Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups shredded chicken
- 1 cup small pasta (ditalini or orzo)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- Optional: 1–2 cups spinach or kale
- Optional: 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add onion, carrots, and celery, and cook until softened.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil.
- Add shredded chicken and pasta, then reduce heat to a simmer.
- Cook until pasta is tender, about 10–12 minutes.
- Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to taste.
- Add spinach or kale if using and cook until wilted.
- Finish with fresh parsley and grated parmesan cheese.
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice if desired and serve warm.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quick and easy option.
- Add zucchini or peas for extra vegetables.
- Simmer longer or add a parmesan rind for a richer broth.
- Cook pasta separately to prevent it from becoming mushy.
- Add extra broth when reheating as pasta absorbs liquid.
- Can be made vegetarian by using beans and vegetable broth.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 55mg