Picante Soup
A flavorful and hearty Mexican-inspired soup featuring tender chicken, diced tomatoes, green peppers, and a spicy picante kick, perfect for comforting gatherings or weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 3 chicken breasts, skinless and boneless ⓘ
- 1 large onion, chopped ⓘ
- 3 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. olive oil
- 2 (14 oz.) cans chicken broth
- 1 can diced whole tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 green pepper, diced ⓘ
- 3/4 c. picante sauce ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. dried basil, crushed ⓘ
- 1/2 Tbsp. dried oregano, crushed ⓘ
- 2 c. uncooked rotini pasta ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook chicken, onion, garlic, and olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat until the chicken is no longer pink, about 5 minutes.
- Add chicken broth, diced tomatoes, green pepper, picante sauce, basil, and oregano to the saucepan.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 12 minutes.
- Cook uncooked rotini pasta separately until al dente.
- Add cooked pasta to the soup when ready to serve, and enjoy.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the soup. If you don't have rotini pasta, any small pasta shape like elbow macaroni or orzo will work well. To save time, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken breasts. You can also substitute fresh herbs for dried ones, using three times the amount.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this flavorful soup hot, garnished with fresh cilantro or a dollop of sour cream for added creaminess. It pairs beautifully with a side of warm cornbread or tortilla chips for dipping. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a simple green salad or the California Roll Appetizer.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Picante Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to loosen the consistency. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can lead to uneven heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Picante Soup contains roughly 1601 calories, with 18g protein, 89g carbohydrates, and 140g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (174% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (126% of the Daily Value), and calcium (101% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 35g 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, Picante Soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. In fact, the flavors often deepen and improve after a day in the fridge. Just remember to add the cooked pasta right before serving to prevent it from becoming mushy.
What can I use instead of chicken broth?
If you want to make this soup vegetarian, you can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth. For a richer flavor, try using homemade broth if available, or even a combination of water and bouillon cubes for a quick alternative.
How can I make this soup creamier?
To add creaminess to your Picante Soup, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of cream cheese just before serving. Another option is to blend a portion of the soup until smooth and then mix it back in for a thicker texture.
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).