Description
A heartwarming Italian chicken soup filled with vibrant veggies and rich flavors, perfect for comfort and healing.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced (about 1 cup)
- 3 medium carrots, sliced into rounds
- 3 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian option)
- 1 whole chicken breast, bone-in and skin-on (about 1 pound)
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 cup small pasta (ditalini, orzo, or small shells)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
- Extra virgin olive oil for drizzling
- Crusty Italian bread for serving
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until tender and the onion is translucent, about 5–7 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and add the whole chicken breast, bay leaves, oregano, thyme, and some salt and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer and cover the pot. Let bubble for about 25–30 minutes.
- Remove the chicken breast and chop it into bite-sized pieces, discarding the skin and bones.
- Add the small pasta to the pot and let it cook for about 7–10 minutes, or according to package directions.
- Stir in the chopped chicken, lemon juice, and fresh parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and finish each serving with a sprinkle of Parmigiano-Reggiano and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.
Notes
This soup gets better the next day! Can be frozen for up to 3 months. Customize with your favorite vegetables or herbs!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: soup, comfort food, Italian, chicken soup, healing soup