Pioneer Woman Chicken Minestrone Soup

Pioneer Woman Chicken Minestrone Soup is made with olive oil, yellow onion, carrots, celery, green beans, garlic, low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth, petite diced tomatoes, great northern beans, bay leaves, dried oregano, dried thyme, kosher salt, black pepper, boneless, skinless chicken breasts, dry ditalini pasta, and fresh parsley. This hearty “Pioneer Woman” recipe creates a comforting dinner that takes about 45 minutes to prepare and can serve up to 6 people.

Pioneer Woman Chicken Minestrone Soup Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cups diced yellow onion (about 1 onion)
• 1 cup diced carrots (about 2 carrots)
• 1 cup diced celery (about 3 celery ribs)
• 1 cup green beans, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic (about 3 garlic cloves)
• 6 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 (14.5 ounces) cans of petite diced tomatoes (do NOT drain)
• 1 (15.5 ounces) can of great northern beans, rinsed and drained
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound), uncooked
• ¾ cup dry ditalini pasta or other small-shaped pasta
• ½ cup chopped fresh parsley

Pioneer Woman Chicken Minestrone Soup Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, celery, and green beans. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until the onions soften.
2. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine chicken (or vegetable) broth, diced tomatoes (with juices), great northern beans, bay leaves, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Pour this mixture into the saucepan.
4. Carefully place the chicken breasts into the pot, ensuring they are completely submerged in the broth.
5. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
6. Once the chicken is cooked, transfer it to a cutting board or platter and set aside.
7. To the soup, add the ditalini pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, uncovered, until the pasta is al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
8. While the pasta cooks, shred the chicken using two forks.
9. Remove the bay leaves from the soup and discard them. Return the shredded chicken to the pot, then stir in the chopped fresh parsley.

Recipe Tips

• Chicken Cooking Variation: Instead of cooking the chicken breasts whole in the soup, you can pre-cook them separately by grilling, baking, or poaching. Then shred or chop them and add to the soup towards the end of cooking.
• Pasta Cooking Time: Be mindful of the cooking time for the pasta. Cook it until it’s just al dente to ensure it doesn’t become mushy when added to the soup.
• Customize with Vegetables: Feel free to customize the soup with your favorite vegetables. Zucchini, spinach, or kale can be great additions for extra nutrition and flavor.

How To Store Pioneer Woman Chicken Minestrone Soup

Refrigerate: Allow the Pioneer Woman Chicken Minestrone Soup to cool completely. Then, transfer it to an airtight container or cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freeze: For longer storage, freeze the soup. Ladle the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion, or use heavy-duty freezer bags. Seal tightly and label with the date. The soup can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating on the stove or in the microwave.

How To Reheat Leftover Pioneer Woman Chicken Minestrone Soup

In The Microwave: Pour a portion of the leftover soup into a microwave-safe bowl and cover it loosely with a microwave-safe lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.

On The Stove: Transfer the desired amount of soup to a saucepan. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches the desired temperature. Be careful not to boil the soup vigorously, as this may cause it to separate.

In The Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour the leftover soup into an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Reheat for about 15-20 minutes, or until it is hot all the way through.

What To Serve Pioneer Woman Chicken Minestrone Soup

Pioneer Woman Chicken Minestrone Soup pairs well with crusty bread, garlic bread, a simple green salad, and grilled cheese sandwiches. It also can be served alongside crackers, cornbread, croutons, and a vegetable platter for better savoring of the meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different types of pasta?

Yes, you can use different types of pasta based on your preference. Just ensure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you choose.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit the chicken breasts. You can also add more vegetables or beans for extra protein.

How can I make this soup more flavorful?

To enhance the flavor of the soup, consider sautéing the vegetables before adding the broth. You can also add fresh herbs like basil or rosemary, and adjust the seasoning to taste.

Try more recipes:

• Trader Joe’s French Onion Soup
• Asian Duck Soup Recipe
• Asian Cabbage Soup Recipe