Chicken Soup with Spinach and Whole Wheat Acini di Pepe: A Heartwarming Delight
So, let me take you through my adventures in cooking this delightful recipe. I was all set to create something comforting and nutritious one chilly day, and this soup popped into my mind. I gathered my ingredients, ready for the culinary journey. Did I nail it the first time? Absolutely! Well, mostly. I made a few tweaks with seasoning to make it even juicier. But hey, surprises can lead to tasty discoveries, right?
Chicken Soup with Spinach and Whole Wheat Acini di Pepe
This Chicken Soup with Spinach and Whole Wheat Acini di Pepe is the perfect cozy meal for any day of the week. Filled with tender chicken, vibrant spinach, and nutritious whole wheat acini di pepe pasta, it's a wholesome dish that warms up the heart and soul. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up, making it a go-to recipe for busy nights.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast (or thighs)** - You can swap with rotisserie chicken for quicker prep!
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth** - Feel free to use vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
- 1 cup whole wheat acini di pepe** - Or any small pasta you have on hand.
- 2 cups fresh spinach roughly chopped** - Frozen spinach works too; just thaw it and squeeze out the excess water.
- 1 medium onion diced** - Yellow or white onions are great; red onions will add a sweeter flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic minced** - If you don’t have fresh garlic, garlic powder can stand in!
- 2 carrots diced** - Zucchini or sweet potatoes can be nice substitutes if you're feeling adventurous.
- 2 celery stalks diced** - You can skip this if you're not a fan or just don't have any!
- 1-2 tsp dried Italian herbs oregano, thyme, basil** - Use fresh herbs for a more vibrant flavor.
- Salt and pepper to taste** - Always adjust based on your preference!
Instructions
Sauté the Aromatics
- In a large pot, heat about 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the diced onions and let them cook until they’re soft and just a bit translucent, around 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and give it a stir for about 30 seconds, just to get those fragrant vibes going!
Cook the Vegetables
- In goes the diced carrots and celery! Stir everything together and let it sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the veggies start to soften a bit. Your kitchen will smell like a hug by now!
Add the Chicken and Broth
- Time to add the chicken! Place your pieces in the pot and pour in the chicken broth. Bring everything to a gentle boil. Trust me, you’re going to love the sound of bubbling broth!
Simmer it Down
- Once it’s bubbling, lower the heat and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and tender. While it simmers, you can watch your favorite cooking show or scroll through some tasty food pics on social media. 😁
Shred the Chicken
- Using tongs or a fork, carefully remove the chicken pieces from the pot. Let it cool for a few minutes, then shred it into bite-sized pieces. It’s a great way to release any stress – just get in there with your hands!
Add the Pasta and Spinach
- Return the shredded chicken back to the pot and stir in the acini di pepe. Let it simmer for another 10 minutes until the pasta is al dente. Then, toss in the chopped spinach and dried herbs. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the spinach is wilted but still vibrant green.
Season and Serve
- Now it’s time to taste your creation! Sprinkle in salt and pepper to your liking. Ladle into bowls and maybe sprinkle some extra herbs on top for garnish. You've just created a masterpiece!
Nutrition Facts
| Serving Size | Calories | Total Fat | Protein | Carbohydrates | Fiber |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 cup | 280 | 6g | 25g | 32g | 4g |
5 Tips for this Recipe
- Make it your own! Feel free to add other veggies like bell peppers or peas.
- Prep ahead! You can cook the chicken and broth the day before to save time.
- Spice it up! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick.
- Pasta cooking tip! Don’t overcook the acini di pepe; it’ll continue to cook in the soup.
- Make it creamy! Add a splash of cream or milk at the end for a richer version.
5 FAQs for this Recipe
- Can I use leftover chicken? Absolutely! Just add it at the last step so it warms through!
- Is this freezer-friendly? Yes, but it’s best to freeze the soup without the pasta for better texture later.
- Can I use other types of pasta? Sure thing! Any small pasta will work nicely.
- How long will leftovers keep? Store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Can I make this vegetarian? Yes, just skip the chicken and use vegetable broth.
5 Storage Tips
- Cool before storing – Let the soup cool to room temperature before refrigerating.
- Use airtight containers – For the best freshness, use tightly sealed containers.
- Label and date – If you’re stashing it in the freezer, label it so you know what you’ve got!
- Separate pasta – Store pasta separately if you’re keeping it longer. It helps maintain texture.
- Reheat gently – When reheating, go low and slow to avoid burning the bottom!
5 Common Cooking Mistakes
- Overcooking the chicken – Keep an eye on it to keep it juicy!
- Neglecting seasoning – Don’t forget to taste and adjust salt and pepper thoughout cooking!
- Skipping the aromatics – Sautéing garlic and onions boosts flavor, please don’t skip this step!
- Using too much broth – Adjust broth and water based on how soupy you like it!
- Overcooking the pasta – It should be al dente, as it’ll absorb more liquid when resting.
Final Thoughts
Making Chicken Soup with Spinach and Whole Wheat Acini di Pepe has been such a delightful experience! It turned out cozy and nourishing, perfect for those days when you need a warm bowl of happiness. With simple ingredients and easy steps, we can all whip this up in our kitchens. Don’t be afraid to adjust flavors and make it your own. The best part? You can store it for another day, and it’ll taste just as good, if not better! So grab your pot, and let’s get cooking!
This soup has a way of bringing comfort and filling our homes with aromas of love and warmth, and I can’t wait for you all to try it out! Happy cooking, everyone!
Let’s keep inviting warmth into our lives, one bowl at a time!
