Chicken Kale Soup with Pasta Anellini (22 Minutes)

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This soup utilizes rotisserie chicken, which not only saves time but also adds rich flavor. Combined with nutritious kale, hearty anellini pasta, and a classic blend of carrots, celery, and onion, this soup is both satisfying and healthy.

It’s an ideal choice for a family dinner, especially during colder months, or when you need a meal that’s both heartwarming and easy to prepare.

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 17 minutes
  • Total Time: 22 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
  • 1 cup anellini pasta (or any small pasta)
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 2 cups kale, chopped
  • 1 carrot, diced
  • 1 celery stalk, diced
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: grated Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, fresh herbs for garnish

Instructions

  1. Sauté Vegetables (5 minutes): In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté until the vegetables begin to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
  2. Add Broth and Chicken (5 minutes): Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Add the shredded rotisserie chicken to the pot.
  3. Cook Pasta (10 minutes): Add the anellini pasta to the soup. Let it cook until the pasta is al dente.
  4. Add Kale (5 minutes): Stir in the chopped kale and continue to simmer the soup until the kale is wilted and tender.
  5. Season and Serve (2 minutes): Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with optional grated Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, or fresh herbs.

Notes

This soup is a great way to use leftover rotisserie chicken, making it a convenient and flavorful option. The kale adds a nutritional boost and a lovely texture contrast to the tender pasta. For the pasta, ensure it’s cooked just right – al dente works best as it continues to soften slightly in the hot broth.

Feel free to adjust the seasonings according to your taste, and consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice for a bit of brightness. Serve with a side of crusty bread and a side salad for a complete meal. Enjoy!

*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 300
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 20g
  • Cholesterol: 50mg

Pair this with...

Homemade Boule Loaf

Grab 4 cups all-purpose flour, 1 packet (or 2 ¼ tsp) of active dry yeast, about 1 ½ cups warm water, and 1 ½ tsp salt. Dissolve that yeast in warm water and let it sit until it's foamy, around 5 minutes. Now, mix in the flour and salt, get your hands dirty, and knead until smooth. Let the dough rise in a cozy spot until it's doubled in size, about an hour. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Shape your dough into a ball and score the top with an "X" or design of your choosing. Bake for about 30 minutes until golden brown. Let it cool and enjoy the magic of homemade bread.

Leafy Greens Side Salad

Kick things off with a bed of your favorite mixed greens—whether it's spinach, arugula, romaine, or a combination of all. Next, layer on thinly sliced red onion, adding a sharp and colorful zing. Slice a cucumber into neat rounds, offering cool and refreshing bites throughout the salad. Halve some juicy cherry tomatoes and scatter them in, lending their sweet-tart bursts. Finally, dot the salad with pitted green olives, introducing a briny depth. For dressing, a simple vinaigrette made of olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper does wonders. Drizzle it over the salad, toss everything gently, and serve.

Chunky Potato Salad

Start with some good-quality, sturdy potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes. Boil them until they're fork-tender but still hold their shape. Once cooled, cut them into generous chunks. Mix in some finely chopped celery and red onion, adding both crunch and a touch of zesty flavor. For the dressing, combine mayonnaise, a dash of mustard, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper, creating a creamy blend that brings everything together. Once the potatoes are coated in this rich dressing, transfer the salad to a serving dish. For the finishing touch, give it a generous sprinkle of paprika on top. Not only does it add a subtle smokiness, but it also gives the salad a vibrant pop of color.

Hi, I'm Alaina! As a busy mom of two, I'm tired of always wondering "what's for dinner?" That's why I created this website; to share easy and tasty recipe ideas the whole family will love. If you're not subscribed yet, join 47,098 others here - thanks for stopping by!