Dive into a warm and hearty bowl of Italian chicken soup, perfect for cozy evenings and family dinners. This soup is packed with tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and flavorful herbs, making it both nutritious and delicious.
Photos of Italian Chicken Soup Recipe
While many ingredients in this Italian chicken soup might already be in your pantry, you might need to pick up a few items. Specifically, kale and Italian seasoning are sometimes less common in households. When shopping, make sure to grab fresh kale and a good quality Italian seasoning blend to enhance the flavors of your soup.
Ingredients For Italian Chicken Soup
Chicken breasts: The main protein of the soup, providing a tender and hearty base.
Canola oil: Used for sautéing the vegetables and chicken, adding a mild flavor.
Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and depth to the soup.
Garlic: Provides a pungent and aromatic flavor.
Carrot: Brings a natural sweetness and color to the soup.
Kale: Adds a nutrient-rich leafy green and a slightly bitter flavor.
Zucchini: Adds a mild flavor and texture to the soup.
Tomatoes: Provides acidity and a rich, savory taste.
Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that gives the soup a classic Italian flavor.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing the flavors.
Chicken broth: The liquid base of the soup, providing depth and richness.
Shell pasta: Adds a comforting and hearty texture to the soup.
One reader, Ganny Zheng says:
This Italian chicken soup recipe is a comforting delight! The blend of fresh veggies and tender chicken creates a hearty, flavorful dish. Perfect for a cozy night in.
Techniques Required for Italian Chicken Soup Recipe
How to dice an onion: Peel the onion, cut it in half, and make horizontal and vertical cuts to create small, even pieces. How to mince garlic: Peel the garlic cloves and finely chop them into small pieces. How to chop carrots: Peel the carrots and cut them into small, uniform pieces. How to chop kale: Remove the tough stems and chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces. How to dice zucchini: Cut off the ends, slice the zucchini lengthwise, and then cut into small cubes. How to cook chicken: Heat oil in a pan, add the chicken, and cook until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. How to simmer: Reduce the heat to low and cook the mixture gently, keeping it just below boiling. How to cook pasta: Add pasta to boiling liquid and cook until it is tender but still firm to the bite.
How To Make Italian Chicken Soup
Taste chicken soup Italian style with this easy recipe. It’s cooked in Italian seasoned broth with zucchini, tomatoes, and kale.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 2lbschicken breasts,boneless and skinless, diced
- 2tbspcanola oil
- 1yellow onion,chopped
- 2clovesgarlic,minced
- 1cupcarrot,sliced
- 2cupskale,chopped
- 2zucchini,sliced and quartered
- 14½oztomatoes,canned, diced, drained
- 1tbspItalian seasoning
- salt and black pepper,to taste
- 8cupschicken broth
- 1cupshell pasta
Instructions
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Add the canola oil to a large dutch oven on medium heat and add the chicken, garlic, and onions. Cook for about 5 to 6 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the onions are translucent.
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Add carrots and cook for 5 minutes.
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Stir in zucchini, tomatoes, kale, Italian seasoning, and salt and black pepper.
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Add the chicken broth and bring to a boil before reducing to a simmer for 25 minutes.
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Add pasta to the soup and continue cooking for 13 to 15 minutes, partially covered, until pasta is tender.
Nutrition
- Calories: 398.98kcal
- Fat: 17.49g
- Saturated Fat: 4.18g
- Trans Fat: 0.13g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 8.01g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 3.94g
- Carbohydrates: 26.50g
- Fiber: 2.89g
- Sugar: 8.22g
- Protein: 33.17g
- Cholesterol: 79.77mg
- Sodium: 1181.08mg
- Calcium: 64.96mg
- Potassium: 897.76mg
- Iron: 2.55mg
- Vitamin A: 204.49µg
- Vitamin C: 23.55mg
Key Technique Tip for Italian Chicken Soup Recipe
To enhance the flavor of your chicken soup, consider browning the chicken breasts in the canola oil before adding the garlic and onions. This will create a deeper, richer taste. Additionally, make sure to cut the carrots, zucchini, and kale into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking. When adding the shell pasta, stir occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the dutch oven.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Italian Chicken Soup
Prep ingredients in advance: Chop onions, garlic, carrots, zucchini, and kale ahead of time to streamline cooking.
Use pre-cooked chicken: Save time by using rotisserie chicken or leftover chicken breasts.
Opt for canned tomatoes: Use canned diced tomatoes to skip the chopping and save time.
Quick-cooking pasta: Choose small pasta shapes like shell pasta that cook faster.
One-pot method: Cook everything in a large dutch oven to minimize cleanup and save time.
Substitute Ingredients For Italian Chicken Soup Recipe
chicken breasts - Substitute with turkey breasts: Turkey breasts have a similar texture and flavor profile to chicken, making them a suitable alternative.
canola oil - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil adds a richer flavor and is a healthier fat option.
yellow onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots offer a milder and slightly sweeter taste compared to yellow onions.
garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can provide a similar flavor if fresh garlic is unavailable.
carrot - Substitute with parsnip: Parsnips have a similar texture and sweetness, making them a good alternative to carrots.
kale - Substitute with spinach: Spinach has a similar nutritional profile and cooks down in a similar way to kale.
zucchini - Substitute with yellow squash: Yellow squash has a similar texture and mild flavor, making it a good substitute for zucchini.
tomatoes - Substitute with canned diced tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes can be used if fresh tomatoes are not available, providing a similar flavor and texture.
italian seasoning - Substitute with herbes de Provence: Herbes de Provence contains a similar blend of herbs and can provide a comparable flavor profile.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a salty and umami flavor, though it will also add a different depth of flavor.
black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a similar heat but a slightly different flavor profile, making it a good alternative.
chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can provide a similar base flavor for the soup, making it suitable for vegetarians.
shell pasta - Substitute with orzo: Orzo has a similar cooking time and texture, making it a good substitute for shell pasta.
Best Way to Serve Italian Chicken Soup
Serve in a pristine white bowl: The Italian chicken soup will look elegant and inviting in a clean, white bowl that contrasts beautifully with the vibrant colors of the vegetables and broth.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Add a sprig of fresh basil or a sprinkle of chopped parsley on top of the soup to enhance its visual appeal and add a burst of fresh flavor.
Use a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil: Finish the soup with a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil to add a touch of richness and a glossy finish.
Serve with a side of artisan bread: Accompany the soup with a slice of crusty artisan bread or a garlic crostini to provide a satisfying crunch and complement the hearty soup.
Highlight the chicken pieces: Ensure that the chicken breasts are cut into uniform, bite-sized pieces and are prominently displayed in the bowl to showcase the protein element of the dish.
Layer the vegetables thoughtfully: Arrange the carrots, zucchini, and kale in a way that they are evenly distributed and visible, creating a visually appealing and balanced presentation.
Use a ladle for precise serving: Use a ladle to carefully pour the chicken broth and ensure that each serving has a balanced amount of broth, vegetables, and pasta.
Add a touch of grated Parmesan: Lightly sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the soup just before serving to add a savory depth and a touch of elegance.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Italian Chicken Soup
Dutch oven: A large, heavy pot with a tight-fitting lid, perfect for making soups and stews. It distributes heat evenly and retains it well.
Canola oil: Used for sautéing the chicken, garlic, and onions. It has a high smoke point, making it ideal for cooking at medium heat.
Knife: Essential for chopping the onion, garlic, carrots, zucchini, and kale.
Cutting board: A sturdy surface to safely chop all the vegetables and chicken.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure out the canola oil and Italian seasoning accurately.
Measuring cups: Necessary for measuring the chicken broth, carrots, and shell pasta.
Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring the ingredients in the Dutch oven without scratching the surface.
Ladle: Used for serving the soup once it's ready.
Can opener: Needed to open the can of tomatoes.
Colander: Useful for rinsing the kale and draining the pasta if needed.
Timer: Helps keep track of cooking times for each step to ensure everything is cooked perfectly.
Storing and Freezing Italian Chicken Soup
- Allow the Italian chicken soup to cool completely before storing or freezing.
- For storing in the refrigerator, transfer the cooled soup to an airtight container. It will keep well for up to 4 days in the fridge.
- If you plan to freeze the soup, consider the following steps:
- Cook the pasta separately and do not add it to the portion of the soup you plan to freeze. This prevents the pasta from becoming mushy when reheated.
- Ladle the cooled soup (without pasta) into freezer-safe containers or resealable freezer bags. Leave about an inch of space at the top to allow for expansion during freezing.
- Label the containers or bags with the date and contents for easy identification.
- Place the containers or bags in the freezer, ensuring they are positioned flat for even freezing and efficient storage.
- Frozen Italian chicken soup can be stored for up to 3 months.
- To reheat the refrigerated soup, simply warm it in a pot on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
- For frozen soup, you can either thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or reheat it directly from frozen. Transfer the frozen soup to a pot and warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently, until it is fully thawed and heated through.
- If you had frozen the soup without the pasta, cook the pasta separately and add it to the reheated soup before serving for the best texture.
- Adjust the seasoning if needed and enjoy your delicious and comforting Italian chicken soup!
How To Reheat Leftover Italian Chicken Soup
Stovetop method: transfer the leftover italian chicken soup to a pot and reheat it over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches the desired temperature. This method allows you to control the heat and ensure that the soup is heated evenly without overcooking the pasta or vegetables.
Microwave method: place the desired portion of leftover italian chicken soup in a microwave-safe bowl and cover it with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape. Microwave on high power in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval, until the soup is heated through. Be cautious when removing the bowl from the microwave, as it may be hot.
Slow cooker method: transfer the leftover italian chicken soup to a slow cooker and heat it on the low setting for 1-2 hours, or until it reaches the desired temperature. This method is ideal if you want to reheat a large batch of soup without having to monitor it closely.
Oven method: preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the leftover italian chicken soup to an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Place the dish in the preheated oven and heat for 15-20 minutes, or until the soup is heated through. Stir the soup occasionally to ensure even heating.
Regardless of the reheating method you choose, be sure to check the temperature of the soup before serving to ensure that it has reached a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If the soup seems too thick after reheating, you can add a small amount of chicken broth or water to thin it out to your desired consistency.
Random Fact About Italian Chicken Soup
A fun fact about this Italian chicken soup recipe is that it incorporates kale, a nutrient-dense leafy green. Kale is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, and adds a healthy boost to the soup.
Is Making Italian Chicken Soup at Home Cost-Effective?
This Italian chicken soup recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The use of chicken breasts, kale, zucchini, and carrots provides a nutritious meal without breaking the bank. The chicken broth and shell pasta add volume, making it a hearty dish. With ingredients that are generally affordable and often found in most kitchens, this recipe scores an 8 out of 10 in terms of cost-effectiveness. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $20-$25 USD.
Is Italian Chicken Soup Healthy or Unhealthy?
The Italian chicken soup recipe is a nutritious and well-balanced meal that incorporates a variety of healthy ingredients. The use of lean chicken breast provides a good source of protein, while the vegetables such as onion, garlic, carrots, kale, and zucchini offer essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber. The tomatoes add a boost of antioxidants, and the Italian seasoning provides flavor without relying on excessive salt. The chicken broth base is a healthier alternative to cream-based soups, keeping the dish light and easy to digest.
To further enhance the nutritional value of this soup, consider the following suggestions:
- Opt for whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to increase the fiber content and make the dish more suitable for those with gluten sensitivities
- Add additional leafy greens, such as spinach or Swiss chard, to boost the vitamin and mineral content
- Include a variety of colorful vegetables, such as red bell peppers or yellow squash, to provide a wider range of antioxidants and phytochemicals
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to reduce the overall salt content of the dish
- Garnish with fresh herbs like basil or parsley to add a burst of flavor and additional nutrients
Editor's Opinion on This Italian Chicken Soup Recipe
This Italian chicken soup recipe is a hearty and nutritious dish, perfect for a comforting meal. The combination of chicken, fresh vegetables, and Italian seasoning creates a rich and flavorful broth. The addition of shell pasta adds a delightful texture, making the soup more filling. However, using olive oil instead of canola oil could enhance the authenticity and depth of flavor. Overall, it's a well-balanced recipe that is both easy to prepare and satisfying.
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Why trust this Italian Chicken Soup Recipe:
This Italian chicken soup recipe is a must-try for anyone seeking a hearty and nutritious meal. The combination of chicken breasts, kale, and zucchini ensures a rich blend of flavors and textures. The use of Italian seasoning adds an authentic touch, while the chicken broth provides a comforting base. With easy-to-follow instructions and wholesome ingredients, this recipe promises a satisfying and delicious experience. Trust in the simplicity and quality of this dish to bring a taste of Italy to your table.
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