Pasta Soup
A hearty and flavorful pasta soup featuring tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and stuffed pasta, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 3 or 4 chicken breasts ⓘ
- olive oil
- 3 (14 oz.) cans fat-free chicken broth with Italian herbs ⓘ
- 8 baby carrots ⓘ
- 1 cayenne pepper ⓘ
- 1 package fresh stuffed pasta (e.g., Buitoni Mozzarella and herb tortelloni) ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups cabbage ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups fresh baby spinach leaves ⓘ
- 1 (5 oz.) can evaporated milk ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch ⓘ
- salt ⓘ
Instructions
- Cut the chicken breasts into quarter-sized pieces.
- Cook the chicken pieces in a bit of olive oil for a few minutes until partially cooked; set aside.
- Pour the three cans of chicken broth into a large pot and bring to a boil.
- Add sliced baby carrots, cabbage, and cayenne pepper to the broth.
- Cook for about 10 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- Add the fresh stuffed pasta to the broth and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Stir in evaporated milk and dissolve cornstarch in a small amount of cold water, then add to the soup to thicken slightly.
- Add the partially cooked chicken, baby spinach leaves, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer for an additional 5 minutes until everything is heated through and flavors meld.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra depth of flavor, consider adding minced garlic or onion while cooking the chicken. If you prefer a lighter option, substitute the evaporated milk with a dairy-free alternative or omit it entirely. You can also use frozen vegetables if fresh ones aren't available; just adjust cooking times accordingly. Feel free to experiment with different types of stuffed pasta for variety, similar to the choices in Italian recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the pasta soup hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of black pepper for added flavor. This dish pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. For a heartier option, consider serving it alongside Italian Chicken Enchiladas to mix things up.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to maintain the desired consistency. Avoid microwaving as it can alter the texture of the pasta and vegetables, making them mushy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pasta Soup contains roughly 2025 calories, with 103g protein, 308g carbohydrates, and 44g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), protein (205% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (128% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1593mg per serving (69% 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 different types of pasta in this soup?
Absolutely! While fresh stuffed pasta like tortelloni is recommended for its flavor and texture, you can substitute with any type of pasta you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time based on the pasta type to ensure it cooks properly without becoming too soft.
Is this soup suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this pasta soup is great for meal prep! Prepare and store it without the pasta, as it can become mushy when reheated. Cook the pasta separately and add it just before serving to maintain its texture. This way, you'll have a fresh and delicious meal whenever you need it.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Certainly! To make this soup vegetarian, simply omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add more vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor. The soup will still be hearty and satisfying without the meat.
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).