One-Pot Minestrone Soup with Chicken Recipe | Hearty, High-Protein Harvest Soup

The Best Chicken Minestrone Soup Recipe for a Hearty, High-Protein Meal

This One-Pot Minestrone Soup with Chicken blends classic Italian flavors with tender chicken for a warm, nutritious meal. Perfect for chilly days, meal prepping, or family dinners, it’s a high-protein, fiber-rich dish available in crock pot, slow cooker, or stovetop versions.

One-Pot Minestrone Soup with Chicken Recipe | Hearty, High-Protein Harvest Soup

DifficultyEasy

Servings6-8

Prep time15 minutes

Cook time40 minutes

Total time55 minutes

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Ingredients

For the Soup Base:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast (or thighs), diced
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
• 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 (15 oz) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 zucchini, diced
• 1 cup green beans, chopped
• 1 cup small pasta (ditalini, orzo, or elbow macaroni)
• 2 cups baby spinach or kale, chopped

For Serving:

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• Crusty bread or garlic bread (optional)

Let's Get Cooking!

Instructions:

• 1

  Sauté the Vegetables & Chicken:

  1. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or stockpot over medium heat.
  2. Add onions, carrots, and celery, and cook for 5 minutes until softened.
  3. Stir in garlic, diced chicken, salt, black pepper, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes.
  4. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is lightly browned.
• 2

  Build the Soup Base:

  1. Stir in diced tomatoes and tomato paste, cooking for 2 minutes to enhance the flavors.
  2. Pour in chicken broth, then add cannellini and kidney beans.
  3. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes.
• 3

  Add the Final Ingredients:

  1. Stir in zucchini, green beans, and pasta.
  2. Simmer for 10 more minutes, or until pasta is tender.
  3. Add baby spinach/kale, stirring until wilted.
• 4

  Serve & Enjoy:

  1. Ladle soup into bowls and top with grated Parmesan and fresh parsley.
  2. Serve with crusty bread or garlic bread.

Equipment

• Large Dutch
• Wooden spoon
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board

Recipe Notes & Variations

Recipe Notes

✔ Use Fresh or Rotisserie Chicken – For a shortcut, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken. Add it in the last 10 minutes of cooking to prevent overcooking.
✔ Sautéing Builds Flavor – Sautéing the vegetables and chicken before adding the broth enhances the depth of flavor.
✔ Don’t Overcook the Pasta – If making this soup for meal prep, cook pasta separately and add it when serving to prevent it from getting mushy.
✔ Adjust the Thickness – Add more broth for a thinner soup or let it simmer longer for a thicker, heartier texture.
✔ Storage & Reheating:

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze without the pasta for up to 3 months. Add fresh pasta when reheating.

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Variations & Substitutions

Protein Variations

✔ Italian Sausage Minestrone – Swap chicken for crumbled Italian sausage for a rich, hearty flavor.
✔ Ground Turkey or Beef – Use lean ground turkey or beef for a different protein option.
✔ Vegetarian Minestrone – Replace chicken with chickpeas or extra beans, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

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Slow Cooker & Crock-Pot Adaptations

✔ Chicken Minestrone Soup Slow Cooker Version:

• Add all ingredients except pasta and spinach/kale to the slow cooker.
• Cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 4 hours.
• Add pasta and greens in the last 30 minutes of cooking.

✔ Chicken Minestrone Soup Crock-Pot Tip:

• For extra depth, brown the chicken and sauté vegetables before adding them to the slow cooker.

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Gluten-Free & Low-Carb Alternatives

✔ Gluten-Free Minestrone – Swap regular pasta for gluten-free pasta or quinoa.
✔ Low-Carb Option – Skip pasta and add cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.

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Extra Hearty Additions

✔ Creamy Minestrone Soup – Stir in ½ cup heavy cream or coconut milk before serving for a rich, creamy texture.
✔ Spicy Minestrone – Add extra red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a kick.
✔ Extra Vegetables – Bulk up the soup with sweet potatoes, butternut squash, or bell peppers for extra nutrients.

Nutrition

Calories	320
Carbohydrates	38g
Cholesterol	45mg
Fat	7g
Fiber	9g
Protein	28g
Saturated Fat	2g
Sodium	780mg
Sugar	8g
Unsaturated Fat	3g

History & Evolution of Minestrone Soup

Minestrone soup has deep roots in Italian cuisine, dating back to the Roman Empire when it was made with simple ingredients like vegetables, grains, and beans. Over time, it evolved to include different proteins and regional variations, including sausage minestrone, vegetarian versions, and chicken minestrone soup recipes.

The addition of chicken to minestrone soup is a modern twist that enhances the flavor, texture, and protein content, making it a perfect high-protein minestrone soup for those looking for a nutrient-dense meal.

The Art of Cooking Minestrone Soup with Chicken

A great chicken minestrone soup recipe balances:
✔ A rich, savory broth – Made from chicken broth, tomatoes, and herbs.
✔ Tender chunks of chicken – Adds a hearty protein boost.
✔ A variety of fresh vegetables – Carrots, celery, zucchini, and tomatoes create depth.
✔ Beans for protein and fiber – Cannellini or kidney beans enhance texture and nutrition.
✔ Pasta or grains – Traditionally made with small pasta, but you can use rice, quinoa, or orzo for a unique twist.

Why This Chicken Minestrone Soup Recipe is Special

✔ One-Pot Simplicity – Less cleanup, more flavor.
✔ Customizable – Swap vegetables, pasta, or protein to fit your taste.
✔ Meal-Prep Friendly – Stores well for easy leftovers.
✔ High in Protein & Fiber – Perfect for a balanced, nutritious meal.
✔ Great for All Seasons – Whether it’s cold-weather comfort food or a light summer soup, this recipe adapts.

Occasions Perfect for This Harvest Soup

• Weeknight Dinners – Quick, easy, and family-friendly.
• Meal Prep & Freezer-Friendly Meals – Make ahead and store for busy days.
• Healing & Comfort Food – Great for when you’re feeling under the weather.
• Fall & Winter Gatherings – A warm, cozy soup for cold months.