Rustic Italian Chicken & Vegetable Medley Soup
Experience the heartwarming flavors of Italy with this Rustic Italian Chicken and Vegetable Medley Soup. This recipe, inspired by Paula Deen, combines tender pieces of chicken with a variety of fresh vegetables, all simmered together to create a comforting and nourishing soup. The addition of ditalini pasta adds a delightful texture and makes it even more satisfying. Perfect for a chilly evening or as a welcoming dish for family gatherings, this soup is both easy to prepare and absolutely delicious, capturing the essence of traditional Italian cuisine.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
2 tablespoons (used for sautéing)
boneless skinless chicken breasts
4 (cut into bite-sized pieces (about 1 3/4 pounds))
onion
1 small (chopped)
carrot
1 cup (diced (about 3 small))
zucchini
2 1/2 cups (sliced (about 2 medium))
diced tomatoes with basil, oregano, and garlic
2 (14 1/2 ounce) cans (canned)
chicken broth
2 (14 1/2 ounce) cans (canned)
grated Parmesan cheese
to taste (optional for serving)
ditalini pasta
1 cup (optional, added in last 10 minutes of simmering)
Instructions
1
In a large Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
2
Add the bite-sized pieces of chicken to the pot. Cook for approximately 10 minutes, stirring frequently, until the chicken is lightly browned and cooked through.
3
Stir in the chopped onion and carrot, and continue cooking for about 5 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
4
Add the sliced zucchini, diced tomatoes (with their juices), and chicken broth. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
5
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let the soup simmer uncovered for 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
6
If using ditalini pasta, add it to the soup in the last 10 minutes of simmering, cooking until al dente according to package instructions.
7
Serve hot, topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Rustic Italian Chicken & Vegetable Medley Soup?
It is a heartwarming and nourishing soup inspired by Paula Deen that combines chicken, fresh vegetables, and ditalini pasta in a flavorful broth.
Who inspired this recipe?
This recipe was inspired by the cooking style of Paula Deen.
What are the primary vegetables in this soup?
The main vegetables include onion, carrot, zucchini, and herbed diced tomatoes.
How much chicken is required for this recipe?
You will need approximately 1 3/4 pounds of boneless skinless chicken breasts.
What type of pasta is used?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of ditalini pasta.
Is the pasta mandatory for this soup?
No, the ditalini pasta is optional and can be omitted if preferred.
How should the chicken be prepared?
The chicken should be cut into bite-sized pieces before cooking.
How long does it take to brown the chicken?
The chicken should be cooked for approximately 10 minutes over medium-high heat until lightly browned.
What type of oil is used for sautéing?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
How many carrots are needed?
You will need about 3 small carrots, which should equal 1 cup when diced.
How much zucchini is added?
The recipe requires 2 1/2 cups of sliced zucchini, which is about 2 medium-sized zucchinis.
What kind of canned tomatoes should I use?
Use two 14.5 ounce cans of diced tomatoes flavored with basil, oregano, and garlic.
Do I need to drain the canned tomatoes?
No, the tomatoes should be added to the pot along with their juices.
How much chicken broth is necessary?
The recipe calls for two 14.5 ounce cans of chicken broth.
At what point should I add the onion and carrot?
Stir in the chopped onion and carrot after the chicken has been browned.
How long do the onion and carrot need to cook?
They should cook for about 5 minutes until they start to soften.
When do the zucchini and tomatoes go into the pot?
Add the zucchini, diced tomatoes, and chicken broth after the onions and carrots have softened.
What is the total simmering time for the soup?
The soup should simmer for a total of 30 minutes.
Should the soup be covered while simmering?
No, the instructions state to let the soup simmer uncovered.
When is the pasta added to the soup?
The ditalini pasta should be added during the last 10 minutes of simmering.
How do I know when the pasta is done?
Cook it until it reaches an al dente texture according to the package instructions.
What is a recommended garnish for this soup?
The soup is delicious when topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
What type of cooking pot is recommended?
A large Dutch oven is ideal for preparing this recipe.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy meal featuring lean protein and several vegetables.
What heat setting should be used for browning the chicken?
Medium-high heat should be used until the oil is shimmering.
What heat setting is used for simmering?
The heat should be reduced to low once the mixture has been brought to a boil.
What size onion should I use?
One small onion, chopped, is sufficient for this recipe.
What tags describe this recipe?
Tags include Italian, chicken soup, vegetable soup, comfort food, clear soup, easy recipe, and healthy meal.
Is this soup suitable for a family gathering?
Yes, it is described as a welcoming dish perfect for family gatherings or chilly evenings.
Can I use different seasonings?
While the recipe relies on the herbs in the canned tomatoes, you can adjust seasonings or add Parmesan cheese to taste.