There’s nothing like a warm bowl of soup to soothe the soul, especially when it’s packed with tender chicken, hearty pasta, and fresh vegetables. This Chicken and Pasta Soup is not only delicious but also incredibly satisfying, thanks to its savory broth enriched with aromatic herbs and spices. Perfect for any time of the year, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your household. Let’s dive into the recipe and discover how to create this comforting dish.
Ingredients:
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 1/2 cups diced carrots (3 medium, diced small)
- 1 1/2 cups diced celery (3 stalks, diced small)
- Finely chop one medium yellow onion to make approximately 1 1/2 cups.
- 2 Tbsp peeled and minced ginger
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 Tbsp lemongrass paste (found in the produce section near the herbs)
- Four 14.5-ounce cans of low-sodium chicken broth
- 3/4 tsp ground turmeric
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinned to an even 1/2-inch thickness
- 2/3 cup of dry acini de pepe or orzo pasta
- 1/3 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
Instructions:
- Cooking the Vegetables:
- Warm the olive oil in a large skillet set to medium heat. Add the diced carrots, celery, and chopped yellow onion. Sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Incorporating Aromatics:
- Mix in the minced ginger, garlic, and lemongrass paste. Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the mixture is aromatic.
- Creating the Broth:
- Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and add the ground turmeric. Add salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Cooking the Chicken:
- Add the pounded chicken breasts to the pot. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Shredding the Chicken:
- Take the chicken out of the pot and use two forks to pull it apart into shreds. Return the shredded pieces to the pot.
- Cooking the Pasta:
- Stir in the dry acini de pepe or orzo pasta. Continue to simmer the soup for another 8-10 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente.
- Finishing Touches:
- Mix in the chopped fresh parsley and drizzle in the fresh lemon juice. Adjust the seasoning as needed by adding more salt and pepper to taste.
- Serving:
- Serve the hot soup by ladling it into bowls right away. Garnish with additional parsley if preferred.
Conclusion:
This Chicken and Pasta Soup is a wonderful combination of flavors and textures that promises to satisfy both your taste buds and your hunger. The tender chicken, paired with the delicate pasta and fresh vegetables, creates a hearty and wholesome meal. The aromatic broth, enhanced with ginger, garlic, and lemongrass, adds depth and richness to every spoonful. Perfect for a family dinner or a comforting lunch, this soup is sure to warm your heart and soul. Enjoy the cozy and nourishing delight of this homemade soup!