There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm bowl of soup, especially when it’s packed with rich flavors and hearty ingredients. If you’re craving something that’s both satisfying and full of flavor, this Chicken Pesto Soup recipe will become your new go-to. Think of it as the perfect fusion between classic chicken soup and the bold, aromatic flavors of pesto. This recipe combines tender chicken, vibrant pesto, and creamy broth in a way that’s both fresh and hearty. Whether you’re looking for a cozy meal on a cold day or something special to serve to guests, this soup ticks all the boxes.
Why Chicken Pesto Soup?
What makes this soup stand out is the pesto. The traditional basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan, and olive oil blend give the soup a unique twist. It’s a savory, herb-packed punch that transforms your typical chicken soup into something fresh and exciting. Plus, the addition of vegetables, tender chicken, and creamy broth makes it incredibly comforting.
Chicken Pesto Soup Recipe
Ready to dive into the delicious world of Chicken Pesto Soup? Here’s everything you need to know to whip up this mouthwatering dish:
Ingredients Needed
- Chicken Breast (or thighs): 2 boneless, skinless pieces (about 1 lb)
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons (for cooking)
- Garlic: 3-4 cloves, minced
- Onion: 1 medium, chopped
- Carrots: 2 medium, peeled and sliced
- Celery: 2 stalks, chopped
- Chicken Broth: 4 cups (preferably low-sodium)
- Pesto Sauce: 1/2 cup (store-bought or homemade)
- Heavy Cream: 1/2 cup (for creaminess)
- Spinach or Kale: 2 cups (fresh, chopped)
- Parmesan Cheese: 1/4 cup (for garnish)
- Salt and Pepper: to taste
- Optional Add-ins: Pine nuts, croutons, or extra Parmesan for garnish
Cooking Instructions
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Prepare The Chicken
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then sear them in the pot for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
- Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside to rest.
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Sauté The Vegetables
- In the same pot, add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery.
- Sauté for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables start to soften and the onions turn translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
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Build The Soup Base
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Stir well, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the pot (this adds great flavor).
- While the soup simmers, shred the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces.
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Add Pesto And Cream
- Once the soup is simmering, add the shredded chicken back into the pot.
- Stir in the pesto sauce, then pour in the heavy cream. Mix until everything is well combined.
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Finish The Soup
- Add the spinach or kale to the pot and cook for 3-4 minutes until the greens are wilted.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
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Serve
- Ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan and optional toppings like pine nuts or croutons for an extra crunch.
Ingredient Insights
Each ingredient in this recipe has a purpose that enhances the overall flavor and texture of the soup. Let’s dive deeper into why these ingredients are so important:
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Chicken Breast (or Thighs)
- The chicken serves as the heart of the soup, providing lean protein that makes the dish hearty and filling. The breast is lean, but thighs can be used for a juicier option.
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Olive Oil
- Used for sautéing the vegetables, olive oil also adds a mild fruity flavor that complements the pesto perfectly.
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Garlic And Onion
- These two are classic soup aromatics. Garlic brings a warm, slightly spicy flavor, while onions provide sweetness and depth when sautéed.
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Carrots And Celery
- Known as the “holy trinity” in many soups, carrots and celery give the soup a subtle earthiness and texture that balance out the rich, creamy base.
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Pesto
- The star ingredient! Made from basil, garlic, olive oil, Parmesan, and pine nuts, pesto provides an herbaceous and nutty kick to the soup.
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Heavy Cream
- This ingredient gives the soup a velvety smooth texture, adding richness without being too heavy.
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Spinach Or Kale
- Adding greens to your soup not only boosts its nutritional value but also adds a fresh pop of color and slight bitterness that balances the creaminess.
Expert Tips
To make sure your Chicken Pesto Soup turns out perfect every time, here are some expert tips:
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Don’t Skip The Searing
- Searing the chicken before adding it to the soup develops a lot of flavors that might otherwise be missing. The caramelized bits left in the pot will infuse the soup with richness.
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Make Your Own Pesto
- While store-bought pesto is convenient, making your own is a game-changer. Fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, and Parmesan all blended together with quality olive oil create a vibrant flavor that’ll elevate your soup.
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Customize The Greens
- If you’re not a fan of spinach or kale, feel free to swap them for arugula, chard, or even zucchini ribbons for a lighter option.
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Adjust Creaminess
- Want a lighter version? You can swap heavy cream with half-and-half or even coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
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Add A Crunch
- For some texture contrast, add toasted pine nuts, croutons, or even crispy bacon on top just before serving.
Recipe Variations
This recipe is versatile, and there are many ways you can modify it based on your preferences. Here are some ideas:
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Vegan/Vegetarian Version
- Replace the chicken with chickpeas or tofu. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and a dairy-free pesto (made with nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan).
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Spicy Pesto Soup
- Add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes to your pesto or sauté a few chopped fresh chilies with the garlic to give the soup a spicy kick.
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Chicken Pesto Soup With Pasta
- To make the soup even heartier, add cooked pasta (like orzo or ditalini) in place of or alongside the vegetables.
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Slow Cooker Option
- You can also make this recipe in a slow cooker. Add all the ingredients except for the pesto and cream, and cook on low for 6 hours. Stir in the pesto and cream just before serving.
Final Words
This Chicken Pesto Soup brings together comforting elements with a vibrant, herby twist. It’s a dish that feels both indulgent and wholesome, with a creamy, savory broth that’s rich in flavor without feeling overly heavy. Whether you’re in the mood for something that’s quick and easy or you’re looking to impress at your next dinner party, this recipe has you covered.