Spring Chicken Soup
A hearty spring chicken soup packed with tender chicken, ham, fresh vegetables, and creamy tomato broth, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Prepare macaroni according to package directions and set aside.
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine cooked macaroni, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, and milk; set aside.
- In a large soup pot, sauté ham, diced onion, sliced carrots, and diced celery in butter until vegetables are tender.
- Add the broth mixture to the pot and simmer over medium-low heat for 10 minutes.
- Stir in the canned tomatoes, cooked chicken, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add half and half to the soup and gently heat through before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider incorporating fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary. You can substitute the ham with turkey or bacon if desired. If you prefer a lighter version, use low-fat milk and a reduced-sodium chicken broth. Adjust the macaroni quantity based on your preference for thickness; more macaroni will yield a heartier soup. This recipe can also be made gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this soup warm, garnished with fresh parsley or croutons for added texture. It pairs wonderfully with a side salad or crusty bread for a complete meal. For a delightful brunch option, consider serving it alongside Asparagus And Chicken Quiche, which complements the flavors beautifully.
Storage & Reheating
Cool the soup completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk if needed to restore the creamy consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spring Chicken Soup contains roughly 884 calories, with 10g protein, 53g carbohydrates, and 71g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (105% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (27% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1130mg per serving (49% 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 leftover rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and adds delicious flavor. Just shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces before adding it to the soup, and adjust the cooking time to ensure everything is heated through.
Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe by omitting the chicken and ham. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and add more vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers to enhance the flavors. You can also include protein-rich beans for added texture.
What can I do if the soup is too thick?
If your soup turns out thicker than desired, simply stir in additional chicken broth or milk until you reach your preferred consistency. It's best to add the liquid gradually while heating to ensure the soup remains creamy and well-combined.
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).