Print

Lemon Chicken Soup with Angel Hair Pasta

Lemon Chicken Soup with Angel Hair Pasta

Warm up with this zesty Lemon Chicken Soup with Angel Hair Pasta, a bright and comforting dish combining tender chicken, fresh lemon, and delicate angel hair pasta. Perfect for chilly days, it offers a balance of lightness and heartiness ready in under 45 minutes. Ideal for family meals or quick weeknight dinners, this soup is flavorful, nutritious, and easy to customize to your taste.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Pasta

  • 4 ounces angel hair pasta

Produce

  • 2 fresh lemons (zest and juice)
  • 2 medium carrots, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Liquids & Oils

  • 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Seasonings

  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Poach the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in simmering chicken broth for about 15 minutes until fully cooked and tender. Remove the chicken, let it cool slightly, then shred it into bite-sized pieces using two forks.
  2. Sauté the Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions, garlic, carrots, and celery, and sauté for 5 to 7 minutes until softened and fragrant, creating the base of your soup.
  3. Build the Broth: Pour the chicken broth into the pot with the sautéed vegetables. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to simmer, allowing the flavors to meld for about 10 minutes.
  4. Add Pasta and Chicken: Stir in angel hair pasta and shredded chicken. Cook 3 to 5 minutes until the pasta is tender, taking care not to overcook to prevent mushiness.
  5. Brighten with Lemon and Herbs: Remove the pot from heat. Mix in freshly squeezed lemon juice and lemon zest for a signature zing. Stir in chopped fresh parsley, then season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.

Notes

  • Shred chicken while it is still warm for easier handling and perfect bite-sized pieces.
  • Add angel hair pasta last and monitor closely to avoid overcooking as it cooks quickly.
  • Use fresh-squeezed lemon juice for the best bright and fresh flavor profile.
  • Maintain a gentle simmer to preserve the delicate citrus notes without boiling them off.
  • Customize the herbs by substituting parsley with dill or thyme for different herbal flavors.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon chicken soup, angel hair pasta soup, quick chicken soup, comforting soup, family dinner, easy chicken soup, lemon flavored soup