busy day soup recipe
Craving comfort fast? This busy day soup recipe is quick, hearty, and satisfying perfect for hectic nights when you need a warm, easy meal
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 carrots sliced
- 2 celery stalks chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 6 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup small pasta like ditalini or elbow
- 1 cup cooked shredded chicken optional
- 1 cup baby spinach or chopped kale
- Juice of ½ lemon optional
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.
- Season and Simmer: Add dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Pour in the broth and bring to a boil.
- Add Pasta and Chicken: Stir in the pasta and cook for 8–10 minutes until just tender. Add cooked chicken if using.
- Finish with Greens: Stir in spinach or kale and cook for 1–2 minutes until wilted.
- Add Lemon and Serve: Squeeze in lemon juice if desired. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Notes
- Make It Vegetarian: Omit the chicken and use vegetable broth for a fully vegetarian version. Add a can of drained chickpeas or white beans for extra protein.
- Pasta Tips: Use small pasta shapes like ditalini, elbows, or orzo. To avoid soggy noodles in leftovers, cook pasta separately and add just before serving.
- Meal Prep Friendly: This soup stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days and freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely before freezing in airtight containers.
- Add Extra Veggies: Feel free to toss in any extra vegetables you have on hand, like zucchini, bell peppers, green beans, or corn.
- Flavor Boosters: A splash of lemon juice or a pinch of red pepper flakes at the end brightens the flavor. You can also add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan when serving.
- Low-Sodium Option: Use low-sodium broth and adjust salt to taste, especially if using store-bought broth or rotisserie chicken.
- Texture Tip: For a thicker soup, mash a few of the veggies directly in the pot or stir in a small amount of instant mashed potatoes.
