Hearty Chicken and Vegetable Soup – A Comforting Bowl of Nourishment

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When the day winds down and the air feels a little coolernothing beats a warmhearty bowl of soup. You know that feeling—snuggling into your favorite spot with a bowl that’s both nourishing and comforting. This hearty chicken and vegetable soup recipe is exactly what you need to lift your spirits and fuel your body with wholesome goodness.

Made with lean chickenfresh veggiesand tender pastathis recipe is simpleflavorfuland perfect for any day you crave a cozy meal. Whether you’re cooking for your familymeal prepping for the weekor just treating yourself to a homemade classicthis soup checks all the boxes. Plusit’s loaded with nutrients and easy to customize. Ready to learn how to make this delicious bowl of comfort? Let’s dive in.  Indulge in gourmet dining at home with our Baked Spinach Mushroom Quesadillas

Why You’ll Love This Hearty Chicken and Vegetable Soup

You might wonder what sets this recipe apart from any other soup. Here’s why it deserves a spot in your go-to dinner rotation:

• Nutrient-packed: This soup combines protein-rich chicken with vitamin-loaded vegetables like carrotsceleryand butternut squash. It’s an all-around nourishing meal that supports your energy and immune system.
• Simpleone-pot meal: With everything cooking togethercleanup is a breeze. You don’t have to juggle multiple pots or pans.
• Flexible and customizable: Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables or adjust seasonings to suit your taste buds.
• Comfort food that satisfies: The gentle simmer brings out rich flavors that warm you from the inside out — exactly what you want on chilly days.

By choosing this soupyou’re making a smarttasty decision that feeds both body and soul.

Ingredients You’ll Need for the Perfect Bowl

Before you startgather these fresh ingredients. Having everything prepped will make the cooking process smooth and enjoyable.

Main Ingredients Table

Ingredient	Quantity	Notes / Tips
Olive oil	1 tbsp	For sautéing the veggies
Onion	1 largefinely diced	Adds sweetness and aroma
Celery	4 sticksfinely diced	Builds soup flavor layers
Carrots	3peeled & cubed	Adds color and natural sweetness
Potato	1 largepeeled & cubed	Use Yukon Gold or Russet
Butternut squash	1 cup (150g)cubed	Adds a gentle sweetness
Salt	1 tsp	Adjust to your taste
Dried thyme or Italian seasoning	1 tsp	Herbs for earthy aroma
Chicken broth	6 cups (1.4 liters)hot	Use low sodium if preferred
Chicken tenders	2 lbs (900g)	Or mini chicken breasts
Tomato paste	3-4 tbsp	Deepens flavor and richness
Zucchini	1cubed	Adds freshness and texture
Sweet corn	1/2 cup (150g)	Freshfrozenor canned
Fregola or risoni pasta	1/2 cup (75g)	Or any small pasta shape
Lemon juice	1 tbsp	Brightens the soup flavor
Fresh parsley	2 tbspchopped	Plus extra for garnish
Salt & pepper	To taste	Final seasoning adjustment
Grated Parmesan cheese	For garnish (optional)	Adds a savory topping

Step-by-Step Instructions for the Best Chicken and Vegetable Soup

Cooking this soup is straightforward — just follow these simple stepsand you’ll have a delicious meal ready in under an hour.

Step 1: Sauté Your Base

• Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
• Add the diced onioncelerycarrotspotatoand butternut squash.
• Sprinkle in the salt and your choice of dried thyme or Italian seasoning.
• Stir frequently and cook for about 5 minutesallowing the vegetables to soften and release their flavors.

Step 2: Add Broth and Chicken

• Pour the hot chicken broth into the pot.
• Stir in the chicken tenders and tomato paste.
• Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
• Cover partially and let it simmer over medium-low heat for about 15 minutesuntil the chicken is cooked through.

Step 3: Add Remaining Vegetables and Pasta

• Add the cubed zucchinisweet cornfregola (or your chosen pasta)and lemon juice.
• Continue cooking for an additional 10 to 13 minutesstirring occasionally until the pasta is tender.

Step 4: Shred and Return the Chicken

• Remove the chicken tenders using tongs.
• Shred the meat finely using two forks.
• Return the shredded chicken back into the pot.
• Stir in the chopped fresh parsley.
• Taste the soup and adjust salt and pepper as needed.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

• Ladle the hot soup into bowls.
• Garnish with extra parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheeseif desired.
• Serve with lemon wedges on the side for an added citrusy zing.

Tips for Perfecting Your Hearty Chicken and Vegetable Soup

You can easily elevate this recipe with a few handy tips that help enhance flavor and texture:

• Use homemade chicken broth for a richerdeeper taste that you can’t get from store-bought versions.
• Swap veggies seasonally: Try sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoesor add green beans and peas for more color and crunch.
• Make it creamy: Stir in a splash of creamhalf-and-halfor coconut milk just before serving for a luscious texture.
• Try gluten-free options: Replace pasta with ricequinoaor gluten-free noodles if you’re avoiding gluten.
• Add heat: A pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce can add a warming kick.

By experimenting with these ideasyou can tailor the soup to your preferences every time you make it.

Storage and Meal Prep Tips

This soup isn’t just a one-time meal — it’s perfect for leftovers and freezing for busy days.

• Refrigerator: Store cooled soup in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. To avoid mushy pastacook and freeze it separately or add fresh pasta when reheating.
• Reheating: Warm gently on the stove or microwaveadding a splash of broth or water to loosen the consistency if needed.

Meal prepping this soup means you always have a comfortingnutritious meal ready when time is tight.

Nutritional Benefits of Chicken and Vegetable Soup

When you sit down with a bowl of this soupyou’re nourishing your body in many important ways:

• Lean protein: Chicken tenders provide high-quality protein essential for muscle repair and satiety.
• Vitamins and minerals: The colorful mix of carrotssquashzucchiniand corn gives you a boost of vitamins ACand K along with antioxidants.
• Complex carbs: Potato and pasta offer energy-sustaining carbohydrates without spiking your blood sugar.
• Low fat: Using olive oil and lean chicken keeps this meal light but filling.
• Hydrating and comforting: The broth hydrates and sootheshelping with digestion and warmth.

If you’re mindful of sodiumopt for low-sodium broth and control the salt you add yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make Hearty Chicken and Vegetable Soup in a slow cooker?

Yes! Start by sautéing your veggies on the stovethen transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Add pasta during the last 30 minutes.

Can I use leftover cooked chicken?

Definitely. Add shredded or cubed leftover chicken during the last 10 minutes of cooking to warm it through without drying it out.

How can I thicken the soup?

If you prefer a thicker consistencymash some of the cooked potatoes directly in the pot or stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water) while simmering.

Is this soup gluten-free?

It can be easily made gluten-free by swapping the fregola or risoni pasta with gluten-free pastariceor quinoa.

Conclusion – A Bowl Full of Comfort and Goodness

This hearty chicken and vegetable soup isn’t just a meal — it’s an experience. It wraps you in warmthoffers nourishmentand satisfies hunger with wholesome ingredients you can trust. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or your loved onesthis recipe fits perfectly into your busy life and health goals.

So why wait? Gather your ingredientsstart simmeringand enjoy a comforting bowl that fuels your day and feeds your soul. Share your variations and stories — I’d love to hear how you make this soup your own!

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