This soup was easy to make, flavorful, and a big hit.

I used Bruschetta from Aldi’s, however, if you don’t have one nearby, Trader Joe’s Bruschetta is great too.

Unlike most of my other recipes, I will not be providing any sort of dietary alternatives. I’m not sure this recipe would come out the same if it was vegan/vegetarian.

Chicken Bruschetta Stew with Orzo 

• 1 lb chicken cut of your choice, diced into bite-size
• One bag, onions, and pepper strips defrosted and chopped into bite sides pieces 
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or your favorite cooking oil
• 1-quart chicken broth or stock
• 1 14.5-ounce can of petite diced tomatoes with oregano and basil 
• One small jar (about 6-ish oz), red pepper, and artichoke bruschetta (I bought mine at Aldi’s.) 
• 1 1/2 cups dried orzo pasta (it is rice shaped)
• 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning 
• 1 tablespoon onion powder 
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder 
• Salt and pepper to taste 
• Topping: 
• 2 cups Italian cheese blend, divided 

Directions: 

1. In a large stock pot, heat oil. Add in bite-size pieces of chicken and cook over medium heat frequently until chicken is no longer pink about 5 to 7 minutes. 
2. Add in onions and peppers, cooking over medium heat. Stir occasionally, about 5 to 7 minutes until the onions are no longer white, and the peppers are fragrant. 
3. Pour in a quart of broth and a can of tomatoes. Stir to combine, allow to simmer for about 15 minutes. 
4. Add an entire jar of bruschetta (approx. 6-ish ounces) to stock pot. Stir to incorporate, and add in orzo and all seasonings. 
5. Cover pot with lid, turn the stove down to low and allow soup to slowly simmer and orzo to cook for about 15+ minutes. Adjust seasonings as needed, and add salt and pepper as desired. 
6. soup can be served at this time, or it can be left to simmer on low as needed. 

To serve: ladle soup into a bowl and top with approximately one to 2 ounces of cheese as desired. Serve with garlic bread or hot, crusty buttered bread. Well with a mixed green salad

And as always, the soup is better the next day. This recipe makes 6 to 8 servings and can be frozen.