Introduction
Soup is a comforting dish that brings warmth to any meal. This recipe combines tender chicken thighs, fresh vegetables, and flavorful broth to create a hearty and delicious soup. It’s perfect for chilly days and can be easily customized with your favorite ingredients.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
– 500 g/1 lb chicken thighs, skinless boneless
– 1/2 tsp each salt and pepper
Soup:
– 30 g / 2 tbsp unsalted butter
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 garlic cloves, minced
– 2 large celery stems, finely sliced (or substitute with 2 carrots)
– 1/2 cup chardonnay or other dry white wine, optional
– 4 cups chicken stock/broth, low sodium
– 3 cups water
– 1 tsp cooking/kosher salt
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
– 250 g/8 oz small pasta shells (or other small pasta, rice, potato, etc.)
– 1 cup (tightly packed) parmesan, finely grated or store-bought pre-grated
– 1 cup thickened/heavy cream
– 2 packed cups baby spinach, chopped kale or similar
– 1/2 cup sun-dried tomato strips, chopped into 1 cm pieces, plus a bit of oil for drizzling
Soup Thickener (Cornflour Slurry):
– 2 tsp cornflour/cornstarch mixed with 2 tsp water
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: Serves 4-6 people
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Cook Outside of Chicken
Sprinkle each side of the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Melt the butter in a large pot over medium-high heat. Once the butter is foamy, add the chicken to the pot. Cook one side for 3 minutes or until it turns a light golden color. Flip the chicken and cook the other side for 2 minutes. It’s acceptable for the inside to still be raw as it will cook further later. Remove the chicken onto a plate.
Soup Flavor Base
Reduce the stove heat to medium-low. Add minced garlic, finely chopped onion, and sliced celery into the same pot. Cook for 3 minutes, or until the onion has softened.
Deglaze
Increase the heat to high, then add the white wine to the pot. Stir well and allow it to simmer until the wine reduces by half.
Broth & Pasta
Add the chicken stock, water, salt, and black pepper to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then add the pasta. Cook according to the pasta package instructions (approximately 10 minutes), stirring occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Add Chicken Partway
While the pasta cooks, chop the previously cooked chicken into 1.5 cm (1/2 inch) pieces. Add these pieces to the pot to finish cooking.
Finish Soup
After the pasta is fully cooked, lower the heat to low. Stir in the grated parmesan cheese until it melts thoroughly. Then, stir in the cornflour-water mixture, heavy cream, and chopped spinach. Mix the ingredients for about a minute until the spinach wilts and the soup thickens slightly.
Serve
Ladle the soup into bowls. Top with the chopped sun-dried tomato strips, and drizzle a bit of oil over the top for presentation. Enjoy your meal!
Storing
For storage, separate the pasta from the soup to prevent it from absorbing too much liquid and becoming bloated. Refrigerate both components. To serve later, use a slotted spoon to scoop out portions of the soup.
Cook techniques
Seasoning Chicken
Sprinkle salt and pepper evenly on both sides of the chicken thighs before cooking. This enhances the flavor and ensures the seasoning penetrates the meat.
Sautéing Aromatics
Heat butter in a pot until foamy, then add finely chopped onion, minced garlic, and sliced celery. Cook until the onion is softened, which helps build a flavor base for the soup.
Deglazing
After cooking the aromatics, increase the heat and add wine. Stir to release any browned bits from the bottom of the pot, allowing the wine to reduce by half for concentrated flavor.
Cooking Pasta
Bring the broth and water to a boil and add pasta. Follow the cooking time on the pasta package, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Finishing the Soup
Once the pasta is cooked, reduce heat and stir in grated parmesan until melted. Then add the cornflour slurry, cream, and spinach, stirring until the spinach wilts and the soup thickens slightly.
Serving
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped sun-dried tomatoes and a drizzle of oil for an appealing finish.
FAQ
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts, but thighs generally provide more flavor and moisture.
Is the wine necessary?
No, adding wine is optional. It enhances the flavor, but you can skip it if preferred.
Can I use another type of pasta?
Yes, any small pasta, rice, or even potatoes can be used as a substitute.
How should I store leftover soup?
Store pasta separately from the soup to prevent bloating. Refrigerate both components and reheat when ready to serve.
Can I use low-fat cream or milk instead of heavy cream?
Yes, you can use low-fat cream or milk as a substitute, but it may change the richness of the soup.
Conclusion
This creamy chicken soup, enriched with parmesan and highlighted by the flavors of sun-dried tomatoes, brings together a harmonious blend of ingredients for a comforting meal. The combination of tender chicken, hearty pasta, and vibrant greens creates a satisfying dish that warms the soul. Perfect for any occasion, this soup is easy to prepare and is sure to please the whole family.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Try substituting chicken thighs with shrimp for a seafood twist.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Incorporate diced carrots instead of celery for a sweeter flavor profile.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Add a dash of chili flakes for a bit of heat.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Use different pasta shapes like orzo or farfalle for varied texture.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Replace spinach with arugula for a peppery finish.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Include a squeeze of lemon juice right before serving for brightness.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Mix in an assortment of fresh herbs like basil or thyme for added fragrance.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Top with crispy bacon or pancetta for an extra crunch and flavor enhancement.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Swap heavy cream for coconut milk for a dairy-free alternative.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Incorporate different types of cheeses, such as gouda or feta, for a unique taste.
