Chicken Noodle Soup with Spinach & Parmesan
A warm, hearty, and nourishing bowl of homemade Chicken Noodle Soup with Spinach & Parmesan! This easy-to-make recipe is packed with lean protein, fiber-rich greens, and a boost of flavor from garlic, lemon, and Parmesan. Perfect for a cozy meal, this soup is also great for meal prep—just cook the pasta separately if you plan to store leftovers.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 1/3 cup dry white wine
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper
- 1/2 cup whole-wheat small elbow pasta
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken breast
- 1 package baby spinach
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/3 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
Directions
Step 1
Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add garlic and crushed red pepper, stirring constantly, until fragrant and sizzling (about 2 minutes). Pour in the white wine and cook until reduced by half, about 2 minutes.
Step 2
Stir in the chicken broth, salt, and pepper. Cover and bring to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook, stirring occasionally, until al dente (about 6 minutes).
Step 3
Remove from heat and add the shredded chicken and baby spinach. Stir until the spinach wilts (about 1 minute). Stir in the lemon zest and lemon juice for a burst of freshness.
Step 4
Divide the soup among four shallow bowls and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese before serving.
Tips
- Meal prep: Store soup and pasta separately if making ahead. Keep in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Extra protein: Use bone broth for added nutrients and deeper flavor.
- Vegetarian alternative: Swap chicken for chickpeas or white beans and use vegetable broth.
Nutritional Benefits & Cooking Insights
- 🥬 Why is Spinach a Superfood? – Discover the incredible health benefits of spinach, from iron to antioxidants.
- 🍋 The Health Benefits of Lemon in Soups – Learn how lemon juice enhances flavor and aids digestion.
- 🍗 Lean Protein in Chicken: Why It Matters – Understand how chicken supports muscle growth and overall health.
- 🍜 Whole Wheat vs. Regular Pasta: Which is Better? – A comparison of whole wheat pasta's fiber and nutrient content.
- 🧀 The Nutritional Power of Parmesan Cheese – Find out why Parmesan is rich in calcium and protein.