Description
A creamy and delicious soup packed with orzo pasta and chicken meatballs, perfect for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 500g (17.5oz) of 5% fat ground chicken (mince)
- 2 cloves of garlic, crushed
- handful of fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 3/4 teaspoon of salt
- pinch of black pepper
- low calorie cooking spray
- 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely diced
- 1 medium carrot, finely diced
- 1 red bell pepper, finely diced
- 2 cloves of garlic, crushed
- salt and black pepper
- 1 tablespoon of Herbes de provence
- 1 teaspoon of sweet paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne (optional, adds a little heat)
- 400g (14oz) of plum tomatoes, canned
- 3 tablespoons of tomato paste (puree)
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- 6 cups (1.4litres) of chicken stock
- 175g (6oz) of uncooked orzo
- 125g (4.5oz) of light cream cheese
Instructions
- Add ingredients for the meatballs to a bowl and mix just until combined.
- Form into 25 mini meatballs.
- Heat a large saucepan over medium-high heat, spray with low-calorie spray, add the meatballs and cook until lightly browned all over. Remove and set aside.
- Add the extra virgin olive oil to the saucepan, then add the onion, carrot, red bell pepper, and garlic and fry until really softened and lightly caramelized (approx 6 minutes).
- Add in a pinch of salt, black pepper, Herbes de provence, paprika, and cayenne; continue to fry until coated.
- Add in the plum tomatoes and break up into smaller pieces with a wooden spoon. Stir in the tomato paste, then add in the stock. Bring to a boil, cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 10 minutes. Stir in the sugar.
- Remove lid, drop in the meatballs, and stir in the orzo pasta and cream cheese until the creamy cheese is all melted. Continue to simmer for another 12-15 minutes until the orzo is cooked and the soup thickens and is creamy.
- Ladle into a bowl and enjoy. Great served just as it is or with a sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan on top (optional).
Notes
- This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For extra flavor, add fresh basil or oregano.
- Can substitute orzo with other small pasta shapes if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 60mg