Warm up with a comforting bowl of ABC Soup (Chicken & Veggie Soup), a delightful blend of tender chicken, colorful vegetables, and small alphabet pasta. This soup is not only nutritious but also incredibly fun to eat, making it perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in. Whether you’re serving it on a chilly day or packing it for lunch, this recipe will surely warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Family-Friendly: ABC Soup is loved by both kids and adults, making it a hit at the dinner table.
- Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with lean chicken and vibrant veggies, it’s a healthy meal option.
- Easy to Make: With simple steps and common ingredients, you’ll whip this soup up in no time.
- Versatile: Feel free to swap out vegetables or add your favorite spices for a personal touch.
- Comforting Flavor: The savory broth combined with tender chicken and pasta makes every bite heartwarming.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start cooking, gather your tools. Having everything ready will streamline the process and make cooking more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: Essential for simmering the soup evenly and allowing all flavors to meld beautifully.
- Chef’s knife: A sharp knife makes chopping vegetables quick and easy, ensuring uniform pieces that cook evenly.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
For the Broth
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup water
For the Vegetables
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 cup frozen peas
For Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Pasta
- 1 cup alphabet pasta
For Cooking
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
How to Make ABC Soup (Chicken & Veggie Soup)
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and season them with salt and pepper. Cook until browned on both sides, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside to cool.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pot, add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender. Stir in the thyme, basil, and garlic powder.
Step 3: Add the Liquids
Pour in the chicken broth and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
While the soup simmers, shred the cooled chicken using two forks. Add the shredded chicken and alphabet pasta to the pot. Simmer for an additional 10 minutes or until the pasta is tender.
Step 5: Finish the Soup
Stir in the frozen peas and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve hot and enjoy!
How to Serve ABC Soup (Chicken & Veggie Soup)
Serving ABC Soup is all about enhancing the comfort and joy that this dish brings. Whether it’s a chilly evening or a family gathering, here are some delightful ways to serve this chicken and veggie soup.
Pair with Crusty Bread
- A warm, crusty baguette or sourdough loaf makes the perfect companion for dipping into the soup.
Add a Side Salad
- A light garden salad with fresh greens and a tangy vinaigrette can balance the warm flavors of the soup.
Top with Cheese
- Sprinkle shredded cheese on top right before serving for a creamy, savory finish.
Include Crackers
- Serve with crispy crackers for an added crunch that kids will love.
Use Fun Bowls
- Serve in colorful bowls or themed dishes to make mealtime more exciting, especially for children.
Garnish Creatively
- Try adding fun garnishes like a drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of extra herbs to elevate presentation.
How to Perfect ABC Soup (Chicken & Veggie Soup)
Making the perfect ABC Soup is simple with these helpful tips. Following these suggestions can enhance flavor and texture.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs make a big difference in flavor, ensuring your soup is vibrant and tasty.
- Season Gradually: Taste as you go! Adjust seasoning throughout the cooking process for balanced flavors.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Add alphabet pasta towards the end of cooking to prevent it from becoming mushy.
- Experiment with Broth: Consider using homemade chicken broth for richer flavor or low-sodium broth if you’re watching your salt intake.
- Store Properly: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container. Reheat gently to maintain texture.
- Add Extra Veggies: Feel free to toss in additional vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for added nutrition.
Best Side Dishes for ABC Soup (Chicken & Veggie Soup)
When enjoying ABC Soup, side dishes can complement its deliciousness. Here are some great options to consider:
-
Garlic Bread
A classic choice, garlic bread pairs beautifully with this soup, providing a satisfying crunch and buttery flavor. -
Cheesy Quesadillas
Quick and easy, quesadillas filled with cheese make for a cheesy delight that kids will adore. -
Fruit Salad
A refreshing fruit salad adds sweetness and balances the savory notes of the soup perfectly. -
Stuffed Peppers
These can be made ahead of time and stuffed with rice or quinoa, adding heartiness to your meal. -
Baked Potatoes
Simple baked potatoes topped with sour cream or cheese can serve as a filling side dish alongside your soup. -
Roasted Vegetables
Roasted seasonal veggies add depth and flavor while keeping your meal healthy and colorful. -
Cornbread
Sweet cornbread offers a delightful contrast to the savory soup flavors, perfect for dipping! -
Spinach Dip with Chips
Creamy spinach dip served with tortilla chips provides an enjoyable appetizer before diving into the soup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making ABC Soup, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are common mistakes to avoid for the best results.
- Skipping the Seasoning: Failing to season your chicken and vegetables can result in bland soup. Always add salt and pepper during cooking.
- Overcooking the Pasta: Adding alphabet pasta too early can lead to mushy noodles. Wait until the soup is almost done before adding it.
- Using Low-Quality Broth: A good broth is essential for flavor. Opt for homemade or high-quality store-bought chicken broth.
- Neglecting Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs enhance the soup’s taste. Don’t skip the parsley garnish; it adds a lovely freshness.
- Not Shredding Properly: Shredding the chicken too finely can make it difficult to eat. Aim for bite-sized pieces for a better texture.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store ABC Soup in an airtight container.
- It will last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing ABC Soup (Chicken & Veggie Soup)
- Allow the soup to cool completely before freezing.
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving space for expansion.
- It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating ABC Soup (Chicken & Veggie Soup)
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes.
- Microwave: Transfer soup to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Pour into a pot over medium heat. Stir occasionally until heated through, about 5-10 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes ABC Soup (Chicken & Veggie Soup) kid-friendly?
ABC Soup combines fun alphabet pasta with tender chicken and veggies, making it appealing and nutritious for children.
Can I customize my ABC Soup?
Absolutely! You can add various vegetables like corn or bell peppers based on your preference or what’s in season.
How can I make this soup healthier?
To make ABC Soup even healthier, consider using whole grain or gluten-free alphabet pasta and adding more vegetables.
Is ABC Soup good for meal prep?
Yes! This soup stores well and is perfect for meal prepping, providing quick meals throughout the week.
Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?
Using leftover chicken is a great way to save time! Just add it at the same stage as shredded chicken in the recipe.
Final Thoughts
ABC Soup (Chicken & Veggie Soup) is a wonderful dish that warms hearts and satisfies cravings. Its versatility allows you to customize ingredients based on your family’s tastes. Give this delightful recipe a try, and you’ll have a comforting meal ready in no time!
ABC Soup (Chicken & Veggie Soup)
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately four people 1x
Description
Warm up with a comforting bowl of ABC Soup (Chicken & Veggie Soup), a delightful blend of tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and playful alphabet pasta. This nutritious dish is not only fun to eat but also perfect for cozy family dinners or packed lunches. Whether enjoyed on a chilly day or during a family gathering, it promises to warm hearts and satisfy taste buds with its savory broth and heartwarming flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup water
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup alphabet pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- In a large pot over medium heat, warm olive oil and season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Cook until browned on both sides (about 5-7 minutes each). Remove and let cool.
- Using the same pot, sauté chopped onion, carrots, and celery for about 5 minutes until tender. Stir in thyme, basil, and garlic powder.
- Add chicken broth and water; bring to a boil then reduce to simmer.
- Shred the cooled chicken and add it along with the alphabet pasta to the pot. Simmer for an additional 10 minutes until pasta is tender.
- Stir in frozen peas and cook for an extra 2-3 minutes. Adjust seasoning as needed before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (300g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
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