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!