Italian Chicken Soup is a warm, comforting dish that can brighten up any chilly day. This delicious soup combines tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and flavorful seasonings, giving you a taste of Italy in every spoonful. It’s easy to make and can be on your table in no time, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Plus, it’s nutritious and hearty, making it a great choice for the whole family.
4 Reasons Why You’ll Love It
Hearty and Filling
This soup is packed with chicken and veggies, ensuring it keeps you satisfied.
Quick and Easy to Prepare
With simple steps and common ingredients, you’ll have dinner ready fast.
Perfect for Meal Prep
Make a big batch and enjoy the leftovers throughout the week.
Comfort in a Bowl
Warm yourself up with every spoonful of this delicious soup.
Time Breakdown
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Ingredients List
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 cup chopped white onion (about 1 medium)
- 5 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 cups chopped peeled carrots
- 2 cups chopped celery stalks
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 3-4 chicken breasts)
- 1 32-ounce chicken broth
- 1 15-ounce can tomato sauce
- 16 ounce Ditalini pasta (or any small pasta)
- Grated parmesan cheese
How to make Step-by-Step
1. Heat Olive Oil
Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a 5 1/2 quart Dutch oven or large pot.
2. Sauté Vegetables
Add the carrot, celery, and onion and sauté until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Add Seasoning
Stir in the garlic and Italian seasoning; cook until fragrant, about 3 minutes.
4. Combine Chicken and Broth
Add the chicken breast with veggies, then pour the chicken broth and tomato sauce into the pot. Give the soup ingredients a couple of stirs.
5. Cook the Chicken
Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes or until the chicken is cooked. Carefully remove the chicken and set it aside until it’s cool enough to handle, about 3-5 minutes.
6. Shred Chicken
Shred or chop the chicken into small bite-sized pieces.
7. Return Chicken to Soup
Add the chicken back into the soup and cook for another 20 minutes or until the vegetables are soft—taste for salt and pepper.
8. Prepare Pasta
Prepare the pasta separately according to the package instructions.
9. Serve and Enjoy
Place about 1/4 cup of the cooked pasta into a bowl and then ladle the soup over the top. Grate fresh parmesan cheese over the top.
Serving Suggestions
Serve hot with crusty bread on the side for a comforting meal. Garnish each bowl with fresh herbs for added flavor.
Storage Tips
Keep it in the Fridge
Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freeze for Later
Let the soup cool completely, then freeze in portions for up to 3 months.
Use Glass Containers
Glass containers are great for storing soup as they don’t retain flavors.
Reheat Carefully
When reheating, do it slowly on the stove or in the microwave to keep the texture right.
Tips for Success
Don’t Overcook the Chicken
Make sure to remove the chicken as soon as it’s cooked to keep it tender.
Add Fresh Herbs
Fresh basil or parsley can enhance the flavors beautifully.
Taste as You Go
Always taste and adjust the seasoning to your liking.
Use Quality Broth
Using a good quality chicken broth makes a big difference in flavor.
Variations to Try
Feel free to add your favorite vegetables like spinach or zucchini for extra nutrition. You can also swap the pasta for rice if preferred.
FAQs
Can I use leftover chicken?
Yes, you can use shredded rotisserie chicken to save time.
Is this soup gluten-free?
You can make it gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Sure, just swap the chicken with beans and use vegetable broth.
How do I reheat the soup?
Reheat on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave until hot.
Closing Notes
Italian Chicken Soup is an easy recipe that brings comfort and flavor to your dining table. With its wholesome ingredients and simple steps, it’s the perfect dish for any occasion. Whether you make it for your family or enjoy it as a meal prep option, this soup won’t disappoint. Give it a try, and savor the delicious taste of homemade goodness!
Italian Chicken Soup
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 cup chopped white onion (about 1 medium)
- 5 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 cups chopped peeled carrots
- 2 cups chopped celery stalks
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 3-4 chicken breasts)
- 1 32-ounce chicken broth
- 1 15-ounce can tomato sauce
- 16 ounce Ditalini pasta (or any small pasta)
- Grated parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
Preparation
- Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a 5 1/2 quart Dutch oven or large pot.
- Add the carrot, celery, and onion and sauté until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the garlic and Italian seasoning; cook until fragrant, about 3 minutes.
- Add the chicken breast with veggies, then pour the chicken broth and tomato sauce into the pot. Give the soup ingredients a couple of stirs.
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes or until the chicken is cooked. Carefully remove the chicken and set it aside until it’s cool enough to handle, about 3-5 minutes.
- Shred or chop the chicken into small bite-sized pieces.
- Add the chicken back into the soup and cook for another 20 minutes or until the vegetables are soft—taste for salt and pepper.
- Prepare the pasta separately according to the package instructions.
- Place about 1/4 cup of the cooked pasta into a bowl and then ladle the soup over the top. Grate fresh parmesan cheese over the top.
