Minestrone with Smoked Chicken Recipe

Name: Minestrone with Smoked Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1/4 cup olive oil; 1 onion, chopped; 1 leek, white only, split vertically and sliced; 1/4 cup minced Italian parsley; 4 ounces smoked chicken or turkey breast, diced; 1 celery stalk, trimmed of leaves and chopped; 2 carrots, peeled and chopped; 1 bunch (about 4 leaves) white Swiss chard, cut into strips; 1/2 small Savoy cabbage, or 1/2 small green cabbage, shredded; 1 large potato, peeled and cubed; 2 medium zucchini, vertically quartered and cut into slices; 1 16-ounce can Italian-style plum tomatoes, drained, seeded, and chopped; 1 cup canned cannellini or other white beans, plus 1/3 cup bean liquid; 1/4 pound fresh or frozen and thawed green beans, cut into 1-inch pieces; 4-5 cups Basic Chicken Broth; 1/3 cup orzo, pastina, or other small pasta; Salt and freshly ground pepper; 1/4 cup Pesto; Freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Servings: persons

1/4 cup olive oil
1 onion, chopped
1 leek, white only, split vertically and sliced
1/4 cup minced Italian parsley
4 ounces smoked chicken or turkey breast, diced
1 celery stalk, trimmed of leaves and chopped
2 carrots, peeled and chopped
1 bunch (about 4 leaves) white Swiss chard, cut into strips
1/2 small Savoy cabbage, or 1/2 small green cabbage, shredded
1 large potato, peeled and cubed
2 medium zucchini, vertically quartered and cut into slices
1 16-ounce can Italian-style plum tomatoes, drained, seeded, and chopped
1 cup canned cannellini or other white beans, plus 1/3 cup bean liquid
1/4 pound fresh or frozen and thawed green beans, cut into 1-inch pieces
4-5 cups Basic Chicken Broth
1/3 cup orzo, pastina, or other small pasta
Salt and freshly ground pepper
1/4 cup Pesto
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1
Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium-low heat.
2
Add the onion, leek, and parsley and saute until the onions are wilted, about 10 minutes.
3
Add half of the chicken, then the celery and carrots.
4
Cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5
Add the Swiss chard and cabbage.
6
Cook, stirring, until the Swiss chard and cabbage lose volume, about 5 minutes.
7
Add the potato, zucchini, tomatoes, cannellini beans and liquid, green beans, and broth.
8
Simmer over low heat, partially covered, for 30 to 35 minutes.
9
Meanwhile, cook the orzo about 8 to 10 minutes, or just until tender, then drain.
10
(If holding the pasta aside, toss with a little oil to keep it from sticking together.)
11
Five minutes before the soup is finished, stir the orzo and remaining chicken into the soup.
12
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
13
This is a thick soup, but it can be thinned with additional broth if desired.
14
Ladle the soup into individual bowls.
15
Top with a dollop of Pesto.
16
Serve with grated cheese on the side.

581

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Feel free to swap in similar ingredients you already have on hand and adjust seasoning to taste.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 19 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 1/4 cup olive oil, 1 onion, chopped, 1 leek, white only, split vertically and sliced, 1/4 cup minced Italian parsley, and more.

Yes, Minestrone with Smoked Chicken falls under the Soups & Stews category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Minestrone with Smoked Chicken

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions