A Childhood Favorite
My Favorite is Chicken Alphabet Soup and I remember the first time I made Chicken Alphabet Soup; it took me back to my own childhood. My mom used to make this soup whenever we were feeling under the weather or just needed a bit of comfort. The sight of those tiny alphabet letters floating in the broth always brought a smile to my face. It was like eating a bowl of happy memories. As I stirred the pot and watched the carrots, celery, and chicken come together, I felt like I was connecting with those warm, cozy days from the past.
A Quick Family Dinner
One evening, after a particularly busy day, I decided to whip up a batch of this soup for my family. It was perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. The smell of the sautéed vegetables filled the kitchen, making everyone come running for the table. As the alphabet pasta cooked and mingled with the tender chicken, I couldn’t help but smile at how simple yet satisfying this dish is. The best part? My kids loved it. They had so much fun finding their initials in the soup!
A Versatile Dish
What I love most about Chicken Alphabet Soup is how versatile it is. On days when I’m feeling adventurous, I switch up the veggies or even the pasta. Sometimes I use butternut squash instead of carrots or add a sprinkle of fresh herbs like cilantro. The soup always turns out delicious, no matter how I mix it up. It’s like a blank canvas that lets me get creative with what I have on hand, and it still tastes amazing every time.
A Heartwarming Tradition
As I serve the soup, I always add a little extra parsley on top. It’s a small touch that makes the soup look vibrant and fresh. Each bowl reminds me of the importance of simple, comforting meals and the joy they bring to my family. Chicken Alphabet Soup isn’t just a recipe; it’s a tradition that brings us together and warms our hearts. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the simplest dishes are the most meaningful.
Table of Contents
Chef’s Notes-Chicken Alphabet Soup
- Remember to remove the bay leaf before serving.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, create a slurry by mixing a tablespoon of cornstarch with a few tablespoons of cold water. Stir this mixture into the soup during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- Feel free to add other vegetables such as peas, corn, or green beans for additional texture and nutrition.
- Pair the soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
- Be careful not to overcook the alphabet pasta. It should be tender but not mushy. If storing leftovers, you might want to cook the pasta separately and add it to individual servings to prevent it from becoming too soft.
Chicken Alphabet Soup
4
servings10
minutes15
minutes163
kcal25
minutesDive into a bowl of nostalgia with this delightful Chicken Alphabet Soup! Perfect for family dinners, this soup is brimming with tender chicken, vibrant veggies, and fun alphabet pasta. It’s a hit with kids and adults alike, making it a go-to for busy weeknights. Get ready to impress your loved ones with this heartwarming, easy-to-make soup!
Ingredients
- Vegetables
3 medium carrots diced
2 stalks celery chopped
3/4 cup sweet onion finely chopped
- Base
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
2 quarts low-sodium chicken broth
- Protein
3 cups diced cooked chicken breast
- Seasoning
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
- Pasta
1-1/2 cups uncooked alphabet pasta
- Garnish
3 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley
Directions
- Sauté Vegetables – In a large Dutch oven over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the diced carrots, chopped celery, and finely chopped sweet onion. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender and fragrant.
- Combine Ingredients – Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and add the diced cooked chicken breast along with the dried thyme leaves. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Final Touches – Stir in the freshly chopped parsley just before serving to add a burst of freshness and color.
Equipment
- chef’s knife
- cutting board
- Dutch Oven
- measuring cups and spoons
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 163kcal
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 26mg
- Sodium: 828mg
- Potassium: 300mg
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Vitamin A: 5000IU
- Vitamin C: 10mg
- Calcium: 40mg
- Iron: 1mg
FAQ-Chicken Alphabet Soup
Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh ones?
Yes, you can use frozen carrots and celery. Just be sure to thaw and drain them before adding to the soup to avoid excess moisture.
How can I make this soup vegetarian?
Replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth and use tofu or chickpeas instead of chicken breast.
Can I prepare this soup ahead of time?
Yes, the soup can be made in advance. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. If freezing, cook the pasta separately and add it when reheating to avoid it becoming mushy.
What can I do if the soup is too salty?
If the soup ends up too salty, you can add a splash of water or low-sodium chicken broth to balance the flavors. Adding a small potato to the soup while it simmers can also help absorb some of the excess salt.
Can I substitute the alphabet pasta with another type of pasta?
Absolutely! You can use any small pasta such as orzo, ditalini, or even elbow macaroni. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type.
