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Italian Chicken Soup (Stracciatella-Style with Orzo & Greens)
This comforting, brothy Italian chicken soup is inspired by stracciatella (Roman egg-drop soup) and loaded with tender chicken, orzo, spinach, and a silky egg-lemon finish. Perfect for cold nights or when you need a nourishing bowl of goodness!
Ingredients
(Serves 4–6)
For the Soup:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 8 cups chicken broth (homemade or low-sodium)
- 1 lb (450g) boneless chicken thighs (or shredded rotisserie chicken)
- ½ cup orzo pasta (or ditalini)
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt & black pepper to taste
For the Stracciatella (Egg Finish):
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 cups baby spinach or chopped escarole
To Serve:
- Extra Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley or basil
- Crusty bread
Instructions
1. Sauté the Aromatics
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery; cook 5 mins until soft.
- Add garlic, oregano, and red pepper flakes; cook 1 minute until fragrant.
2. Simmer the Soup
- Pour in chicken broth and add bay leaf. Bring to a boil.
- Add chicken thighs, reduce heat to low, and simmer 15–20 mins until chicken is cooked.
- Remove chicken, shred, and return to pot.
- Stir in orzo and cook 8–10 mins until tender.
3. Prepare the Stracciatella
- In a bowl, whisk eggs, Parmesan, and lemon juice.
- Slowly ladle 1 cup of hot broth into the egg mixture while whisking (to temper).
- Remove soup from heat, then stir in the egg mixture and spinach. The residual heat will thicken the broth.
4. Serve
- Discard bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper.
- Garnish with extra Parmesan, parsley, and a drizzle of olive oil. Serve with bread!
Tips & Variations
✔ For richer broth: Use a mix of broth and water with a Parmesan rind simmered in.
✔ No orzo? Use pastina, acini di pepe, or rice.
✔ Extra protein: Add white beans or chickpeas.
✔ Make ahead: Soup thickens as it sits—thin with broth when reheating.
This soup is light yet satisfying, with bright lemon and savory Parmesan balancing the richness. Just like nonna used to make! 🍲🇮🇹
Want a creamy version? Stir in a spoonful of mascarpone at the end!
