Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb chicken breast or Italian sausage (or both), diced or crumbled
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 can (15 oz) white beans (cannellini or great northern), drained and rinsed
- 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a lighter version)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups baby spinach (or kale, chopped)
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional, for creaminess)
For Garnish:
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Fresh parsley or basil (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Protein: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced chicken or crumbled sausage and cook until browned. Remove from pot and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery to the same pot. Sauté until vegetables soften and onions become translucent.
- Add Broth and Tomatoes: Stir in chicken broth and diced tomatoes. Simmer for 10-15 minutes.
- Incorporate Beans and Greens: Add white beans and spinach (or kale) and simmer until wilted.
- Season and Finish: Stir in dried rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning. Optionally, add heavy cream for creaminess. Return cooked protein to the pot and let simmer.
- Serve: Garnish with Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs. Enjoy hot with crusty bread.
Notes
- For a vegetarian option, skip the meat and use vegetable broth. Add extra beans or roasted vegetables for heartiness.
- If you want more heat, add red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño.
- Use Swiss chard or any leafy green if spinach or kale is unavailable.
- To lighten the recipe, skip the cream and reduce the amount of olive oil used.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 50mg