Description
A warm and comforting Italian soup, perfect for cold days and packed with flavors from fresh ingredients and herbs.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 large onion (diced, about 1 cup)
- 3 medium carrots (sliced into rounds)
- 3 stalks celery (chopped)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 1 whole chicken breast (bone-in, skin-on, about 1 pound)
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 cup small pasta (such as ditalini, orzo, or shells)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme
- 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 0.25 cup fresh parsley (chopped)
- Parmigiano-Reggiano (freshly grated, optional)
- Extra virgin olive oil (for drizzling)
- Crusty Italian bread (for serving)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat.
- Sauté the onion, carrots, and celery for 5–7 minutes, until they become softened.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute, being careful not to brown it.
- Pour in the chicken broth and add the chicken breast, bay leaves, oregano, thyme, and red pepper flakes if you are using them.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer. Cover it partially and cook for 25–30 minutes.
- After 25–30 minutes, remove the chicken from the pot. Let it cool slightly, then shred the meat using two forks. Discard the skin and bones.
- Return the shredded chicken to the pot and season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Add the pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente, about 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Remove the bay leaves before serving. Stir in fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly grated cheese and a drizzle of olive oil if desired. Serve with crusty Italian bread.
Notes
For a richer flavor, roast the chicken before adding it to the pot. You can also customize with your favorite vegetables.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg