Delicious Chicken Minestrone Soup Recipe for Fall
When it comes to comfort foods, soup is a classic go-to. A warm and hearty bowl of soup can bring you comfort in the cold winter months, soothe your soul on a rainy day, or just provide you with a nutritious meal any time of the year. One of my personal favorites is Chicken Minestrone Soup.
The Chicken Minestrone Soup recipe has been around for years and has become a classic in its own right. It’s a savory and satisfying soup that’s packed with flavor and loaded with wholesome ingredients. With chicken, beans, carrots, celery, tomatoes, pasta and more, it’s no surprise why this recipe is so popular among soup lovers.
What makes this Chicken Minestrone Soup stand out from other soups is that all the ingredients come together in one pot – making it easy to prepare and clean up after. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding the whole family, this recipe will surely impress.
In addition to its ease and taste, the health benefits of Chicken Minestrone Soup cannot be understated. It is high in protein from the chicken, beans and pasta, while also providing a variety of vegetables for added nutrients. Not to mention, it’s low in fat and calories compared to other soups like cream-based ones.
In this article, I will share my take on the classic Chicken Minestrone Soup recipe that will surely become a staple in your recipe collection. With simple steps and everyday ingredients, you’ll have a delicious soup that’s perfect for any occasion. Warm up your kitchen and let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Chicken Minestrone Soup is a classic dish that has been enjoyed by many for generations. What makes this recipe particularly special is its hearty and savory flavor that is perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a cold winter night or a cozy family dinner, this recipe is sure to warm your heart and your belly.
One of the things I love most about this Chicken Minestrone Soup is its versatility. It can be enjoyed as a complete meal on its own or paired with some crusty bread and a side salad for an even more satisfying dinner. Additionally, this soup is perfect for those times when you want something comforting but also healthy. It’s packed full of veggies, protein-rich chicken, and nourishing broth.
Another great thing about this recipe is how easy it is to prepare. With just a few ingredients and one pot, you can have a delicious meal ready in no time. Plus, this soup lends itself well to customization. You can substitute the vegetables or add in beans or pasta to suit your taste preferences.
Chicken Minestrone Soup is a classic Italian dish that has been perfected over time. This recipe offers a fresh take on the traditional minestrone soup by making it heartier with the addition of chicken thighs. The result is a truly delicious and comforting soup that will please even the pickiest eaters.
So, if you’re looking for a simple yet satisfying meal that will warm your soul and leave you feeling satisfied, look no further than this Chicken Minestrone Soup recipe!
Ingredient List
Here are all of the ingredients you will need to make this hearty and flavorful Chicken Minestrone Soup recipe:
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Chicken Thighs: We will use boneless, skinless chicken thighs in this recipe. They are tender and juicy and add the perfect amount of protein to the soup. You can substitute for shredded chicken if you have any leftover from a roasted chicken.
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Olive Oil: We will use olive oil to sauté the veggies and chicken. Its fruity flavor gives a Mediterranean touch to the dish.
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Onions & Garlic: These two ingredients form the base of flavor for many recipes, including this one. They add a savory taste and pungent aroma to the soup.
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Carrots & Celery: These veggies give the soup crunch, color, and natural sweetness. Make sure to chop them into small pieces so they can cook evenly.
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Diced Tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes provide an instant flavor boost without having to chop fresh ones. Look for canned tomatoes that are not too watery.
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Chicken Broth: The broth is the foundation of our soup. It provides rich, savory flavor and plenty of liquid for cooking other ingredients. You can substitute with vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
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Beans & Pasta: Our soup wouldn’t be minestrone without these two ingredients! Use canned beans or cook them yourself beforehand (make sure they’re soft). The pasta we use in this recipe is acini di pepe pasta, but you can switch up as desired.
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Salt & Pepper: Don’t forget these essential seasonings! They help bring out all the flavors of the dish.
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Parsley Flakes & Parmesan Cheese: Finally, garnish your bowl with some fresh parsley flakes and grated parmesan cheese for extra flavors and a sprinkle of color.
Make sure you have all these ingredients before starting. If you’re missing one, I suggest visiting your local market or grocery store to get fresh produce and good quality canned goods.
The Recipe How-To
Let’s get to the heart of this recipe: how to make a delicious Chicken Minestrone Soup. This is a one-pot wonder that can be enjoyed for lunch or dinner, and it is also perfect for meal prep. In this section, I will guide you through the step-by-step process of making this soup from scratch.
Ingredients
Here are the ingredients you will need:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup acini di pepe pasta or other small pasta shape
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup water
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes with juice
- 1 can (15 oz) beans (any variety), drained and rinsed
- Salt and pepper to taste
- parsley flakes
- grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic and cook until fragrant for about 5 minutes.
- Add chicken to the pot and cook until browned on all sides. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
- In the same pot, add carrots, celery, diced tomatoes with juice, beans, chicken broth, and water. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to low and simmer for about 30 minutes.
- Meanwhile, chop the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
- Once your soup has simmered for at least 30 minutes or until your vegetables are almost tender, add the pasta to the pot and let it cook for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Finally, add your chopped cooked chicken back into the pot until heated through.
- Serve hot with a sprinkle of parsley flakes, grated Parmesan cheese and some crusty bread on side.
Note
If you are looking for vegetarian version of this recipe, simply swap chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit chicken thighs or substitute it with shredded roasted chicken.
This Chicken Minestrone Soup is sure to be loved by everyone in your family or served as an appetizer at your next dinner party!
Substitutions and Variations
Looking to kick up the flavor profile on this classic chicken minestrone recipe? Here are a few ideas to play around with:
– Swap out chicken thighs for boneless, skinless chicken breast. This results in a leaner meat that’ll still give you that protein punch.
– Craving some roasted chicken flavor? Use shredded chicken in place of diced, sautéed pieces.
– Add some oomph: feel free to incorporate other veggies like zucchini or spinach into your soup mix. Additionally, canned chickpeas or kidney beans make for an easy addition.
– For a different style of soup, try making a vegetable minestrone by omitting the chicken altogether and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
– Want more of an Italian influence on your dish? You can’t go wrong with a traditional Italian minestrone with cabbage and orzo pasta.
– If you’d like to stick with a classic, consider adding freshly grated parmesan cheese on top alongside some parsley flakes – it makes all the difference!
Serving and Pairing
Chicken minestrone soup is a comforting and satisfying dish that is perfect on its own or as a hearty starter. This soup has a rich flavor that blends well with a variety of side dishes, making it ideal for serving all year round.
When it comes to pairing the chicken minestrone soup, you can opt for some crusty homemade bread or some garlic bread for dipping. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing would also work well to add some freshness to the meal.
If you’re looking to keep things light but still packed with nutrients, consider pairing the soup with a fruit salad or vegetable side such as roasted broccoli, grilled asparagus or sautéed zucchini. These go especially well if you’re serving the soup as a main course.
For drinks, consider pairing the chicken minestrone soup with some chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay to complement the savory flavors of the soup. If you’re looking for non-alcoholic options, you could serve it alongside lemon water, iced tea or even brewed coffee to help balance out the richness of the dish.
Overall, this chicken minestrone soup recipe makes for an exceptional warm and delightful meal on its own or when paired with other dishes. Enjoy!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
One of the best things about chicken minestrone soup recipe is that it can easily be made ahead of time, stored in the refrigerator or in the freezer, and reheated when you’re ready to eat.
To make this soup ahead of time, simply follow the recipe instructions as written and let it cool completely before storing. Once cooled, transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
When reheating this soup, take care not to overcook it or you risk losing some of its delicious flavors. To reheat from refrigerated temperatures, transfer the soup to a saucepan and gently warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. To reheat from frozen, allow the soup to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating on the stove.
It’s also worth noting that this minestrone soup recipe tends to thicken as it sits in the fridge or freezer due to the presence of pasta and beans. If you find your soup has thickened too much after storing it in the fridge, simply add an extra splash of broth or water when reheating.
Enjoy warm bowls of chicken minestrone soup throughout the week or freeze leftovers for future meals. Either way, this hearty Italian-inspired soup recipe is sure to comfort and satisfy anytime you need a comforting bowl of homemade goodness.
Tips for Perfect Results
Cooking a Chicken Minestrone Soup is easy, even for the most novice cook. Nonetheless, follow these tips to make this soup a total success.
Firstly, when it comes to seasoning, always start with less salt than what the recipe calls for. Since the broth usually contains a significant amount of sodium, you don’t want to end up with an over-salted soup. You can always taste and add more later on.
Secondly, chopping the vegetables finely and uniformly will help them cook evenly and give the soup a nicer texture. No one wants to have giant chunks of vegetables interfering with their enjoyment of this delicious soup.
For a richer flavor, I recommend using chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. Thighs have more fat and flavor, which makes for an incredibly tasty soup.
One crucial tip for making a delicious chicken minestrone soup is not overcooking it. Acini di pepe pasta is tiny, cooks quickly, and soaks up a lot of liquid as it sits in the broth. I suggest adding it during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking and checking that it doesn’t get too soft.
Lastly, don’t forget to garnish each bowl with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, parsley flakes, salt, and pepper before serving. This will give the dish an extra layer of taste and take your cooking game to a whole new level.
Follow these tips to make your chicken minestrone soup irresistible every single time!
FAQ
As you read through this recipe for Chicken Minestrone Soup, you might have a few questions or concerns. In this section, I’ve compiled some common FAQs about this dish, along with my advice and suggestions to help you get the best results. So, let’s go through these FAQs and ensure that your experience making and serving this soup is perfectly delicious!
What is Olive Garden’s minestrone soup made of?
If you’re wondering how to prepare a mouth-watering Olive Garden Minestrone soup, I’ve got you covered! This recipe comprises a delectable blend of various vegetables cooked in a delicious broth. The first step involves sauteing a combination of onions, carrots, celery and zucchini, then adding tomatoes, vegetable broth, pasta and beans to the mix. Let everything simmer and voila! A scrumptious soup is served, perfect for a hearty dinner any day of the week. This recipe was posted on Jan 29, 2019.
What makes vegetable soup different from minestrone?
When it comes to soups, the distinction between Minestrone Soup and Vegetable Soup can be a bit fuzzy. However, one clear difference lies in the addition of beans and pasta to Minestrone Soup, which gives it a heartier and more substantial quality compared to a vegetable soup that mostly consists of vegetables. So, if you’re looking to enhance your soup game with a dish that’s both filling and packed with flavor, Minestrone Soup might be the way to go!
How does Gordon Ramsay make minestrone soup?
To kick things off, get a large pan and heat up some olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, toss in some chopped onions, carrots, celery, and a generous pinch of seasoning. Sizzle everything together until the vegetables have softened up to perfection.
Now, for a touch of flavor, add in some thyme, a bay leaf, and some tantalizing bacon. Mix everything in the pan until the aroma wafts around you, filling your senses with excitement.
Next up, it’s time to bring in some protein power with borlotti beans and juicy cherry tomatoes. Go ahead and throw them into the pan with the bacon and herbs. Then, pour in some chicken stock or water until everything is just about covered.
Finally, for the star of the show – the spaghetti. Break it into smaller pieces and add it to the pan. Now you just need to wait for 10 minutes until the spaghetti is cooked to perfection. Trust us, you won’t want to rush this part.
What makes minestrone minestrone?
If you’re a fan of hearty and flavorful soups, then you can’t go wrong with minestrone. This soup is packed with veggies and pasta, making it a filling meal that’s perfect for colder months. Although the recipe can be customized with the veggies and carbs of your liking, the essential components of this soup often include celery, onions, garlic, carrots, tomatoes, olive oil, and pasta. Finally, a sprinkle of shredded parmesan on top adds an extra layer of depth and creaminess to this robust soup.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zia5jXdEq_c
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the Chicken Minestrone Soup recipe is undoubtedly a must-try! Not only is it packed with flavorful and nutritious ingredients, but it’s also easy to make in just one pot. The versatility of this soup allows for many variations, from swapping out vegetables to using different types of pasta.
Whether you’re in the mood for a classic vegetable minestrone or want to mix things up with some shredded chicken or roasted chicken, this recipe has got you covered. It’s a hearty and comforting meal that will warm you up on a chilly day and leave you feeling satisfied.
So go ahead and give this Chicken Minestrone Soup recipe a try; I guarantee you won’t be disappointed. With its delicious blend of beans, veggies, pasta, and chicken in every bite, it’s the perfect dish to impress your family and friends. Add a sprinkle of parmesan cheese, pepper, and parsley flakes for an even more elevated taste. Enjoy!
Chicken Minestrone Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- 6 chicken thighs
- 8 cups water
- celery & leaves
- 5 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup acini di pepe pasta
- 3 cups celery, Chopped
- 3 cups carrots, Chopped
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 tablespoon parsley flakes
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 2 (11 1/2 ounce) cans V8 vegetable juice
- 1 cup parmesan cheese, Shredded
Instructions
- In dutch oven, combine chicken, water and baby celery w/leaves. Bring to a boil. Cover and simmer for 4-5 hours. (This first step can be done in the crock pot, and you don’t need quite as much water.) Remove chicken and celery from water. Discard skin, bones & celery. Tear chicken apart. Set aside.
- If desired, remove some or all of the fat from water. If needed, add water and boullion cube to make 5 cups broth.
- In small saucepan, boil 1/2 cup Acini di Pepe Pasta in water for 10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Combine all ingredients but the pasta and cheese in a dutch oven. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat. Cover. Simmer for 30 minutes adding in the pasta in the last 5 minutes.
- Top each 1 cup serving with 1 Tbsp of Shredded Parmesan Cheese.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Chloe
Chloe is passionate about creating unique dishes that draw on the flavors of her favorite cultures. She loves experimenting with new ingredients and pushing the boundaries of traditional recipes. Her enthusiasm for cooking is infectious, and she is always eager to share her creations with friends and family.