Chicken Florentine Soup Recipe
Enjoy a warm bowl of chicken florentine soup, a healthy twist on a classic Italian-inspired dish. This soup blends tender chicken, fresh spinach, and vibrant vegetables in a savory broth, creating a hearty yet light meal perfect for any season.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup water
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves, roughly chopped
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or no-salt-added canned)
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Optional: 1/2 cup cashew cream for added creaminess
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: Begin by warming olive oil in a spacious pot over medium heat. First, add the chopped onion and garlic, stirring until fragrant and translucent. Next, toss in the carrots and celery. Continue to sauté for about 3 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
- Cook the Chicken: Gently add the chicken pieces into the heated pot, stirring occasionally to allow them to brown evenly. Stir frequently so the chicken browns evenly. Meanwhile, sprinkle the dried basil and thyme over the mixture and season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Simmer the Soup: Pour in the chicken broth and water, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 15 minutes. During this time, the flavors will meld together, and the chicken will cook through.
- Add Greens and Tomatoes: After simmering, stir in the fresh spinach and diced tomatoes. Allow the soup to simmer for an additional 5 minutes, which will help the spinach wilt perfectly while keeping its vibrant color.
- Finish with Cream and Citrus: For a richer texture, gently fold in the cashew cream if using, and stir in the lemon juice to brighten the flavors. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed.
- Serve: Spoon the soup into bowls and enjoy it piping hot. Enjoy your nourishing and satisfying chicken florentine soup as a standalone meal or with a side of crusty bread.
Notes
- For a lighter version, you can omit the cashew cream and increase the lemon juice slightly for extra brightness.
- Ensure that the chicken is not overcooked to maintain a tender texture; a gentle simmer is key.
- This soup can be easily stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it ideal for meal prep.
- Feel free to experiment with seasonal vegetables to create new variations of this classic dish. Enjoy!