There’s something undeniably comforting about a steaming bowl of chicken soup with acini di pepe and spinach. Imagine the warmth of tender chicken mingling with delicate pasta, all swimming in a savory broth that envelops you like a cozy blanket on a chilly day. Comforting split pea soup Chicken and black bean soup This dish is not just a meal; it’s an experience that promises nourishment for both body and soul. For more inspiration, check out this similar minestrone soup recipe.
Every spoonful bursts with flavors that dance on your palate, while the vibrant green spinach adds a fresh kick. Whether it’s a rainy afternoon or you’re nursing a cold, this chicken soup transforms any ordinary day into something special. Trust me, once you take that first slurp, you’ll be hooked! For more inspiration, check out this nutritious chickpeas recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This chicken soup with acini di pepe and spinach is incredibly easy to whip up in under an hour
- The flavor profile is rich and savory, making it irresistible
- Its inviting appearance brings color to any table, appealing to both kids and adults alike
- Perfect for meal prep or a cozy family dinner, it’s as versatile as it is delicious
I remember the first time I made this dish for my family; their eyes lit up like Christmas trees when they caught the aroma wafting from the kitchen. It was a chilly evening, and nothing felt better than serving them bowls of this heartwarming soup.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless Chicken Thighs: Juicy thighs add rich flavor; feel free to use breasts if preferred.
- Acini di Pepe Pasta: These tiny pasta pearls offer delightful texture; don’t substitute without reason.
- Fresh Spinach: Bright green leaves are essential for color and nutrition; opt for baby spinach for tenderness.
- Carrots: Sweetness from diced carrots enhances the broth’s flavor; choose firm ones for best results.
- Celery: Chopped celery provides crunch; always use fresh stalks for optimal taste.
- Onion: A sweet onion adds depth to the broth; yellow onions work beautifully here.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives an aromatic boost; never skimp on garlic!
- Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium broth to control saltiness; homemade broth elevates the flavor significantly.
- Herbs (Thyme & Bay Leaf): Fresh or dried herbs infuse the soup with earthiness; don’t skip these flavor powerhouses.
- Pepper & Salt: Essential seasonings elevate every ingredient’s natural flavors; adjust to your taste preferences.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below. Classic corn chowder.
Let’s Make it together
Sauté the Aromatics: Heat a large pot over medium heat and add olive oil. Toss in diced onions, carrots, and celery until they soften and your kitchen smells heavenly.
Add Garlic and Chicken: Stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Then introduce boneless chicken thighs into the mix, browning them slightly on each side for extra flavor.
Pour in Chicken Broth: Add chicken broth along with thyme and bay leaf. Bring it all to a gentle boil while stirring occasionally—this is when the magic begins!
Add Acini di Pepe: Once boiling, throw in acini di pepe pasta. Cook according to package instructions—usually about 7-9 minutes—until al dente.
Toss in Spinach: In the final minutes of cooking, fold in fresh spinach until just wilted. This step brightens up both the color and nutritional profile of your soup.
Season and Serve: Taste your masterpiece before serving! Adjust salt and pepper as needed then ladle into bowls. Enjoy each warm bite like it’s a hug from your favorite person!
This chicken soup with acini di pepe and spinach will surely become your go-to dish for any occasion! Crack chicken gnocchi.
You Must Know
- Chicken soup with acini di pepe and spinach is a comforting dish that warms the soul
- The combination of tender chicken, tiny pasta, and vibrant spinach creates a delightful symphony of flavors that’s hard to resist
- Perfect for chilly nights or when you need a hug in a bowl
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by sautéing onions and garlic until fragrant, then add chicken to sear. Cook the pasta separately while simmering the broth for optimal flavor infusion.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap acini di pepe for other small pasta such as orzo or ditalini. Adding herbs like thyme or dill elevates the taste beautifully.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of water if needed.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always season your broth well; it’s key to a flavorful soup
- Don’t overcook the spinach; it should remain vibrant and fresh
- Keep some extra broth handy to adjust consistency when reheating
Nothing beats the laughter around the dinner table when my family devours this soup. Their smiles and “more please” requests make every simmer worthwhile.
FAQ
What can I substitute for acini di pepe?
You can easily use orzo or any small pasta as alternatives.
Can I make this soup in advance?
Yes, this soup tastes even better after a day in the fridge.
How do I store leftover chicken soup?
Store it in airtight containers, and enjoy within three days for best quality.
Warm and Nourishing Chicken Soup with Acini di Pepe and Spinach
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Indulge in a comforting bowl of chicken soup that warms both body and soul. This delightful recipe features tender chicken thighs, tiny acini di pepe pasta, and vibrant spinach simmered in a savory broth. Perfect for chilly nights or when you need a soothing hug in a bowl, this nourishing dish is easy to make and sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless chicken thighs
- 1 cup acini di pepe pasta
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté the diced onion, carrots, and celery until softened.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Add the boneless chicken thighs; brown them slightly on each side.
- Pour in the chicken broth along with thyme and bay leaf. Bring to a gentle boil.
- Add acini di pepe pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (7-9 minutes).
- Fold in fresh spinach during the last minutes of cooking until just wilted.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
