Italian Chicken Minestrone Recipe combines hearty vegetables, tender chicken, beans, and pasta simmered in a flavorful broth. This comforting dish serves 6 takes about 45 minutes to prepare and is perfect for a cozy dinner or meal prep.
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🧡 Why You’ll Love This Italian Chicken Minestrone Recipe:
- Nutritious and Balanced: Packed with vegetables, protein, and pasta for a complete meal.
- Family-Friendly: A comforting dish loved by kids and adults alike.
- Easy Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week.
- Seasonal Flexibility: Use fresh, seasonal vegetables to match the time of year.
❓ What Is Italian Chicken Minestrone Recipe?
Italian Chicken Minestrone Recipe is a hearty soup that blends tender chicken, beans, pasta, and a variety of vegetables simmered in a seasoned broth. It’s a classic Italian-inspired dish offering warmth and nourishment in every bite.
🍗 Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion (diced)
- 2 carrots (sliced)
- 2 celery stalks (sliced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 zucchini (diced)
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup cooked cannellini beans (or any white beans)
- 1 cup small pasta (e.g., ditalini or elbow)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups spinach or kale (chopped)
- Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish (optional)
🍲 Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onions, carrots, celery, and garlic. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Stir in zucchini, shredded chicken, and diced tomatoes. Cook for 3–4 minutes, mixing well.
- Pour in chicken broth and add oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes.
- Add the pasta and cannellini beans. Simmer for 8–10 minutes or until the pasta is tender.
- Stir in spinach or kale and cook for 2–3 minutes until wilted.
- Ladle into bowls, garnish with grated Parmesan cheese, and serve warm.
📍 Recipe Tips
- Use Leftover Chicken: Rotisserie chicken works well in Italian Chicken Minestrone, saving time and adding flavor.
- Make It Vegetarian: Skip the chicken and use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version. Add extra beans or chickpeas for protein.
- Cook Pasta Separately: To avoid soggy pasta, cook it separately and add to the soup when serving.
- Adjust Seasonings: Taste and adjust spices, adding red chili flakes for a kick if desired.
🥗 What To Serve With Chicken Minestrone?
Pair Italian Chicken Minestrone with crusty garlic bread, a fresh Chicken Caesar Salad, or a side of Buffalo Chicken Bites these additions enhance the meal, making it even more satisfying and flavorful.
🎚 How To Store Leftover Chicken Minestrone?
- Refrigerator: Store leftover chicken minestrone in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Let it cool completely before refrigerating.
- Freezer: Freeze leftover chicken minestrone in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months. Ensure the soup cools fully before freezing, and leave out the pasta for better texture upon reheating.
🥵 How To Reheat Leftover Chicken Minestrone?
- Microwave Method: Place leftover chicken minestrone in a microwave-safe bowl cover and heat for 2–3 minutes stirring halfway through for even heating.
- Stovetop Method: Heat leftover chicken minestrone in a pot over medium heat until warmed through for up 3-4 minutes add a splash of water or broth if it’s too thick.
FAQs
Can I make Italian Chicken Minestrone ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare Italian Chicken Minestrone ahead of time. Cook the soup without the pasta and refrigerate it for up to 4 days. Add freshly cooked pasta when reheating to keep it firm.
What type of beans should I use in Italian Chicken Minestrone?
Cannellini beans or Great Northern beans are commonly used in Italian Chicken Minestrone. However, you can also use kidney beans, chickpeas, or any bean of your choice.
How do I thicken Italian Chicken Minestrone?
To thicken Italian Chicken Minestrone, mash some of the beans into the soup or add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water. Let it simmer until it reaches the desired consistency.
Is Italian Chicken Minestrone healthy?
Yes, Italian Chicken Minestrone is a healthy dish packed with lean protein, fiber-rich beans, vegetables, and wholesome carbohydrates from pasta. It’s a balanced and nutritious meal.
Can I add cheese to Italian Chicken Minestrone?
Yes, grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese can be sprinkled on top of Italian Chicken Minestrone before serving, adding a rich, savory note.
What vegetables can I add to Italian Chicken Minestrone?
In addition to the usual vegetables like carrots, celery, and zucchini, you can add bell peppers, spinach, kale, or green beans to Italian Chicken Minestrone for added variety and nutrition.
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Nutrition Facts
Serving Size: 1 Serving
- Calories: 241
- Protein: 18g
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sugars: 5g
- Vitamin A: 35%
- Iron: 15%
Italian Chicken Minestrone Recipe
Description
Italian Chicken Minestrone Recipe combines hearty vegetables, tender chicken, beans, and pasta simmered in a flavorful broth. This comforting dish serves 6 takes about 45 minutes to prepare and is perfect for a cozy dinner or meal prep.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onions, carrots, celery, and garlic. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Stir in zucchini, shredded chicken, and diced tomatoes. Cook for 3–4 minutes, mixing well.
- Pour in chicken broth and add oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes.
- Add the pasta and cannellini beans. Simmer for 8–10 minutes or until the pasta is tender.
- Stir in spinach or kale and cook for 2–3 minutes until wilted.
- Ladle into bowls, garnish with grated Parmesan cheese, and serve warm.
Notes
- Use Leftover Chicken: Rotisserie chicken works well in Italian Chicken Minestrone, saving time and adding flavor.
Make It Vegetarian: Skip the chicken and use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version. Add extra beans or chickpeas for protein.
Cook Pasta Separately: To avoid soggy pasta, cook it separately and add to the soup when serving.
Adjust Seasonings: Taste and adjust spices, adding red chili flakes for a kick if desired.