Description
A simple chicken and pasta soup brightened with lemon and parsley, perfect for comfort food when feeling under the weather.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced (about 1 cup)
- 3 medium carrots, sliced into rounds
- 3 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian option)
- 1 whole chicken breast, bone-in and skin-on (about 1 pound)
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 cup small pasta (ditalini, orzo, or small shells)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese for garnish
- Extra virgin olive oil for drizzling
- Crusty Italian bread for serving
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5–7 minutes until vegetables soften and onion is translucent.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and nestle chicken breast into the pot. Add bay leaves, oregano, thyme, and red pepper flakes if using. Bring to a gentle boil, then lower heat to keep at a steady simmer.
- Partially cover and simmer for 25–30 minutes, or until chicken is fully cooked and shreds easily. Remove chicken breast and set aside to cool slightly.
- Remove skin and bones, shred meat into bite-sized pieces, and return to the pot. Season broth with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bring soup back to a gentle boil. Add pasta and cook per package directions until al dente.
- Remove bay leaves and stir in fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve with grated Parmigiano-Reggiano and a drizzle of olive oil.
Notes
For a creamier texture, consider adding more cheese or cream. Adjust the acidity by adding lemon juice just before serving to keep the flavor fresh.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: soup, chicken, Italian, comfort food, quick meal, healthy