Description

This hearty chicken and pasta soup is a comforting, flavorful, and nourishing dish perfect for any time of the year. Packed with tender chicken, wholesome vegetables, and aromatic spices like ginger, turmeric, and lemongrass, this soup delivers warmth and goodness in every spoonful. Whether you’re feeling under the weather or simply craving a cozy meal, this homemade soup is guaranteed to satisfy!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Soup:

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 ½ cups diced carrots (about 3 medium)
1 ½ cups diced celery (about 3 stalks)
1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped (about 1 ½ cups)
2 tablespoons peeled and minced ginger
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 ½ tablespoons lemongrass paste
Four 14.5-ounce cans low-sodium chicken broth
¾ teaspoon ground turmeric
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (pounded to ½-inch thickness)
⅔ cup dry acini de pepe or orzo pasta
⅓ cup chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

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Instructions

Sauté the Vegetables
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the diced carrots, celery, and chopped onion.
- Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
Add the Aromatics
- Stir in the minced ginger, garlic, and lemongrass paste.
- Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant.
Prepare the Broth
- Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth.
- Add ground turmeric, salt, and black pepper.
- Bring the soup to a gentle simmer.
Cook the Chicken
- Place the pounded chicken breasts into the simmering broth.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the chicken cook for 15-20 minutes, or until tender and fully cooked.
Shred the Chicken
- Remove the cooked chicken from the pot.
- Use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces.
- Return the shredded chicken to the pot.
Cook the Pasta
- Stir in the acini de pepe or orzo pasta.
- Simmer for 8-10 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked al dente.
Add Finishing Touches
- Stir in the chopped parsley and freshly squeezed lemon juice.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Serve and Enjoy
- Ladle the soup into bowls while hot.
- Garnish with extra parsley if desired.
- Serve with crusty bread or a light salad for a complete meal.

Notes

For a richer broth, add a splash of coconut milk or a pat of butter before serving.
For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper.
To make it gluten-free, swap the pasta for rice or gluten-free noodles.
Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 4 days and can be frozen for up to 3 months.
If freezing, cook the pasta separately and add it when reheating to avoid mushiness.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Soup
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Comfort Food