Description
A cozy healing comfort food recipe made with tender chicken, small pasta, vegetables, garlic, herbs, and rich Italian-style broth. This warm and nourishing soup is perfect for cold days, flu season, or anytime you need a comforting bowl that feels like a natural remedy and a hug in one.
Ingredients
1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
2 tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 medium carrots, sliced
2 celery stalks, sliced
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup small pasta (ditalini, orzo, or small shells)
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried thyme
1/2 tsp dried basil
1 bay leaf
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté for 5–6 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Pour in chicken broth and add oregano, thyme, basil, and bay leaf. Bring to a gentle boil.
Add chicken and simmer for 20–25 minutes until fully cooked and tender.
Remove chicken, shred it with two forks, and return it to the pot.
Add pasta and cook for 8–10 minutes until al dente, stirring occasionally.
Season with salt and black pepper to taste, then remove the bay leaf.
Stir in lemon juice, fresh parsley, and Parmesan cheese if using.
Serve hot and enjoy.
Notes
For best flavor, use bone-in chicken or bone broth if available for a richer, more healing taste.
If storing leftovers, cook the pasta separately or slightly undercook it to prevent it from becoming mushy.
Fresh lemon juice at the end brightens the soup and balances the richness—don’t skip it.
This soup thickens as it sits, so add a splash of broth or water when reheating if needed.
You can easily boost nutrition by adding spinach, kale, or zucchini during the last few minutes of cooking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg