Are you ready to warm your soul with a bowl of Lorna's Delicious Chicken Minestrone Soup? This hearty Italian classic is not just a meal; it's a comforting embrace in a bowl, perfect for chilly evenings or whenever you crave something wholesome and satisfying. With tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and al dente pasta, this soup is a symphony of flavors that will have your taste buds dancing! Plus, it’s quick to prepare and full of nutrition, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights. Dive into our recipe and discover how to create this delightful dish that your family will ask for again and again!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup green beans, chopped
- 1 cup zucchini, diced
- 1 cup pasta
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by washing and chopping vegetables: dice the onion, mince the garlic, chop green beans, and dice zucchini. If chicken is not already cooked, quickly sauté or boil chicken breasts and dice into small cubes.
- Heat a large soup pot over medium heat. Add a small amount of olive oil and sauté the chopped onions until they become translucent and slightly golden, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic to the onions and cook for an additional 30-45 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning and release aromatic flavors.
- Pour in chicken broth, diced tomatoes with their juice, chopped green beans, and diced zucchini. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Sprinkle Italian seasoning into the soup, then add salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to distribute seasonings evenly.
- Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for approximately 25-30 minutes, allowing vegetables to become tender and flavors to meld together.
- Add pasta during the last 10-12 minutes of cooking, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Incorporate pre-cooked diced chicken into the soup during the final 5 minutes of cooking, allowing it to heat through completely.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning to enhance flavor profile.
- Remove from heat and let soup rest for 5 minutes before serving. Optionally, garnish with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, chop your vegetables and dice the chicken in advance. Store them in the fridge until you're ready to cook for a quicker meal preparation.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables or whatever you have on hand. Spinach, carrots, or bell peppers can add a unique twist to the soup.
- Use Quality Broth: The flavor of your soup heavily relies on the broth. Opt for a high-quality chicken broth or homemade stock for the best taste.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Add the pasta during the last 10-12 minutes of cooking to prevent it from becoming mushy. Stir occasionally to keep it from sticking together.
- Season to Taste: Always taste your soup before serving. Adjust the salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to suit your palate for a perfect flavor balance.
- Garnish for Extra Flavor: Consider garnishing your soup with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for an added layer of flavor and a beautiful presentation.
- Store Leftovers Wisely: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth if needed to loosen the soup.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 45mg
