Hearty Chicken Minestrone Soup Recipe: A Cozy Bowl of Comfort

Hearty chicken minestrone soup delivers comfort in every spoonful, blending rustic Italian traditions with modern kitchen magic.

Mediterranean herbs dance through a vibrant medley of vegetables and tender chicken pieces.

Robust kidney beans add substantial protein and depth to this classic recipe.

Simmering slowly allows each ingredient to whisper its unique flavor story.

Nutritious and warming, this soup transforms simple ingredients into a delightful meal.

Crisp seasonal vegetables and savory broth invite you to experience a culinary journey that feels like a warm embrace.

Ladle up a bowl and savor each delicious moment.

Why Chicken Minestrone Soup Feels So Cozy

• Boost Nutrition: Packed with lean protein from chicken, fiber-rich vegetables, and hearty beans, this soup delivers a powerhouse of essential nutrients in every spoonful.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients based on what's in your pantry, making this recipe incredibly flexible for last-minute meal planning or using up leftover vegetables.
• One-Pot Wonder: Minimal dishes and straightforward cooking steps mean you'll spend less time cleaning and more time enjoying a delicious, comforting meal with your loved ones.
• Kid-Friendly Feast: Colorful vegetables and tender chicken create a balanced dish that appeals to both children and adults, transforming mealtime into a stress-free experience.

Everything You Need For Chicken Minestrone Soup

• Chicken: Shredded chicken provides hearty protein and adds substantial texture to the soup.

• Onion, Carrots, Celery: Classic soup base that creates a rich and aromatic foundation.
• Garlic, Zucchini, Green Beans: Additional vegetables that enhance flavor and nutritional value.
• Diced Tomatoes: Adds acidic brightness and creates depth in the soup's flavor profile.

• Chicken Broth, Water: Liquid base that creates the soup's consistency and carries flavors.
• Cannellini Beans: Creamy white beans that provide extra protein and a smooth texture.
• Pasta: Adds substance and makes the soup more filling.
• Oregano, Basil: Dried herbs that contribute traditional Italian seasoning.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings for balancing and enhancing overall taste.

• Parmesan Cheese, Fresh Basil Leaves: Final touches that add rich flavor and fresh appearance.

• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing vegetables and creating a smooth cooking base.

Steps To Make Chicken Minestrone Soup

Step 1: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in onions, carrots, and celery.

Cook and stir for about 5 minutes until the vegetables become soft and release their fragrant flavors.

Step 2: Add Additional Vegetable Layers

Introduce garlic, zucchini, and green beans to the pot.

Continue cooking for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables turn tender and start to blend their delicious profiles.

Step 3: Build the Soup Base

• Shredded chicken
• Diced tomatoes
• Chicken broth
• Water

Bring the entire mixture to a rolling boil, allowing the ingredients to mingle and develop depth.

Step 4: Enhance with Beans and Seasonings

• Cannellini beans
• Pasta
• Oregano
• Basil

Season with salt and pepper to suit your taste preferences.

Step 5: Simmer to Perfection

Reduce the heat and let the soup gently simmer for 10-15 minutes.

Watch as the pasta cooks and the soup thickens into a comforting blend of flavors.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Ladle the hot soup into bowls.

Sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and scatter some torn basil leaves on top for a final touch of freshness.

Helpful Tips For Chicken Minestrone Soup

• Swap chicken with tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian version of this hearty soup.
• Reduce sodium by using low-sodium chicken broth and monitoring salt addition during seasoning.
• Prep vegetables in advance to cut down cooking time and simplify meal preparation.
• Freeze leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 months, ensuring a quick meal option later.
• Select small pasta shapes like orzo or stelline to ensure even cooking and better texture in the soup.

Chicken Minestrone Soup Variations Worth Trying

• Mediterranean Minestrone: Swap chicken with lamb, add kalamata olives, and sprinkle feta cheese on top for a Greek-inspired version.
• Spicy Southwest Minestrone: Replace chicken with ground turkey, incorporate black beans, corn, and add a dash of chili powder for a zesty kick.
• Vegetarian Garden Minestrone: Eliminate chicken, boost vegetable quantity, include spinach and mushrooms, use vegetable broth for a hearty plant-based option.
• Winter Harvest Minestrone: Introduce butternut squash, kale, and swap pasta with barley for a robust, seasonal variation with richer textures.

Tasty Sides For Chicken Minestrone Soup

• Savor Rustic Italian Red Wine: Chianti pairs perfectly with the hearty chicken minestrone, complementing its robust tomato and herb flavors while cutting through the soup's richness.
• Crunch Crusty Sourdough Bread: Serve warm, artisan sourdough slices alongside the soup to soak up delicious broth and add delightful textural contrast with its tangy, crisp edges.
• Brighten with Fresh Green Salad: Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the soup's warmth, offering a crisp, zesty counterpoint that refreshes the palate.

How To Store Chicken Minestrone Soup Properly

• Refrigerate: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the soup completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Freeze: Transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers or freezer bags, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Reheat Stovetop: Pour soup into a pot, add a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking. Warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. This method helps maintain the soup's original texture.
• Microwave: Place soup in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval. Check temperature and continue heating until steaming hot.

Chicken Minestrone Soup Common Questions

• Is minestrone soup healthy?

Yes, this chicken minestrone soup is nutritionally balanced with protein from chicken, vegetables for vitamins, beans for fiber, and low-fat ingredients, making it a wholesome and healthy meal option.

• Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace chicken with plant-based protein like tofu or extra beans, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to create a delicious vegetarian version.

• What makes this soup different from traditional minestrone?

This recipe includes shredded chicken, which adds extra protein and makes the soup more filling compared to classic vegetarian minestrone soups.

• How can I add more flavor to the soup?

Enhance the taste by adding a parmesan rind during simmering, using fresh herbs instead of dried, or adding a splash of red wine vinegar just before serving for brightness.

Chicken Minestrone Soup Recipe

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4.8 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Warm comfort flows through this hearty chicken minestrone soup, blending Italian countryside traditions with rich, wholesome ingredients. Nourishing vegetables, tender chicken, and aromatic herbs create a soul-satisfying meal you’ll savor down to the last spoonful.

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Ingredients

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Main Proteins:

• 1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded
• 1 can (15 ounces/425 grams) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed

Vegetables:

• 1 onion, diced
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 zucchini, chopped
• 1 cup green beans, chopped
• 1 can (15 ounces/425 grams) diced tomatoes

Liquid and Seasonings:

• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup water
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup small pasta (like ditalini or elbow macaroni)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a spacious pot over medium-high temperature, introducing diced onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté for approximately 5 minutes until vegetables become translucent and slightly softened.
2. Incorporate minced garlic, chopped zucchini, and sliced green beans into the pot. Continue cooking for 3-4 minutes, allowing vegetables to develop a tender texture and release their aromatic essence.
3. Gently fold in pre-shredded chicken, crushed tomatoes, rich chicken broth, and additional water. Elevate heat to generate a robust boil, stirring occasionally to blend flavors harmoniously.
4. Introduce plump cannellini beans, compact pasta shapes, dried oregano, and fresh basil. Season with appropriate salt and ground pepper to enhance the overall taste profile.
5. Reduce cooking temperature to a gentle simmer. Allow soup to develop depth for 10-15 minutes, ensuring pasta reaches perfect al dente consistency and liquid reduces to create a hearty, thickened texture.
6. Ladle steaming soup into serving bowls. Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and delicate basil leaves for an elegant finishing touch.

Notes

• Swap proteins easily by using leftover turkey, tofu, or white fish instead of chicken for a versatile meal adaptation.
• Create a gluten-free version by substituting regular pasta with zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta alternatives.
• Enhance soup’s depth by roasting vegetables before adding them to develop richer, more complex flavors.
• Boost nutritional value by adding extra vegetables like spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking for additional nutrients and color.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg