Chick 'N Pasta Soup
A hearty chicken pasta soup with tomatoes, peppers, and herbs, perfect for comforting meals and family dinners with vibrant flavors and satisfying texture.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves ⓘ
- 1 large onion ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. olive oil
- 1 (16 oz.) can whole tomatoes, undrained and chopped ⓘ
- 1 green pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. dried oregano, crushed
- 3 cloves garlic ⓘ
- 2 (14 oz.) cans chicken broth ⓘ
- 3/4 cup picante sauce ⓘ
- 1 tsp. dried basil, crushed ⓘ
- 2 cups uncooked rotini ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook chicken, onion, and garlic in oil in a large saucepan over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the chicken loses its pink color and the onion is tender, about 5 minutes.
- Add the remaining ingredients, except the pasta, and bring to a boil.
- Stir in the uncooked rotini pasta.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer until the pasta is tender, about 12 minutes.
- Serve with additional Pace picante sauce.
Tips & Substitutions
For a quicker version, consider using rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken to save time. If you prefer a spicier soup, add a diced jalapeño or use a spicy picante sauce. You can also substitute the rotini with another pasta shape like penne or fusilli, depending on your preference. For extra flavor, try adding a splash of lemon juice before serving.
Serving Suggestions
This Chick 'N Pasta Soup is perfect on its own, but you can serve it with a side of crusty bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. For added flavor, top each bowl with freshly grated Parmesan cheese or a dollop of sour cream. It pairs beautifully with American recipes like Holly's Spinach Balls for a satisfying dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over medium heat, adding a little extra broth or water if needed to loosen it up. You can also microwave it in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chick 'N Pasta Soup contains roughly 1596 calories, with 10g protein, 66g carbohydrates, and 150g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (87% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (82% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (66% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 481mg per serving (21% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts! Just ensure they are fully cooked through before adding the other ingredients. You may need to extend the cooking time slightly to ensure the chicken is thoroughly cooked.
Is there a vegetarian option for this soup?
Absolutely! You can replace the chicken with chickpeas or lentils for protein. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and add more vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or mushrooms to enhance the flavor and texture of the soup.
How can I make this soup spicier?
To increase the spice level, consider adding diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or using a hotter variety of picante sauce. You can also finish the soup with a drizzle of hot sauce before serving for an extra kick.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).