Lorna's Delicious Chicken Minestrone Soup

Lorna's Delicious Chicken Minestrone Soup
Lorna's Delicious Chicken Minestrone Soup
Delicious and quick
  • Preparing Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Served Person: 10
contains white meat tree nut free nut free contains gluten red meat free shellfish free contains dairy
  • 3 cups water
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 teaspoons dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
  • 2 cups celery chopped
  • 1 large onion peeled and chopped
  • 16 ounces chicken (i cooked ahead of time)
  • 1 1/2 cups yellow or zucchini squash chopped
  • 28 ounces canned tomatoes pureed
  • 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar or red wine vinegar
  • 15 ounces great northern beans canned
  • 1 cup spiral pasta
  • parmesan or romano cheese grated as a garnish
  • Carbohydrate 28.7122755407529 g
  • Cholesterol 234.37142772 mg
  • Fat 45.3504462017838 g
  • Fiber 3.38294010302082 g
  • Protein 60.8335653877222 g
  • Saturated Fat 12.7835527779213 g
  • Serving Size 1 1 Serving (530g)
  • Sodium 401.982946699483 mg
  • Sugar 25.3293354377321 g
  • Trans Fat 4.00811268584417 g
  • Calories 776 calories

Lorna's Delicious Chicken Minestrone Soup: A Busy Woman's Delight

As a working mom, time is my most precious commodity. Juggling work deadlines, school pick-ups, and household chores leaves little room for elaborate cooking. That's why I’ve become a master of quick, healthy, and delicious meals. This Chicken Minestrone Soup is a perfect example. It’s a hearty, flavourful, and nutritious dish that comes together in under an hour – perfect for a busy weeknight.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and adaptability. I often use pre-cooked chicken to shave off even more time. Feel free to experiment with different vegetables based on what’s in season or what you have on hand. Zucchini, carrots, and even spinach would be delicious additions. The canned tomatoes provide a rich base, but you can easily use fresh tomatoes during the summer months. And don't be afraid to adjust the spices to your liking; a dash of red pepper flakes can add a nice kick!

This soup is not just a quick meal; it’s a comforting hug in a bowl. The savory broth, tender chicken, and hearty vegetables create a symphony of flavors that will warm you from the inside out. I often make a big batch on the weekend and store it in the fridge for quick lunches throughout the week. It’s also fantastic for meal prepping – simply portion it out into containers and you'll have healthy lunches ready to go all week long. The leftovers are even better the next day, allowing the flavors to meld and deepen.

Beyond the convenience and flavor, this Chicken Minestrone is incredibly nutritious. It’s packed with protein from the chicken and beans, fiber from the vegetables, and essential vitamins and minerals. It's a complete meal that keeps you feeling full and energized without weighing you down. This soup perfectly embodies my philosophy of healthy eating: quick, easy, delicious, and packed with goodness.

Serving this soup is also a breeze. I often pair it with a simple side salad or a crusty bread for a complete meal. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese adds a touch of elegance, but it’s delicious even without it. It’s the perfect meal for a busy weeknight, a cozy weekend lunch, or even a quick and satisfying dinner party meal. The versatility of this soup is one of its greatest strengths.

One of my favorite things about this recipe is its adaptability. I often adjust it based on what I have available. Sometimes I add leftover roasted vegetables, other times I use different types of beans. The beauty of minestrone is that it's a very forgiving dish. Don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own! Try adding different herbs, spices, or vegetables – the possibilities are endless.

So, if you're looking for a healthy, delicious, and incredibly easy soup recipe, look no further. Lorna's Chicken Minestrone Soup is a lifesaver for busy individuals and families alike. It’s a recipe I turn to time and time again, and I know it will quickly become a staple in your kitchen, too. The simple pleasure of a warm bowl of soup on a chilly evening is priceless. And knowing that it's both healthy and satisfying makes it even better.

The fragrant aroma alone is enough to make your mouth water. The combination of chicken, vegetables, and herbs creates a flavor profile that's both comforting and exciting. It’s the kind of soup that brings people together, warming both their bodies and their hearts. Whether you're enjoying it solo or sharing it with loved ones, this Chicken Minestrone is sure to please.

In conclusion, this recipe isn't just about the food; it's about the ease and joy of creating something delicious without sacrificing time or health. It's a reflection of my life as a busy working mom who appreciates a good, home-cooked meal, but doesn't have hours to spend in the kitchen. This soup is my testament to the fact that healthy, delicious, and convenient can all coexist in perfect harmony.

So, grab your ingredients, put on some music, and get ready to create a delicious and comforting bowl of Lorna's Chicken Minestrone Soup. You won't regret it! It’s more than just a meal; it's a moment of peace and nourishment in the midst of a busy life. Enjoy!

Step-by-step

    • In soup pot, sauté chicken in oil.
    • Cut chicken into bite-size chunks and set aside. (I used chicken breast already cooked and added at the end)
    • Sauté garlic and onion in remaining oil
    • Add celery, squash, tomatoes with juice, chicken broth, water, herbs, spices, chicken and beans
    • Simmer, covered for about 30 minutes
    • Add pasta after cooked to avoid the starch in the soup