This Soup Is What I Make While I Patiently Wait For The Weather To Warm Up, And It Only Costs $2 Per Serving

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09-04-2025

In upstate New York, the arrival of spring still holds onto the brisk chill of winter. Outside, early morning frost blankets our garden beds, and the occasional snow shower drifts through the air. But, despite the cold, life outside is beginning to bloom.
Daisies and daffodils peek through the grass, the yellow forsythia emerges at the edges of our neighbors' yards, and the buds on the peach trees suddenly appear. After a cozy winter spent indoors by the fire — with simmering pots of soup and slow-cooker meals that last for days — I find myself in the kitchen searching for that perfect balance between the seasons.
For me, that means warm dishes with bright flavors, and this Creamy Lemon Orzo Chicken Soup from Tasty creator Ronica Rupan-Tompkins (aka @mymanabites) promises the best of both worlds. The tang of fresh lemon juice and zest, peppery parsley, and earthy thyme complement the richness of chicken broth, heavy cream, and plenty of garlic.
Even better? It's a budget-friendly dish that makes for sublime lunch leftovers, especially with a slice of crusty bread brushed with butter and a simple arugula salad topped with shaved Parmigiano. The only question is: Will I be enjoying this dish by the fire or on the deck?
How to Make It
In just 30 minutes (10 minutes of prep and 20 minutes of cooking), you'll have a cozy, flavor-packed meal that tastes like it's been simmering all day.
Everything comes together in one pot: start by sautéing your aromatics to build layers of umami early on, then add your broth, followed by your orzo to soak up all the flavor.
When the orzo is plumped and tender, all you need to do is shred up a rotisserie chicken, toss it in, and let it simmer for about five minutes, just long enough for the flavors to come together.
Stir in your heavy cream until your broth is nice and warm, then remove from heat and add your lemon zest and juice for the perfect amount of tang to balance out the richness.
Season with salt and pepper, ladle into bowls, and finish with fresh parsley and thyme. Just like that, you have a creamy, dreamy, lemony bowl of comfort that's exactly what you need for welcoming spring.
Easy Swaps and Substitutions
You may be thinking, why change a good and already delicious thing? Because sometimes, the thrill of culinary creativity takes hold with a pot of soup! Try some of these swaps and substitutes to really soup-rise your taste buds.
Use oregano in place of, or in addition to, your fresh parsley and thyme.
Give this recipe even more of that one-pot-meal feel by tossing in some handfuls of fresh spinach when you add your shredded chicken.
Fresh out of orzo? Ditalini, acini de pepe, conchigliette, or stelline are other small pastas that work well.
Why You'll Love It As Much As I Do
My favorite thing about this dish is that it's super easy to whip up for a quick weeknight meal. I typically have all the ingredients on hand and can just pick up a rotisserie chicken and some fresh lemons from the grocery store — and voila, dinner is served! At $2 per serving, it's a good go-to for a budget-conscious meal at home.
And Finally…What Wine to Drink With It!
The bright citrus flavors in this soup pair beautifully alongside a crisp glass of Sauvignon Blanc. With a balanced, refreshing acidity and a citrusy profile of lemon, grapefruit, and lime (sometimes even kumquat!), Sauvy B is the sip for me alongside this cozy bowl of comfort.
Want to try Ronica's Creamy Lemon Orzo Chicken Soup or search for more easy, budget-friendly meals? Download the free Tasty app to save this recipe and 7,500+ others — no subscription required.