Hearty Chicken & White Bean Vegetable Soup
This Hearty Chicken & White Bean Vegetable Soup is a comforting, nutrient-packed dish that bursts with flavor. Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prepping for the week ahead, this soup can be personalized with your choice of vegetables for added nutrition and flavor. The addition of a Parmesan cheese rind infuses the broth with a rich, savory depth, but feel free to skip it if you prefer a lighter option. Fresh spinach lends a vibrant color and is easy to swap out for frozen; just ensure it's well-drained. With the perfect balance of tender chicken, creamy cannellini beans, and an array of vegetables simmered together in a delicious broth, this soup makes a satisfying meal. Serve it with a side of crusty bread for soaking up every last drop—it truly is a bowl of happiness!
6-8
Servings
198
Calories
18
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
4 (tablespoons)
celery
4 (stalks, diced)
onions
2 (diced)
carrots
4 (peeled and diced)
small mushrooms
8 (ounces, quartered (cremini preferred))
tomato paste
2 (tablespoons)
garlic
4 (cloves, minced)
red pepper flakes
2 (pinches)
diced tomatoes
2 (cans (14.5 ounce each))
chicken broth
6 (cups)
dried basil
2 (tablespoons)
bay leaves
2
Parmesan cheese rind
1 ((optional))
chicken breasts
4 (boneless, skinless)
spinach
2 (cups, chopped)
cannellini beans
2 (cans (15.5 ounce each), drained)
salt
(to taste)
pepper
(to taste)
Instructions
1
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
2
Add the diced onions, celery, carrots, and quartered mushrooms to the pot. Sauté until the onions are translucent and the mushrooms are golden brown, about 7-10 minutes.
3
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until it deepens in color.
4
Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the pot; cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
5
Pour in the diced tomatoes (with juice), chicken broth, dried basil, bay leaves, and the Parmesan rind, if using. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
6
Once simmering, add the raw chicken breasts to the pot. Cover and allow to cook for 15-20 minutes until the chicken is thoroughly cooked.
7
Remove the chicken from the pot and place on a cutting board. Allow it to cool slightly before shredding it into bite-sized pieces.
8
Add the chopped spinach and drained cannellini beans to the simmering soup. Stir well and let simmer for another 15 minutes.
9
After simmering, return the shredded chicken to the pot and cook for an additional 5 minutes to heat through.
10
Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with shredded Pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese if desired.
Nutrition Information
7.5
Fat
18.5
Carbs
15.4
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Chicken & White Bean Vegetable Soup?
It is a comforting, nutrient-packed dish featuring tender chicken, creamy cannellini beans, and an array of vegetables simmered in a savory broth.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 6-8 servings.
How many calories are in one serving of this soup?
Each serving contains approximately 198 calories.
What is the protein content per serving?
There are 15.4 grams of protein per serving.
How much fat is in this soup?
This soup contains 7.5 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 18.5 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What type of beans are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for two 15.5-ounce cans of cannellini beans, drained.
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, you can swap fresh spinach for frozen; just ensure it is well-drained before adding it to the soup.
What is the purpose of the Parmesan cheese rind?
The Parmesan cheese rind infuses the broth with a rich, savory depth during the simmering process.
Is the Parmesan rind mandatory?
No, it is optional and can be skipped if you prefer a lighter broth.
What vegetables are in the base of the soup?
The base includes diced onions, celery, carrots, and quartered mushrooms.
How long should I sauté the vegetables?
Sauté the onions, celery, carrots, and mushrooms for 7-10 minutes until the onions are translucent and mushrooms are golden brown.
How long does the tomato paste need to cook?
Cook the tomato paste for an additional 3-4 minutes until it deepens in color.
What type of chicken is best for this recipe?
The recipe recommends using 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts.
How is the chicken cooked in this recipe?
The raw chicken breasts are added directly to the simmering broth and cooked for 15-20 minutes until thoroughly cooked.
When do I add the garlic and red pepper flakes?
Add them after the tomato paste has deepened in color and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
What seasonings are used in the broth?
The broth is seasoned with dried basil, bay leaves, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
How do I prepare the chicken after it finishes cooking in the pot?
Remove the chicken from the pot, allow it to cool slightly on a cutting board, and then shred it into bite-sized pieces.
When should the beans and spinach be added?
Add the chopped spinach and drained beans to the simmering soup after the chicken has been removed for shredding.
How long does the soup simmer after adding the beans and spinach?
Let the soup simmer for an additional 15 minutes after adding the spinach and beans.
Is this soup suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it is noted as being perfect for meal prepping for the week ahead.
What side dish goes well with this soup?
It is recommended to serve this soup with a side of crusty bread for soaking up the broth.
Can I customize the vegetables in this soup?
Yes, the recipe can be personalized with your choice of vegetables for added nutrition and flavor.
What type of mushrooms are preferred?
Cremini mushrooms are preferred for this recipe.
How much garlic is required?
The recipe calls for 4 cloves of minced garlic.
Is this recipe low-fat?
Yes, this recipe is tagged as low-fat and healthy.
What is the recommended garnish?
Garnish with shredded Pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese if desired.
How much chicken broth is needed?
The recipe requires 6 cups of chicken broth.
Can I make this in one pot?
Yes, this is a one-pot meal that can be prepared in a large pot or Dutch oven.
What kind of oil should I use to sauté?
The recipe calls for 4 tablespoons of olive oil.