Quick And Easy Chicken Soup
A comforting and hearty chicken soup featuring tender pasta, crisp broccoli, and chunks of chicken in a flavorful broth. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy lunch, this dish offers a balanced blend of protein, vegetables, and pasta, making it satisfying and easy to prepare for the whole family.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, bring the chicken broth and water to a boil. Reduce heat.
- Stir in the wagon wheel pasta.
- Simmer for 8 to 12 minutes or until the pasta is almost tender.
- Remove the broccoli from the pouch and add it to the soup mixture.
- Cook for 5 minutes or until the broccoli is crisp-tender.
- Stir in the drained chunk chicken.
- Cook until the chicken is thoroughly heated.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a bay leaf or some dried herbs such as thyme or parsley while simmering the broth. If you don't have wagon wheel pasta, any small pasta shape will work well. For a healthier option, you can substitute fresh broccoli or other vegetables like carrots or peas. This soup can easily be adapted to suit your taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this quick and easy chicken soup with a crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Broccoli Casserole I for a comforting dinner. Garnish with fresh parsley or grated cheese for added flavor. This dish is perfect for cold days or when you're in need of a quick, satisfying meal.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover chicken soup can be stored 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 water if it has thickened. You can also microwave it in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Quick And Easy Chicken Soup contains roughly 74 calories, with 5g protein, 6g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (20% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 513mg per serving (22% 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 fresh chicken instead of canned chicken?
Yes, you can use cooked, shredded fresh chicken instead of canned. Just add it to the soup during the last few minutes of cooking to heat through. This will give the soup a homemade feel and enhance the flavor.
How can I make this soup vegetarian?
To make this soup vegetarian, substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit the canned chicken. You can add more vegetables like carrots, corn, or bell peppers for texture and flavor.
Can I freeze this chicken soup?
Yes, this chicken soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
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).