Hearty Chicken and Pasta Soup: A Comforting Bowl of Goodness

There’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of hearty chicken and pasta soup to bring comfort and warmth to your day. Whether you’re battling a cold, looking for a cozy meal on a chilly evening, or simply craving something nourishing, this soup is the perfect solution. With tender chicken, wholesome vegetables, and flavorful herbs, every spoonful is packed with goodness.

The combination of savory broth, aromatic ginger and lemongrass, and delicate pasta creates a satisfying and deeply comforting dish. Plus, it’s easy to make and filled with nutritious ingredients that support your overall well-being. Let’s dive into the full recipe, explore its health benefits, and discover how you can customize it to fit your taste.

Why You’ll Love This Hearty Chicken and Pasta Soup

• Warm and Comforting – Perfect for cold days or when you need a soothing meal.
• Nutrient-Packed – Loaded with protein, vitamins, and immune-boosting ingredients.
• Simple to Make – Requires minimal effort with easy-to-follow steps.
• Customizable – Swap ingredients to suit your dietary needs and preferences.
• Great for Meal Prep – Stores well and tastes even better the next day!

Ingredients for Hearty Chicken and Pasta Soup

Here’s everything you need to make this delicious homemade soup:

Main Ingredients

Ingredient	Quantity
Olive oil	2 Tbsp
Carrots, diced	1 ½ cups (about 3 medium)
Celery, diced	1 ½ cups (about 3 stalks)
Yellow onion, finely chopped	1 ½ cups (about 1 medium onion)
Ginger, peeled and minced	2 Tbsp
Garlic, minced	4 cloves
Lemongrass paste	1 ½ Tbsp
Low-sodium chicken broth	Four 14.5-ounce cans
Ground turmeric	¾ tsp
Salt and black pepper	To taste
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts	1 lb (pounded to ½-inch thickness)
Acini de pepe or orzo pasta	⅔ cup
Fresh parsley, chopped	⅓ cup
Fresh lemon juice	2 Tbsp

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Chicken and Pasta Soup

1. Sauté the Vegetables

• Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
• Add diced carrots, celery, and chopped onion.
• Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened.

2. Add the Aromatics

• Stir in the minced ginger, garlic, and lemongrass paste.
• Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until fragrant.

3. Prepare the Broth

• Pour in the chicken broth and add ground turmeric.
• Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
• Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

4. Cook the Chicken

• Place the chicken breasts into the simmering broth.
• Reduce the heat to low and cook for 15-20 minutes, until tender and cooked through.

5. Shred the Chicken

• Remove the chicken from the pot.
• Use two forks to shred the meat into bite-sized pieces.
• Return the shredded chicken to the soup.

6. Cook the Pasta

• Stir in the acini de pepe or orzo pasta.
• Simmer for 8-10 minutes, until the pasta is al dente.

7. Add the Finishing Touches

• Mix in chopped parsley and fresh lemon juice.
• Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

8. Serve and Enjoy!

• Ladle the soup into bowls while hot.
• Garnish with extra parsley if desired.

Health Benefits of Hearty Chicken and Pasta Soup

1. Strengthens the Immune System

• Garlic, ginger, and turmeric have natural anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties.
• Lemongrass contains antioxidants that help fight infections.

2. Provides Essential Nutrients

• Carrots and celery provide fiber, vitamins A and C, and minerals for overall health.
• Chicken is rich in protein, essential for muscle growth and repair.

3. Aids Digestion and Gut Health

• Lemon juice promotes digestion and helps detoxify the body.
• Ginger soothes the stomach and reduces nausea.

4. Hydrating and Nourishing

• The broth helps keep you hydrated while delivering a comforting, warming effect.

Expert Tips for the Best Chicken and Pasta Soup

1. Use Fresh Ingredients

• Fresh ginger, garlic, and parsley enhance the flavor and nutritional value of the soup.

2. Make It Creamy

• Add ½ cup of coconut milk or heavy cream for a rich, creamy texture.

3. Customize the Protein

• Swap chicken breasts for thighs for extra juiciness.
• Try shredded rotisserie chicken for a quicker version.

4. Control the Thickness

• For a thicker soup, add ¼ cup more pasta or let the broth reduce slightly.

5. Add Extra Vegetables

• Stir in spinach, kale, or zucchini for added nutrients.

Delicious Variations of Chicken and Pasta Soup

1. Spicy Chicken Soup

• Add ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

2. Thai-Inspired Chicken Soup

• Stir in 1 Tbsp coconut milk and ½ tsp fish sauce for Thai flavors.

3. Low-Carb Chicken Soup

• Swap pasta for cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.

4. Slow Cooker Version

• Cook everything in a slow cooker for 6-8 hours on low.

How to Store and Reheat Chicken and Pasta Soup

1. Refrigerating Leftovers

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

2. Freezing for Later

• Freeze the soup in individual portions for up to 3 months.
• If freezing, cook the pasta separately and add it when reheating.

3. Best Way to Reheat

• Stovetop: Simmer on low heat until warm.
• Microwave: Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! Ditalini, rotini, or egg noodles work well in this soup.

2. How can I make this soup dairy-free?

Simply omit the butter and use a dairy-free broth.

3. Can I prepare this soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! Make it a day in advance and let the flavors meld together.

4. What’s the best substitute for lemongrass paste?

Use ½ teaspoon lemon zest + ½ teaspoon ginger as a replacement.

5. Is this soup kid-friendly?

Yes! It’s mild, flavorful, and packed with nutritious ingredients.

6. How do I thicken the soup?

Let it simmer longer or stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 Tbsp cornstarch + 2 Tbsp water).

Final Thoughts & Call to Action

This hearty chicken and pasta soup is the perfect balance of warmth, flavor, and nutrition. Whether you’re making it for a cozy night in, meal prepping for the week, or preparing a nourishing dish for a loved one, this soup never disappoints.

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