MEDITERRANEAN CHICKEN ORZO SOUP

Mediterranean Chicken Orzo Soup image

My husband is Greek, so I'm always trying new Mediterranean recipes. This lemon chicken orzo soup is his favorite dish that I make. Serve it with a little feta or Parmesan and a side of toast. -Kristine Kosturos, Olympia, Washington.

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 45m

Yield 6 servings (2-1/2 quarts).

Number Of Ingredients 16

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
3/4 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed
2 celery ribs, chopped
2 medium carrots, chopped
1 small onion, chopped
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 cup white wine or additional reduced-sodium chicken broth
1 carton (32 ounces) reduced-sodium chicken broth
1 teaspoon minced fresh rosemary
1 bay leaf
1 cup uncooked whole wheat orzo pasta
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Minced fresh parsley, optional

Steps:

In a large saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken; cook and stir 6-8 minutes or until no longer pink. Remove from pan., In same pan, heat remaining oil over medium-high heat. Add vegetables, salt, oregano and pepper; cook and stir 4-6 minutes or until vegetables are crisp-tender. Add wine, stirring to loosen browned bits from pan. Stir in broth, rosemary and bay leaf; bring to a boil., Add orzo. Reduce heat; simmer, covered, 15-18 minutes or until orzo is tender, stirring occasionally. Return chicken to pan; heat through. Stir in lemon zest and juice; remove bay leaf. If desired, top each serving with parsley.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 223 calories, Fat 6g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 31mg cholesterol, Sodium 630mg sodium, Carbohydrate 23g carbohydrate (2g sugars, Fiber 5g fiber), Protein 17g protein. Diabetic Exchanges