Greek Chicken Pasta Soup

There’s something magical about a pot of soup simmering away on the stove — the aroma filling the kitchen, the gentle steam curling up into the air, the anticipation of that first spoonful. Now, imagine all that comfort wrapped up with sunny Mediterranean flavors: bright lemon, fragrant rosemary, tender chicken, and silky orzo pasta. That’s exactly what this Greek Chicken Pasta Soup delivers.

This soup is like a warm hug in a bowl but with a little vacation vibe thrown in — think cozy meets seaside café. The broth is tangy yet soothing, the chicken is melt-in-your-mouth tender, and the dill and lemon bring such a fresh lift that you’ll feel like you’ve caught a breeze straight from the Aegean. And the best part? It’s just as easy to whip up on a Tuesday night as it is to serve for company. Trust me, you’re going to love this one — it’s comfort food with a passport stamp.

Why You’ll Love Greek Chicken Pasta Soup

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:

Versatile: Perfect for busy weeknights or as a standout dish at gatherings. Imagine coming home after a long day, knowing you can whip up something delicious and comforting in no time. Or envision serving this at a party, where guests ask for the recipe before the night ends.

Budget-Friendly: Uses ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. No need for exotic items; this dish proves that simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavors. It’s perfect for when you’re trying to stick to a budget but still want something hearty and satisfying.

Quick and Easy: Straightforward steps that even beginners can follow. If you’re someone who usually avoids complex recipes, this one is for you. It’s designed to be foolproof, so you can enjoy cooking without stress.

Customizable: Easy to tweak with different flavors to suit your preferences. For example, if you love bold flavors, add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika. Prefer something milder? You can adjust the seasoning to make it kid-friendly.

Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.

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Ingredients in Greek Chicken Pasta Soup

Here’s where the magic begins — simple, fresh ingredients that come together for something truly special. (Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Butter: Adds richness and a silky mouthfeel to the broth. It’s a small touch that makes a big difference.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Brings a fruity, slightly peppery base note that pairs beautifully with the herbs.

Onion: Provides a sweet and savory backbone to the soup — it’s the quiet hero that deepens the flavor.

Carrots: Bring gentle sweetness and color, plus that classic soup heartiness.

Garlic: Infuses the broth with warm, aromatic depth. When it hits the hot oil, it smells like pure comfort.

Fresh Rosemary: Earthy, fragrant, and unmistakably Mediterranean. It makes the kitchen smell incredible.

Low Sodium Chicken Broth: The flavorful base of the soup, light yet full-bodied.

Kosher Salt: Enhances every flavor and ties them together.

Orzo Pasta: Tiny rice-shaped pasta that cooks to tender perfection and gives the soup its comforting substance.

Eggs & Egg Yolks: Create a luxuriously creamy texture without adding dairy, thanks to the traditional Greek avgolemono technique.

Fresh Lemon Juice: Brightens and balances the richness — like a squeeze of sunshine.

Shredded Chicken: Tender bites of rotisserie or leftover chicken make this soup extra hearty.

Fresh Dill: Delivers that signature Greek herbal freshness.

Lemon Zest: Adds a burst of citrus aroma to finish the dish beautifully.

Freshly Ground Black Pepper: A final seasoning to sharpen and round out the flavors.

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:

Sauté the Aromatics: In a large soup pot, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and carrots, cooking until they’re soft and fragrant. Stir in the garlic and rosemary, letting them bloom for about 30 seconds — your kitchen will smell amazing at this point.

Build the Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and season with kosher salt. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes so the flavors can get to know each other.

Cook the Orzo: Add the orzo pasta and simmer until tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. This usually takes about 8–10 minutes.

Prepare the Egg-Lemon Mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, egg yolks, and lemon juice until smooth. This step is key for creating that creamy, dreamy broth.

Temper the Eggs: Slowly ladle a bit of the hot broth into the egg mixture while whisking constantly. This warms the eggs gently so they don’t scramble when added to the soup.

Combine and Finish: Slowly stir the tempered egg mixture back into the soup. Add the shredded chicken, fresh dill, and lemon zest. Season with black pepper and adjust salt to taste.

Serve and Enjoy: Ladle into bowls, garnish with extra dill sprigs, and serve immediately.

How to Serve Greek Chicken Pasta Soup

This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:

Fresh Salads: Pair it with a crisp Greek salad — cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, feta — for a refreshing contrast.

Crusty Bread: Serve with warm, crusty bread to soak up every drop of that luscious broth. Garlic bread or a baguette works wonders.

Creamy Accompaniments: A dollop of Greek yogurt on top can add tang and creaminess.

Vegetable Sides: Roasted zucchini, asparagus, or even a tray of Mediterranean-style roasted vegetables are perfect companions.

As a Standalone: Honestly, this soup is hearty enough to be the main event. A sprinkle of fresh dill or parsley makes the presentation pop.

Additional Tips

Prep Ahead: Chop your veggies and measure your broth the night before. Store everything in airtight containers in the fridge.

Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a gentle heat, or smoked paprika for depth.

Dietary Adjustments: Swap regular orzo for gluten-free pasta if needed, or use vegetable broth for a vegetarian twist (swap chicken for chickpeas).

Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Double the Batch: This soup freezes beautifully — freeze without the orzo and add fresh pasta when reheating.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different pasta shape?
A1: Yes! Ditalini, small shells, or even broken spaghetti work well. Just adjust cooking time accordingly.

Q2: Can I make it dairy-free?
A2: It already is! The creaminess comes from the eggs, not dairy.

Q3: Can I substitute fresh rosemary with dried?
A3: Absolutely — use about one-third the amount of dried rosemary.

Q4: Can I use leftover turkey instead of chicken?
A4: Yes, it’s a great post-holiday option.

Q5: How do I keep the eggs from scrambling?
A5: Temper them slowly with hot broth before adding back to the pot — patience is key.

Q6: Can I make this soup in advance?
A6: Yes, but store the pasta separately to avoid it soaking up too much broth.

Q7: Can I freeze this soup?
A7: Definitely — just leave out the orzo until you reheat.

Q8: Can I add vegetables like spinach or kale?
A8: Absolutely — stir them in during the last few minutes of cooking.

Q9: What’s the best broth to use?
A9: Low-sodium chicken broth gives you control over the seasoning.

Q10: How can I make it extra lemony?
A10: Add an extra teaspoon of lemon zest or a squeeze of juice right before serving.

Conclusion

Greek Chicken Pasta Soup is one of those recipes that feels like it should be complicated — it’s layered with flavor, has that silky broth, and looks gorgeous in the bowl — but it’s actually wonderfully simple to make. It’s a little bit of Greek sunshine in a pot, ready to brighten up your weeknight dinners or warm a chilly afternoon. Whether you’re making it for yourself or a table full of friends, it’s the kind of dish that gets people talking, smiling, and asking for seconds.

Greek Chicken Pasta Soup Recipe