We’ve been having our fair share of rainy days here in the desert, and I’ve been making soup for dinner at least once a week. I made a big pot of Easy Italian Chicken Soup last week, and it was such a hit that I made it again yesterday. Filled with generous pieces of chicken, diced tomatoes, cannellini beans and fresh spinach, this soup is a complete meal in a bowl!
I love soup, but most of the time it’s too hot here to enjoy it. Last fall and winter, the weather was pretty mild, but thanks to El Nino, this year is different. So, that means we get to enjoy these wonderful bowls of steaming hot soup more often.
Most of the kids are fine with soup for dinner, except one of my darling teens. Let’s just say that she tolerates it. Barely. Chicken soup is always safe, but I like to change it up a little so that it doesn’t get too monotonous. And this recipe for Italian chicken soup is definitely a kicked-up version of the usual.
Sometimes, I make it from scratch, and other times, I buy organic stock. If I’m really busy and short of time, I’ll even use rotisserie chicken. But even with the shortcuts, it still tastes good, and that’s what counts!
I usually add a little bit of penne pasta at the end, but this is optional. Some of us like pasta in the soup, and some don’t, but this way, everyone gets to choose. And everyone is usually satisfied, even the picky teen!
Ingredients for Easy Italian Chicken Soup
- 2 cups cooked chicken, cut up
- 8 cups chicken stock
- 1 15-oz can cannellini beans
- 1 15-oz can diced tomatoes
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 pound penne pasta, uncooked
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, chopped
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions
I make a big pot of this Italian Chicken Soup, and after we have it for dinner, I’ll save some for another day or use the leftovers for lunch. It’s completely satisfying without being too filling, and it’s great with crusty bread, crackers or just by itself — yum!
Have you had any soup lately? What’s your favorite kind? I’d love to know!
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JoAnne says
That looks really good, Dee. I love making soup in the winter and I really love recipes that can be made ahead and even have leftovers too.
Dee M says
Thanks, JoAnne. I could live off of soup in the winter! 🙂
At Rivercrest Cottage says
Looks so good I am going to try it today. Truly easy like the title says!
Dee M says
Thanks so much! I'm making it again tonight for dinner since two of the kiddos aren't feeling well. 🙂