Picante Chicken-Pasta Soup
A spicy, hearty chicken-pasta soup packed with bold flavors like picante sauce, tomatoes, and herbs, perfect for comforting meals and family gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb. chicken breast, skinned, boned, and cut into 3/4-inch cubes ⓘ
- 1 large onion, chopped ⓘ
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 Tbsp. olive oil ⓘ
- 2 (14 oz.) cans chicken broth ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can whole tomatoes, undrained, coarsely chopped ⓘ
- 1 green pepper, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
- 3/4 cup picante sauce ⓘ
- 1 tsp. dried basil, crushed ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. dried oregano, crushed ⓘ
- 2 cups uncooked rotini pasta ⓘ
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 chicken broth, chopped tomatoes, green pepper, picante sauce, basil, and oregano to the saucepan; bring to a boil.
- Stir in uncooked rotini pasta, reduce heat, cover, and simmer until the pasta is tender, about 12 minutes.
- Serve hot with additional picante sauce if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth, consider using homemade chicken broth or adding a splash of lime juice for brightness. If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute the chicken with beans or lentils, and use vegetable broth instead. You can also adjust the spice level by choosing mild or hot picante sauce based on your taste. This soup is versatile and can be easily adapted to incorporate different vegetables.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh cilantro or a dollop of sour cream for a creamy contrast. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. For a twist, consider serving it alongside Lazy Chicken Enchiladas to create a vibrant Mexican-themed dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm the soup on the stove over medium heat until heated through, adding a splash of water or broth if it has thickened. This soup can also be frozen; however, the pasta may become softer upon thawing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Picante Chicken-Pasta Soup contains roughly 867 calories, with 7g protein, 36g carbohydrates, and 83g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (139% of the Daily Value), iron (96% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (70% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. It also contributes 20g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, this soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will meld beautifully if allowed to sit overnight. Just be sure to cook the pasta al dente, as it will continue to absorb liquid when stored.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While rotini works well, you can substitute it with other pasta shapes like fusilli, penne, or even whole wheat pasta. Just adjust the cooking time as needed, since different pasta shapes may require varying times to achieve the perfect tenderness.
What can I add to make it spicier?
To increase the heat, consider adding diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to taste. Alternatively, you can use a spicier variety of picante sauce or sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes during cooking for an extra kick. Adjust the spice level according to your preference.
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).