Savory Chicken and Spinach Soup with White Beans and Parmesan
Indulge in the flavors of this hearty yet light Savory Chicken and Spinach Soup, featuring tender chicken breasts, white cannellini beans, fresh baby spinach, and a touch of basil. This comforting soup is simmered in a rich tomato and basil broth that brings a delightful depth of flavor without the added fat. Inspired by renowned chef Rocco Dispirito, this recipe leverages a low-fat technique that eliminates sautéing, allowing the ingredients to meld beautifully as they cook together. Perfect for a nutritious meal any day of the week, especially during chilly evenings, this soup is not only satisfying but also packed with wholesome ingredients. Serve it warm, topped with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmigiano-Reggiano for an extra layer of irresistible taste.
4
Servings
210
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Low sodium chicken broth
3 (14 ounce cans)
Tomato and basil pasta sauce
1 1/2 (cups)
Tomato and basil pasta sauce
3 (tablespoons)
Cannellini beans
1 (15 ounce can, rinsed and drained)
Crushed red pepper flakes
3/4 (teaspoon)
Boneless skinless chicken breasts
3 (thinly sliced)
Salt
(to taste)
Pepper
(to taste)
Baby spinach
6 (ounces, prewashed)
Fresh basil
1/2 (cup, chopped)
Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
3/4 (cup, grated)
Instructions
1
In a large Dutch oven, combine low sodium chicken broth, 1 1/2 cups of tomato and basil pasta sauce, rinsed cannellini beans, and crushed red pepper flakes. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
2
Once simmering, reduce the heat to low.
3
Season the thinly sliced chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then add them to the simmering broth.
4
Gently poach the chicken, stirring occasionally, for about 2 minutes, ensuring the broth remains at a light simmer.
5
Add the prewashed baby spinach to the pot and stir it in, allowing it to wilt.
6
Continue to cook the soup for an additional 2 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the spinach is tender.
7
Remove from heat and stir in the chopped fresh basil, seasoning with additional salt and pepper to taste.
8
Serve the soup in bowls, generously topping each serving with freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese.
Nutrition Information
5g
Fat
20.5g
Carbs
21g
Protein
5.25g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Chicken and Spinach Soup?
It is a hearty yet light soup featuring tender chicken breasts, cannellini beans, and fresh spinach in a rich tomato-basil broth.
What are the main ingredients in this soup?
The primary ingredients include low sodium chicken broth, tomato and basil pasta sauce, cannellini beans, chicken breasts, and baby spinach.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to yield 4 servings.
How many calories are in a single serving?
Each serving contains approximately 210 calories.
Is this recipe high in protein?
Yes, each serving provides 21g of protein.
What is the fat content of this soup?
This is a low-fat meal containing only 5g of fat per serving.
What kind of chicken is used for this recipe?
The recipe calls for boneless skinless chicken breasts that are thinly sliced.
How is the chicken cooked in this soup?
The chicken is gently poached in the simmering broth for about 2 to 4 minutes until fully cooked.
Who inspired the cooking technique for this recipe?
The recipe uses a low-fat technique inspired by renowned chef Rocco Dispirito.
Do I need to sauté the ingredients first?
No, this recipe eliminates sautéing to keep the fat content low and allow flavors to meld as they simmer.
What type of beans are used?
The recipe uses one 15-ounce can of rinsed and drained cannellini beans.
How much spinach is required for this soup?
You will need 6 ounces of prewashed baby spinach.
Is this soup spicy?
The soup includes 3/4 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes, providing a mild heat.
What type of broth is recommended?
Low sodium chicken broth is recommended to maintain a healthy profile.
When do I add the fresh basil?
Chopped fresh basil is stirred in at the very end after the soup is removed from the heat.
What cheese is used as a topping?
The soup is topped with freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese.
How much fiber is in each serving?
Each serving contains 5.25g of dietary fiber.
What size cans of chicken broth are needed?
The recipe calls for three 14-ounce cans of chicken broth.
Is this a one-pot meal?
Yes, the entire soup can be prepared in a single large Dutch oven.
What is the carbohydrate count per serving?
There are 20.5g of carbohydrates per serving.
How should the chicken be prepared?
The chicken breasts should be thinly sliced and seasoned with salt and pepper before poaching.
How long does it take for the spinach to cook?
The spinach only needs about 2 minutes to wilt and become tender in the hot broth.
Can I use different types of pasta sauce?
The recipe specifically recommends tomato and basil pasta sauce for the best flavor profile.
Is this recipe suitable for cold weather?
Yes, it is described as a comforting and satisfying meal perfect for chilly evenings.
Is this considered a quick meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick meal and easy recipe due to the short poaching and wilting times.
What is the sodium content?
Specific sodium data is not provided, though the use of low sodium broth is suggested.
How much red pepper flakes should I add?
The recipe suggests 3/4 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes.
How much Parmigiano-Reggiano is used?
The recipe calls for 3/4 cup of grated Parmigiano-Reggiano for topping the servings.
Are there any specific tags for this recipe?
Tags include soup, chicken, spinach, healthy, low-fat, comfort food, quick meal, high protein, easy recipe, and one pot meal.
What equipment is best for making this soup?
A large Dutch oven is ideal for combining and simmering the ingredients.