When it comes to comfort food, nothing hits the spot quite like a warm, hearty soup. Enter Healthy Italian Chicken Soup with Veggies & Herbs: a deliciously satisfying dish that brings together savory chicken, vibrant vegetables, and aromatic herbs in one fuss-free recipe. This soup doesn’t just warm you up; it delights your taste buds while packing a nutritious punch. Did you know that traditional Italian soups often focus on clean flavors and fresh ingredients? This one follows suit, making it a perfect weeknight dinner that the whole family will love!
What’s more special about this soup is its simplicity. With just a handful of wholesome ingredients, you can whip up a pot of deliciousness in under an hour. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak in some extra veggies for your kids. If you’re a fan of other fulfilling soups like our Creamy Tomato Basil Soup, you’re bound to find this Italian version just as comforting and enjoyable! So grab your favorite bowl and spoon, because you’re going to want every last drop of this delightful soup!
What is Healthy Italian Chicken Soup with Veggies & Herbs?
Healthy Italian Chicken Soup with Veggies & Herbs—what a mouthful, huh? But don’t let the name fool you; it’s as delightful as it sounds! You might be wondering why it’s called “Italian”—is there a special secret or family recipe passed down through generations? While I may not have a Nonna stirring a pot in my kitchen, this soup beautifully shines a light on classic Italian traditions with its fresh ingredients and vibrant taste. After all, they say, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” so why not bring some Italian charm to your kitchen?
And speaking of charm, this soup is easy to make and even easier to love! So if you’re curious and your appetite is whetted, grab your apron, and let’s dive into this comforting bowl of goodness!
Why You’ll Love This Healthy Italian Chicken Soup with Veggies & Herbs
This Healthy Italian Chicken Soup is sure to become a staple in your meal rotation, and here’s why:
- Hearty and Healthy: The star of the show is tender chicken that infuses the broth with rich flavor, while colorful veggies like carrots, zucchini, and spinach provide essential vitamins and nutrients. With every spoonful, you can enjoy a fulfilling and nutritious meal.
- Cost-Effective: Making this soup at home is not only easy; it’s easy on your wallet too! With simple ingredients you might already have in your pantry or fridge, creating this delicious soup will save you from the expense of takeout.
- Flavorful Toppings: Fresh herbs like parsley and basil or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese elevate the flavors, making it comforting and cozy. Each bowl is not just a meal but a culinary experience that rivals your favorite Italian restaurant.
If you love this recipe, be sure to check out our Tuscan White Bean Soup for another hearty, flavorful dish that the family will adore!
How to Make Healthy Italian Chicken Soup with Veggies & Herbs
Quick Overview
Making Healthy Italian Chicken Soup is not just about the taste; it’s the entire experience! With its delightful blend of chicken, fresh veggies, and aromatic herbs, you’ll whip this soup up in just 40 minutes—perfect for a weeknight meal when time is of the essence!
Key Ingredients for Healthy Italian Chicken Soup with Veggies & Herbs
To create this comforting soup, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the boneless chicken breast and sauté until golden brown on both sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In the same pot, add chopped onion and sauté until translucent. Toss in minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add Veggies: Stir in sliced carrots and diced zucchini. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they start to soften.
- Bring It All Together: Pour in the chicken broth and canned diced tomatoes. Add the dried oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Cook the Chicken: Return the chicken to the pot. Reduce heat to a simmer and allow to cook for another 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Final Touches: Remove the chicken breast, shred it with two forks, and return the shredded chicken to the pot. Stir in the fresh spinach and allow the soup to heat through for a couple of minutes.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with additional fresh basil, if desired. Enjoy your delicious and healthy creation!
What to Serve Healthy Italian Chicken Soup With
This scrumptious soup pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with crusty Italian bread for dipping, a fresh side salad with zingy vinaigrette, or even a platter of antipasti for a well-rounded meal. If you want a delightful drink, a glass of sparkling water or a light white wine can complement the meal perfectly!
Top Tips for Perfecting Healthy Italian Chicken Soup
- Seasoning Adjustment: Feel free to adjust the herbs to your taste. Fresh herbs bring great flavor, but dried herbs work well too—just reduce the quantity since dried herbs are more concentrated.
- Vegetable Variations: Use seasonal vegetables or what you have on hand! Bell peppers, green beans, or potatoes can easily substitute for the zucchini or carrots.
- Cook’s Note: If you want a thicker broth, consider adding small pasta or rice; just adjust the liquid accordingly.
Storing and Reheating Tips
This Healthy Italian Chicken Soup is perfect for leftovers! Store any excess in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. If you’d like to keep it longer, this soup freezes beautifully—just make sure to let it cool before transferring to freezer-safe containers. It can be stored for up to 3 months.
To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight, then warm on the stove over medium heat until heated through. Enjoy that delightful first bowl all over again!
Now that you have everything you need to whip up this healthy and delicious Italian chicken soup, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients and get cooking! Your taste buds will thank you!
Healthy Italian Chicken Soup with Veggies & Herbs
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the boneless chicken breast and sauté until golden brown on both sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.
Aromatics
- In the same pot, add chopped onion and sauté until translucent. Toss in minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
Adding Veggies
- Stir in sliced carrots and diced zucchini. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they start to soften.
Combine Ingredients
- Pour in the chicken broth and canned diced tomatoes. Add the dried oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
Cook Chicken
- Return the chicken to the pot. Reduce heat to a simmer and allow to cook for another 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
Final Steps
- Remove the chicken breast, shred it with two forks, and return the shredded chicken to the pot. Stir in the fresh spinach and allow the soup to heat through for a couple of minutes.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with additional fresh basil, if desired. Enjoy your delicious and healthy creation!
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