Craving a hearty, soul-warming dish that transports you straight to the sun-drenched coastlines of the Mediterranean? Look no further! This Mediterranean Chicken Bean Pasta Soup is not just a meal—it's a culinary journey that combines protein-packed chicken, creamy white beans, and perfectly cooked pasta in a broth that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Whether you're seeking a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting weekend meal, this recipe promises to deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast, diced
- 1 can white beans, drained
- 1 cup pasta
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Dice the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces, chop the onion, and drain the can of white beans. Measure out the pasta and set aside.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Add the diced chicken breast to the pot with the sautéed onions. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned on all sides and cooked through.
- Once the chicken is cooked, add the drained white beans to the pot. Stir to combine, allowing the beans to heat through for about 2 minutes.
- Next, pour in the 4 cups of chicken broth. Stir in the 1 teaspoon of oregano, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Once boiling, add the 1 cup of pasta to the pot. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente and has absorbed some of the broth.
- After the pasta is cooked, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if necessary. If you prefer a thinner soup, you can add more chicken broth or water at this stage.
- Once everything is well combined and heated through, remove the pot from the heat. Let the soup sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve the Mediterranean Chicken Bean Pasta Soup hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy your delicious and hearty meal!
Tips
- For the most tender chicken, cut it into uniform bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Use fresh oregano if possible—it will elevate the Mediterranean flavor profile significantly.
- Don't overcook the pasta; aim for al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy in the soup.
- For extra depth of flavor, consider toasting the oregano in the oil with the onions before adding chicken.
- If you want a thicker soup, you can mash some of the white beans to create a creamier texture.
- Experiment with garnishes like fresh parsley, a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, or a sprinkle of feta cheese to personalize your soup.
- This soup freezes beautifully—make a double batch and save some for later!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 85mg
