Chicken Minestrone Soup

Chicken Minestrone Soup is a wholesome and nourishing dish that combines the hearty goodness of traditional minestrone with tender chunks of chicken. This soup is packed with a vibrant array of vegetables, beans, pasta, and aromatic herbs, all simmered in a rich and flavorful broth. The addition of chicken adds extra protein, making it a satisfying meal perfect for any time of the year. Ideal for a comforting lunch or dinner, this Chicken Minestrone Soup is a delightful way to enjoy a variety of nutritious ingredients in one bowl.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 zucchini, diced
• 1 yellow squash, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 (15-ounce) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup small pasta (such as ditalini or elbow macaroni)
• 2 cups fresh spinach or kale, chopped
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for garnish)
• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Cook the chicken: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
2. Sauté the vegetables: In the same pot, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until it becomes translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Add the vegetables: Stir in the diced carrots, celery, zucchini, yellow squash, and red bell pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.
4. Add tomatoes and broth: Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juice and the chicken broth. Stir in the cannellini beans, green beans, dried oregano, dried basil, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
5. Cook the pasta: While the soup is simmering, cook the pasta separately according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
6. Combine the ingredients: Return the cooked chicken to the pot. Stir in the chopped spinach or kale and the cooked pasta. Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes until the greens are wilted and the pasta is heated through.
7. Serve: Ladle the Chicken Minestrone Soup into bowls and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil or parsley.

Enjoy your Chicken Minestrone Soup as a delicious and comforting meal that combines the classic flavors of minestrone with the added heartiness of tender chicken, perfect for a nutritious and satisfying meal.