Chicken-Rotelle Soup
A hearty chicken rotelle soup with tender vegetables, herbs, and pasta, perfect for comforting meals and suitable for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup margarine ⓘ
- 1 cup onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 cup celery, chopped ⓘ
- 1 cup carrots, chopped ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 2 bay leaves ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme ⓘ
- 8 cups chicken broth ⓘ
- 2 cups Rotelle macaroni ⓘ
- 1/2 pound zucchini, sliced ⓘ
- 1/2 pound fresh mushrooms ⓘ
Instructions
- Remove skin and fat from chicken breasts.
- In a Dutch oven, brown the chicken in melted margarine.
- Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Saute chopped onion, celery, and carrots until tender.
- Add chopped parsley, salt, bay leaves, thyme, 4 cups of chicken broth, and the chicken back into the pot.
- Bring to a boil.
- Cover and reduce heat, then simmer for 1 hour.
- Remove the chicken, shred or cut into pieces, and return to the soup.
- Add Rotelle macaroni, sliced zucchini, and sliced mushrooms.
- Cook until pasta and vegetables are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider browning the chicken in a mix of butter and olive oil. If you're short on time, pre-cooked rotisserie chicken can be a great substitute for fresh chicken breasts. You can also add other vegetables like spinach or kale for extra nutrition. Adjust the seasoning to your taste, and feel free to swap thyme with Italian seasoning if preferred.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Chicken-Rotelle Soup with crusty bread or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top adds a lovely touch. This hearty soup pairs beautifully with Peggy'S Special Chicken Bake for a comforting dinner. For a lighter option, consider pairing it with Liz'S Microwave Rice as a side.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Chicken-Rotelle Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if the soup has thickened. This soup can also be frozen for up to 3 months; just be sure to cool it completely before freezing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken-Rotelle Soup contains roughly 1270 calories, with 107g protein, 156g carbohydrates, and 51g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (551% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (386% of the Daily Value), and iron (222% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 other types of pasta in this soup?
Yes, you can substitute Rotelle with other pasta shapes like elbows or shells. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta's package instructions to ensure they cook properly without becoming mushy.
Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can replace the chicken with chickpeas or lentils for protein and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Additionally, leave out the chicken and increase the amount of vegetables for a hearty vegetarian version.
How can I enhance the flavor of the soup?
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a splash of lemon juice or a dash of hot sauce just before serving. Fresh herbs like basil or dill can also elevate the taste. A pinch of smoked paprika can add a wonderful depth as well.
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).