Easy Alphabet Soup

Introduction

In the chilly days of February, there’s nothing quite like a comforting bowl of soup that not only warms the body but also brings a smile to the face. This Easy Alphabet Soup with a Twist is perfect for a fun family meal, where the classic charm of alphabet pasta meets the wholesome goodness of vegetables and chicken. Whether you’re serving it to kids eager to spell out words or adults looking for a hearty, nostalgic meal, this soup is sure to be a hit.

Detailed Ingredients with measures

30 ml olive oil

150 grams onion, finely chopped

100 grams carrot, diced

100 grams celery, diced

500 grams cooked chicken breast, shredded

1 liter chicken broth

400 grams canned diced tomatoes, with juice

150 grams alphabet pasta

1 tsp dried basil

1 tsp dried oregano

5 grams salt

2 grams black pepper

30 grams grated Parmesan cheese

15 grams fresh parsley, chopped

Prep Time

10 minutes

Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Yield: 6 servings

Directions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onions, carrots, and celery, and sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables have softened.

2. Stir in the shredded chicken, chicken broth, and canned tomatoes, along with their juice. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

3. Add the alphabet pasta to the pot. Stir in the dried basil, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the soup simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked through.

4. Once cooked, adjust the seasoning to taste if needed.

5. Serve the soup hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley.

Detailed Directions and Instructions

Step 1: Heat the Olive Oil

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Add the finely chopped onions, diced carrots, and diced celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables have softened.

Step 3: Add Chicken and Broth

Stir in the shredded cooked chicken, chicken broth, and canned diced tomatoes with their juice. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

Step 4: Incorporate Pasta and Seasonings

Add the alphabet pasta to the pot. Stir in the dried basil, oregano, salt, and black pepper.

Step 5: Simmer the Soup

Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the soup simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked through.

Step 6: Adjust Seasoning

Once cooked, adjust the seasoning to taste if needed.

Step 7: Serve the Soup

Serve the soup hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley.

Notes

Servings

This recipe yields 6 servings.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Variations

You can add other vegetables such as peas or corn for additional flavor and nutrition.

Gluten-Free Option

Use gluten-free alphabet pasta for a gluten-free version of this soup.

Serving Suggestions

Pair the soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

Storage Instructions

Refrigeration

Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Allow the soup to cool to room temperature before sealing.

Freezing

To freeze, transfer the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers. It can be stored for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop.

Serving Suggestions

Garnish

Serve the soup hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for added flavor and visual appeal.

Accompaniments

Pair the soup with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad to make a complete meal. For a fun twist, provide garlic toast or cheesy breadsticks for dipping.

Nutritional Information

Per Serving (approx.)

Calories: 320
Protein: 30g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fat: 10g
Fiber: 3g
Sodium: 780mg

This nutritional information is based on the specific ingredients used and may vary based on substitutions or additional toppings.

Ingredient Substitutions

Olive Oil

You can substitute olive oil with any neutral oil like vegetable or canola oil.

Chicken

To make the soup vegetarian, omit the chicken and replace it with additional vegetables or cooked beans for protein.

Broth

Use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth for a vegetarian version.

Pasta

If alphabet pasta is unavailable, use any small pasta like ditalini, or orzo.

Herbs

Fresh herbs can be used instead of dried; use about three times the amount of fresh herbs in place of dried ones.

Parmesan Cheese

If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, omit the Parmesan cheese or substitute it with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.

Cook techniques

Sautéing

Sautéing is a cooking method to quickly cook food in a small amount of oil over medium-high heat. In this soup, it involves softening onions, carrots, and celery to enhance their flavors before adding other ingredients.

Simmering

Simmering is cooking food gently in liquid at a low temperature. This technique allows flavors to meld together while ensuring that the pasta cooks properly without becoming mushy.

Shredding Chicken

Shredding cooked chicken involves pulling apart the meat into thin strips using forks or your hands. This technique helps integrate the chicken evenly throughout the soup, providing a hearty texture.

Garnishing

Garnishing refers to the final touches added to a dish before serving. In this soup, grated Parmesan and fresh parsley not only enhance the visual appeal but also add layers of flavor.

FAQ

Can I use uncooked chicken in this recipe?

Yes, you can add uncooked chicken to the pot after sautéing the vegetables. Just ensure it cooks through before adding the broth and other ingredients.

What if I don’t have alphabet pasta?

If you don’t have alphabet pasta, you can substitute it with any small pasta shape, such as ditalini or small shells.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace the chicken and broth with vegetable broth and add more vegetables of your choice for a delicious vegetarian version.

How long will the soup last in the fridge?

The soup can be stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days in an airtight container.

Can I freeze the soup?

Yes, you can freeze the soup. It’s best to freeze it without the pasta added, as the pasta may become mushy when thawed. Add fresh pasta when reheating.

What vegetables can I add to the soup?

You can add a variety of vegetables like peas, corn, or bell peppers to boost the nutrition and flavor of the soup.

Conclusion

The Easy Alphabet Soup with a Twist is not just a meal; it’s an invitation to gather around the table and enjoy wholesome goodness together. With its delightful combination of chicken, vegetables, and playful alphabet pasta, this soup brings comfort and joy to chilly days. Perfect for kids and adults alike, it serves as a reminder that even the simplest recipes can create lasting memories.

Vegetable Alphabet Soup

Replace the chicken with a variety of colorful vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and corn for a nourishing vegetarian option.

Spicy Alphabet Chicken Soup

Add a kick of flavor by incorporating diced jalapeños and a dash of cayenne pepper to heat things up.

Alphabet Soup with Meatballs

Include small meatballs made from ground beef or turkey to make the soup heartier and add an extra source of protein.

Italian-Inspired Alphabet Soup

Stir in some diced pancetta and fresh spinach, and finish with a sprinkle of crushed red pepper for a delicious Italian flair.

Asian-Style Alphabet Soup

Incorporate soy sauce, ginger, and bok choy for a unique twist, giving the soup an enticing Asian flavor profile.