Description
Hearty Italian-style chicken noodle soup delivers comfort and warmth with its robust Mediterranean flavors. Classic ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a soul-satisfying meal you’ll crave on chilly evenings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (454 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 6 cups (1.4 L) chicken broth
- 8 oz (226 g) small pasta (such as ditalini or small shells)
- 1 cup (150 g) diced onion
- 1 cup (150 g) diced carrots
- 1 cup (150 g) diced celery
- 1 (14.5-oz/411 g) can diced tomatoes
- ¼ cup (25 g) grated parmesan cheese
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsps chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Flavor Foundation: In a large pot, sauté diced onions, carrots, and celery in olive oil until translucent. Introduce minced garlic, dried oregano, and thyme, allowing their aromatic essence to meld for one minute.
- Liquid Base and Chicken Preparation: Pour chicken broth and diced tomatoes into the vegetable mixture. Submerge chicken pieces, bring to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer. Cook until chicken is thoroughly tender, approximately 20 minutes.
- Pasta and Chicken Integration: Simultaneously cook pasta to al dente perfection in a separate pot. Once chicken is cooked, remove and shred using two forks. Drain pasta and return to its pot. Reintroduce shredded chicken into the simmering soup, creating a harmonious blend.
- Flavor Refinement: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese, season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Add a splash of fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavor profile. Combine pasta with the soup, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
- Culinary Presentation: Ladle the aromatic soup into serving bowls. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and an additional sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Serve alongside crusty Italian bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
Notes
- Manage Chicken Cooking: Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F to guarantee food safety and prevent foodborne illnesses.
- Pasta Texture Control: Cook pasta separately and add just before serving to maintain perfect al dente texture and prevent soggy noodles from absorbing excess broth.
- Flavor Layering Technique: Sauté vegetables slowly to develop deep, rich flavors and release natural sugars, creating a more complex and robust soup base.
- Dietary Adaptation Strategy: Swap regular pasta with gluten-free alternatives or zucchini noodles for low-carb options, and use low-sodium broth for heart-healthy modifications.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg