to sealing. Pressure cook (HI) for 8 minutes for 2 whole chicken breasts (6 mins for 4 chicken breasts pieces). Allow natural pressure release or quick release after 5 minute NPR.
3. Open the Instant Pot. Take the Chicken Breasts out and shred them with a a fork.
4. Set Instant Pot to Sauté mode. Add orzo and shredded chicken. Cook for 6-7 mins or until the orzo is cooked.
5. Add spinach, lemon juice and dill and stir everything together. Turn the Instant Pot off.
6. Taste and add additional salt and pepper as desired. Enjoy warm.
Thank you! This soup is the best, I make it often. Our gym friends gather around Valentine’s Day for a soup luncheon. They always want this soup because it’s so healthy and delicious, I do use rice instead of orzo as one person is gluten intolerant. The lemon and dill are so important. I have even tempered an egg and whisked it in to make it richer.
People even bring containers to take some home. I make in my instant pot instead of slow cooker and goes together fast.
So delicious! My mom requested this soup as her “Welcome Home” meal after being released from hospital. It was my first time making this and it came out perfect! My mom even said mine was better than hers! The spinach is a nice added touch. I also added some fresh parsley and lemon zest.
Made this last night and it was delicious and easy. I used rotisserie chicken and WW orzo. I found I needed some extra broth. The next time I make this I will probably add a bit more lemon juice – personal preference – I like lemon.
This soup is SO delicious! I am battling a cold right now and this seemed to be just what I needed to feel better! My husband and 2 year old loved it as well! My husband is always concerned if my soups will be “filling” enough and he said this was so good and hearty! I didn’t have dill but I instead chopped up some fresh rosemary. Everything as is in the recipe seemed to be perfect ratios, the lemon really came through in the best way!! Thank you!
I’ve never made soup before but this came out PERFECTLY. Used rotisserie chicken instead, but otherwise did everything according to the recipe and it was perfect. Recommending to all of my friends and will be making this all fall and winter long.
Hi Jale, I do not know the difference between whole wheat orzo pasta and regular orzo pasta cook time so you would need to refer to the box. Hope this helps!
I use this recipe when I have rotisserie chicken left over , this time I added mushrooms , did not have spinach but had baby romaine and thought why not? I felt last time flour made it too thick, so omitted it this time and in stead of orzo used ditalino . I also had some peas left over from last night dinner and threw them in as well. Excellent. This is what I love about your recipes as you give us ideas on changing it up and lets our imagination taken over – Thank you for another great one
Hi Ina! I stopped including sodium info because it can vary so much depending upon what products you used, and I found a lot of conflicting info online, so ultimately I didn’t feel comfortable publishing it because sometimes it wasn’t even in the ballpark. If you’d like to calculate it yourself, there are lots of free tools online (myfitnesspal.com is popular). I hope that helps!
The only modification I made to this was using ditalini pasta instead of orzo. When everything else was done I added the noodles for 10 minutes and it was WONDERFUL. So warm and cozy and fresh.
Ellie, thanks for taking the time to review the recipe! I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
I am so excited to make this. Could I use frozen chicken?
Hi Christine! The chicken should be thawed first for food safety reasons. I hope you enjoy it!
This looks delicious! I can’t wait to try…do you have any recommendations to substitute the orzo if wanting a gluten free option?
Hi Nikki! While I have not tried the recipe this way, you could experiment with gluten free orzo or rice. For each of these, I recommend cooking them according to the package directions, and then stirring them into the soup at the very end. If you try the recipe, I’d love to hear how it goes!
Easy, filling and delicious.
I’m so happy that you enjoyed it, Monique! Thank you for sharing this kind review!
I adapted this recipe to the Instant Pot and it is awesome! Only recipe change was reducing the broth to 6 cups.
1. Turn Instant Pot to Sauté mode. Add oil, carrots, celery, onion, garlic and basil. Sauté for 30 seconds. Add chicken breasts, broth, salt and pepper and give a quick stir.
2. Close Instant Pot lid with pressure valve to sealing. Pressure cook (HI) for 8 minutes for 2 whole chicken breasts (6 mins for 4 chicken breasts pieces). Allow natural pressure release or quick release after 5 minute NPR.
3. Open the Instant Pot. Take the Chicken Breasts out and shred them with a a fork.
4. Set Instant Pot to Sauté mode. Add orzo and shredded chicken. Cook for 6-7 mins or until the orzo is cooked.
5. Add spinach, lemon juice and dill and stir everything together. Turn the Instant Pot off.
6. Taste and add additional salt and pepper as desired. Enjoy warm.
I’m so happy that you enjoyed it, Diane! Thank you for sharing this kind review and your tips!
You are actually the best for this. Thank you!!!
Thank you! This soup is the best, I make it often. Our gym friends gather around Valentine’s Day for a soup luncheon. They always want this soup because it’s so healthy and delicious, I do use rice instead of orzo as one person is gluten intolerant. The lemon and dill are so important. I have even tempered an egg and whisked it in to make it richer.
People even bring containers to take some home. I make in my instant pot instead of slow cooker and goes together fast.
I’m so happy that you’ve enjoyed it, Chris! Thank you for sharing this kind review!
I made this recipe and my family liked it but I did add some lemon pepper because it tasted very bland with out it. I will make it again.
I’m so happy that you enjoyed it, Angela! Thank you for sharing this kind review!
So delicious! My mom requested this soup as her “Welcome Home” meal after being released from hospital. It was my first time making this and it came out perfect! My mom even said mine was better than hers! The spinach is a nice added touch. I also added some fresh parsley and lemon zest.
Hi Kesha! So glad your mom is home from the hospital! Thank you for this kind review!
Just made this tonight. I followed the recipe exactly and it was perfect! Thankyou for this!! Will definitely make it again in the future.
Hi Michelle! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
So fresh and delicious! Thank you!
Hi Katie! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
Made this last night and it was delicious and easy. I used rotisserie chicken and WW orzo. I found I needed some extra broth. The next time I make this I will probably add a bit more lemon juice – personal preference – I like lemon.
I’m so happy that you enjoyed it, Mary Ann! Thank you for sharing this kind review!
Tried this and was so surprised how delicious it was! Wonderful recipe, Well Plated!
I’m so happy that you enjoyed it, Danielle! Thank you for sharing this kind review!
Wonderful recipe! Followed directions exactly and took the suggestion of only adding 6 cups of broth for a bit thicker soup. Loved it!
I’m so happy that you enjoyed it, Laura! Thank you for sharing this kind review!
This soup is SO delicious! I am battling a cold right now and this seemed to be just what I needed to feel better! My husband and 2 year old loved it as well! My husband is always concerned if my soups will be “filling” enough and he said this was so good and hearty! I didn’t have dill but I instead chopped up some fresh rosemary. Everything as is in the recipe seemed to be perfect ratios, the lemon really came through in the best way!! Thank you!
Hi Eileen! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
I’ve never made soup before but this came out PERFECTLY. Used rotisserie chicken instead, but otherwise did everything according to the recipe and it was perfect. Recommending to all of my friends and will be making this all fall and winter long.
Hi Hayley! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
I know you said you can use any other pasta but if I have regular orzo on hand do I need to change the time to cook the pasta? Thank you so much
Hi Jale, I do not know the difference between whole wheat orzo pasta and regular orzo pasta cook time so you would need to refer to the box. Hope this helps!
I use this recipe when I have rotisserie chicken left over , this time I added mushrooms , did not have spinach but had baby romaine and thought why not? I felt last time flour made it too thick, so omitted it this time and in stead of orzo used ditalino . I also had some peas left over from last night dinner and threw them in as well. Excellent. This is what I love about your recipes as you give us ideas on changing it up and lets our imagination taken over – Thank you for another great one
So glad you enjoyed it Beverly!
Very good and simple to make. Great weekday meal!
Hi Lisa! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
What is the sodium content.
Hi Ina! I stopped including sodium info because it can vary so much depending upon what products you used, and I found a lot of conflicting info online, so ultimately I didn’t feel comfortable publishing it because sometimes it wasn’t even in the ballpark. If you’d like to calculate it yourself, there are lots of free tools online (myfitnesspal.com is popular). I hope that helps!
I Love the screen not going dark feature!!! Used rice instead of orzo and very good. I’ll be back!!
Hi Mary! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!