Cozy Chicken and Spinach Soup

My Cozy Chicken and Spinach Soup recipe is comfort food at its finest! Quick, easy, and packed with flavor. This Italian-inspired soup is perfect for a chilly evening. Try it tonight!

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy a cosy bowl of comfort? This chicken and spinach soup recipe is just the ticket. Honestly, is there anything better on a chilly evening?

Brief Overview

This simple soup has Italian roots, think nonna's kitchen. It is easy to make and ready in under an hour. It makes about six servings for a family meal.

Main Benefits

Chicken and spinach soup is packed with protein and vitamins. It’s perfect when you are feeling a bit under the weather. What makes it extra special? It’s so quick to whip up!

Ready to get cooking? Let's talk ingredients for our chicken and spinach soup .

The Magic Behind the Soup: A Peek at the Ingredients

Here's what you'll need. Nothing too fancy, promise!

• The Foundation: Olive oil, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (optional), chicken broth, and a bay leaf.
• The Stars: Chicken breasts, spinach, and small pasta (like ditalini or chicken and spinach orzo ).
• The Finishing Touches: Salt, pepper, Parmesan (optional), and lemon wedges (a must, in my opinion!).

Let's look into Into the Base

First, the base. think of it as building a flavour house. sauté those veggies until they're soft and fragrant. the italian seasoning and red pepper flakes give it a little oomph .

Good quality chicken stock recipe can elevate the taste.

Chicken and Spinach Orzo

Next, the chicken goes in. remember not to overcook it. nobody likes dry chicken. if you want to make spinach orzo soup , then it's time to add basil orzo .

Cook it until it is al dente.

The Green Goodness: Adding the Spinach

The spinach goes in last. Just until it wilts. If you are using frozen, make sure to squeeze out all the excess water. Otherwise, your chicken and spinach soup will be watery.

Serving Suggestions

Serve it up! Grated Parmesan and a squeeze of lemon. Honestly? This lemon orzo soup is incredible. Crusty bread for dipping is a must. You can use Pasta Parmesan too.

Alright, mate, let's talk about what you need to whip up this amazing chicken and spinach soup . Don't worry, it's easier than doing the washing up after a Sunday roast! You might be thinking about Chicken and Spinach Orzo , well, just add orzo, innit?

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Sorted!

Main Ingredients: The Soup Stars

Right, first up, the stars of the show. Getting good ingredients is like having a great band, you know? Makes all the difference.

• Olive oil: 1 tablespoon (15 ml) . Any kind will do, just not that fancy expensive stuff, unless you are feeling flush.
• Onion: 1 medium , chopped. About a cup's worth. It is just for the base so it doesn't need to be perfect.
• Carrots: 2 medium , diced. Again, roughly a cup.
• Celery: 2 stalks , diced. Cup's worth, like the carrots. If you don't have any celery just chuck in a bit more carrot, no biggie.
• Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. About two teaspoons. Honestly, I often chuck in an extra clove 'cause I love garlic!
• Italian seasoning: 1 teaspoon , dried. Essential for that flavour.
• Red pepper flakes: ½ teaspoon (optional). If you like a bit of a kick, like me!
• Chicken broth : 8 cups (approx. 1.9 liters) . Go for low-sodium if you're watching your salt intake. You can use Chicken Stock Recipe for it.
• Bay leaf: 1 . Don't skip this. It adds a lovely depth.
• Chicken breasts: 1 pound (450g) , boneless and skinless, cut into pieces.
• Fresh spinach: 5 ounces (140g) , roughly chopped. Frozen works too, just squeeze out the water.
• Small pasta (optional): ½ cup (approx. 60g) . Ditalini or Spinach Orzo are great.
• Salt and pepper: To taste.

For the chicken, look for plump, pink breasts. They shouldn't smell funny, obviously.

Seasoning Notes: Flavour Town

The secret sauce is in the seasoning. Think of it like adding the right soundtrack to a film.

• Italian seasoning is a must. It's a mix of oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary. You could even make your own!
• Red pepper flakes give it a bit of a warmth. Go easy if you don't like spice.
• Parmesan cheese is lovely on top. A bit of Pasta Parmesan makes everything better.
• A squeeze of lemon at the end brightens it up. Kind of like adding fairy lights to the Christmas tree.

Got no Italian seasoning? Use a mix of dried oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary. Easy peasy.

Equipment Needed: What You'll Need

Keep it simple, yeah? You don't need loads of fancy gadgets.

• Large stockpot or Dutch oven.
• Cutting board.
• Chef's knife.
• Measuring cups and spoons.
• Ladle.

Don't have a stockpot? A big saucepan will do the trick. The soup will be just as lush.

Cozy Chicken and Spinach Soup: A Hug in a Bowl

Honestly, who doesn't love a good, comforting soup? this chicken and spinach soup is like getting a warm hug on a chilly day! inspired by italian flavors, it’s packed with goodness and super easy to whip up.

It’s quick, it’s healthy-ish, and the whole family will love it. i learned this recipe from my grandma!

Prep Like a Pro: Mise en Place

Before you even think about turning on the hob, get your mise en place sorted. chop your onion (1 medium), dice those carrots and celery (2 each), and mince your garlic (2 cloves).

This makes life so much easier. saves you from that frantic "oh my gosh, where's the celery?!" moment, you know? this is the secret for restaurant-quality orzo soup recipes !

Step-by-Step to Soup Success

1. Sauté those aromatics: Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5- 7 minutes until softened. Then, add that minced garlic, a teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and maybe a pinch of red pepper flakes if you're feeling brave. Cook for another minute.
2. Broth Time: Pour in 8 cups of chicken broth and add a bay leaf. Bring it to a boil, then turn it down to a simmer. Let it bubble away for 10 minutes to let those flavours mingle. You'll want to get a tasty chicken stock recipe here!
3. Chicken Power: Add 1 pound of chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces. Cook for about 8- 10 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through. Make sure the internal temperature hits 165° F ( 74° C) . Don't want any dodgy chicken!
4. (Optional) Pasta Party: If you're using it, add 1/2 cup of ditalini or orzo now. Cook according to the packet instructions – usually around 8- 10 minutes. The kids love it with chicken and spinach orzo !
5. Spinach In: Stir in 5 ounces of fresh (or 10 ounces of thawed and squeezed frozen) spinach. Cook for 2- 3 minutes until it wilts. And BAM! This is a game-changer in the Spinach Orzo Soup !
6. Season to Perfection: Take out the bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Pro Tips for Soup Nirvana

• Don't overcook the chicken! Dry chicken is the WORST. Use a thermometer! This will keep it away from being a " Tuscan Chicken Noodle Soup "!
• Lemon Zest a touch of lemon zest really makes that Lemon Orzo Soup sing!

Now, grab a bowl, sprinkle some parmesan on top, and maybe add a squeeze of lemon. enjoy your delicious chicken and spinach soup ! you could use this base and transform into a keto tuscan chicken soup or even a carabas chicken soup .

Alright, let's dive into some extra bits and bobs for our Cozy Chicken and Spinach Soup ! I love tweaking recipes, so here are my thoughts.

Recipe Notes

Think of these as handy tips and tricks. I've learned these from my own kitchen escapades. Honestly, I’ve had my fair share of soup fails!

Serving it Up: Plating and Presentation

Chicken and spinach soup is all about comfort, right? but, presentation matters! a swirl of cream adds a touch of fanciness.

A sprinkle of fresh parsley makes it look vibrant. don't forget a wedge of lemon. it brightens everything up! on the side, some warm crusty bread is always a winner.

Perfect for dipping! or even better, a toasty pasta parmesan .

Keeping it Fresh: Storage Tips

Right, so you've made a big batch. now what? let the chicken and spinach soup cool completely. pop it in an airtight container and into the fridge.

It'll be good for about 3-4 days. for longer storage, freezing is your friend. just be aware that the pasta (if you added it) might get a bit softer after thawing.

When reheating, just heat it gently on the stove. or you can also use the microwave, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

You can also freeze it if you made a chicken stock soup recipes !

Mix it Up: Variations

Fancy a change? go for a lemon orzo soup vibe. a squeeze of lemon juice really lifts the flavors. if you are looking for low carbs, try a keto tuscan chicken soup .

Another twist? add some basil orzo . oh my gosh, it's good. i do also have a friend who likes chicken soup italian with some freshly chopped tomatoes.

Nutrition Nitty-Gritty

Okay, i'm no expert. but chicken and spinach soup is generally pretty good for you. it's packed with protein from the chicken.

Plus, spinach is full of vitamins. it's a great way to get your greens in. want a healthier option? use whole-wheat spinach orzo .

Just don't overdo it on the pasta parmesan !

So there you have it. my extra tips for the perfect chicken and spinach soup . don't be afraid to experiment! have fun in the kitchen!.

Now get out there and enjoy making your own version of this delicious soup. it is so worth it!.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make chicken and spinach soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! This soup is even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Just allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container and storing it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You might need to add a splash of broth when reheating, as the pasta (if you used it) will absorb some of the liquid. It’s like when you make a good curry, always tastes better the next day!

How do I store leftover chicken and spinach soup?

To properly store your leftover chicken and spinach soup, let it cool completely first. Then, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 2-3 months. When reheating, thaw it in the fridge overnight for best results or use the defrost setting on your microwave.

Is there anything I can substitute for spinach in chicken and spinach soup?

Definitely! If you're not a fan of spinach or just don't have any on hand, kale makes a great substitute. You could also use Swiss chard or even some chopped collard greens. Just keep in mind that kale and collard greens may need a bit longer to cook than spinach, so add them a few minutes earlier in the process.

My chicken and spinach soup is a bit bland. What can I do to add more flavor?

Don't worry, that's easily fixed! First, make sure you've seasoned generously with salt and pepper – that often makes a big difference. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end can also brighten the flavors considerably. For a deeper, more savory taste, try adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat, remember, sometimes you need a little bit of 'oomph'.

Can I make this chicken and spinach soup in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?

You certainly can! For a slow cooker, sauté the vegetables as directed, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Add the spinach during the last 30 minutes of cooking. In an Instant Pot, use the sauté function to cook the vegetables, then add the remaining ingredients (except the spinach) and cook on high pressure for 8 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release for 10 minutes. Stir in the spinach after releasing the pressure.

Is chicken and spinach soup healthy? What are the nutritional benefits?

Absolutely! This chicken and spinach soup is packed with nutrients. It's a great source of protein from the chicken, vitamins and minerals from the spinach and other vegetables, and fiber (especially if you add pasta). It’s also relatively low in fat and calories, making it a guilt-free and wholesome meal. Think of it as a healthy hug in a bowl!

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