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Italian Healing Soup Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 130 reviews

Italian Healing Soup is a comforting and flavorful broth-based recipe featuring a savory blend of vegetables, tender chicken, delicate pasta, and fresh herbs. This soup is designed to nourish and satisfy with a hearty but light profile, perfect for any occasion requiring a warm, restorative meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Base Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 large onion, diced (about 1 cup)
  • 3 medium carrots, sliced into rounds
  • 3 celery stalks, chopped
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian option)
  • 1 whole chicken breast, bone-in and skin-on (about 1 pound)
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 cup small pasta (ditalini, orzo, or small shells)

Seasonings & Aromatics

  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Garnishes & Finishing Touches

  • Freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
  • Extra virgin olive oil for drizzling
  • Crusty Italian bread for serving

Instructions

  1. Build the Aromatic Base: Heat olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery, cooking for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften and the onion becomes translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, avoiding browning.
  2. Add Broth and Chicken: Pour in the chicken broth and nestle the chicken breast into the pot. Add bay leaves, oregano, thyme, and optionally red pepper flakes. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to maintain a steady simmer to cook the chicken slowly for tender flavor infusion.
  3. Simmer Until Tender: Partially cover and simmer for 25-30 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and shreds easily with a fork. Vegetables should be tender and the broth fragrant. Remove chicken breast and set aside to cool.
  4. Shred and Season: When the chicken is cool enough, discard skin and bones and shred the meat into bite-sized pieces with two forks. Season the broth with salt and pepper gradually, as flavors will concentrate further.
  5. Cook the Pasta: Return shredded chicken to the pot and bring soup to a gentle boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, allowing starch to thicken the broth slightly.
  6. Finish with Fresh Elements: Remove bay leaves, stir in fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley to brighten and freshen the soup. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed before serving.

Notes

  • For gluten-free diets, replace pasta with rice or omit entirely.
  • Vegetarians can omit chicken and use vegetable broth, adding white beans for protein.
  • Those avoiding dairy can skip the cheese garnish or substitute nutritional yeast.
  • Simmer gently to keep chicken tender and broth clear.
  • Adjust seasoning gradually to avoid over-salting.

Keywords: Italian soup, chicken soup, healing soup, comforting soup, healthy soup, stovetop soup, chicken broth soup, easy Italian recipes

Find it online: https://trendytasterecipes.com/italian-healing-soup-recipe/