Ingredients
Soup Base
- 3 tablespoon (¼ cup) extra virgin olive oil
- 1 medium brown/yellow onion, peeled and finely diced
- 1 large carrot, washed and finely diced
- 2 ribs celery, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon dried red chilli pepper flakes
- 1 piece Parmesan rind (about 7 ½ cm/3 inches)
- 4 cups (1 litre) chicken stock
- 400 g (14 oz) tin of crushed tomatoes
Protein
- 2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts (approx. 500 g / 17 oz total weight)
Carbohydrates
- 120 g (4.2 oz) noodles (egg noodles or pasta of your choice, about 3cm/1 inch in length)
Seasonings & Garnish
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoon fresh basil leaves, finely chopped (to serve)
- Parmesan cheese, freshly grated (to serve)
- Extra virgin olive oil, a drizzle (to serve)
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrot, and celery, and sauté gently for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables soften and the onion becomes translucent, stirring occasionally.
- Add Garlic: Add the chopped garlic and sauté for an additional minute to release its aroma.
- Add Stock and Ingredients: Pour in the chicken stock, add the chicken breasts, Parmesan rind, crushed tomatoes, rosemary, oregano, and red chili flakes. Ensure the chicken breasts are fully submerged in the liquid.
- Simmer Chicken: Cover with a lid and bring to a gentle simmer over low heat. Cook for 12-15 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and registers 74°C (165°F) on a thermometer.
- Rest and Shred Chicken: Remove the chicken from the pot and let it rest on a chopping board for 5 minutes before shredding it with two forks. Set aside the shredded chicken.
- Continue Simmering Soup: Let the soup simmer uncovered for another 5-10 minutes to soften the vegetables further.
- Cook Noodles: Add the noodles to the simmering soup. Stir well to prevent sticking. Cooking time depends on the noodles chosen—cook until almost done.
- Add Shredded Chicken: Return the shredded chicken to the soup, stirring to combine.
- Season and Adjust: Season with salt and black pepper to taste. If the soup is too thick, add extra chicken stock to desired consistency.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, discard the Parmesan rind, drizzle with extra virgin olive oil, and garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped basil leaves.
- Storage Note: If not serving immediately, the soup will thicken on standing. Add extra stock when reheating if needed.
Notes
- Use extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor and health benefits.
- Keeping the Parmesan rind in the soup adds a rich, savory depth to the broth.
- Homemade or high-quality chicken stock will enhance the soup’s overall taste.
- Adjust seasoning carefully, as the Parmesan rind and stock can contribute saltiness.
- Choose egg noodles or pasta that cooks quickly and matches your texture preference.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean