Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bright and flavorful: The fresh lemon juice and Parmesan create a beautifully balanced taste.
• Hearty yet light: Packed with chicken and veggies, but still light enough for a refreshing meal.
• Quick and easy: Comes together in under an hour with simple steps.
• Customizable: Easily adjust the seasonings, vegetables, or pasta to suit your taste.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Soup:

• Olive oil
• Boneless skinless chicken breast
• Lemon pepper seasoning
• Dry white wine (or extra chicken broth)
• Butter
• Yellow onion, diced
• Carrots, diced
• Celery, diced
• Garlic, minced
• Chicken broth
• Chicken bouillon cube
• Soy sauce
• Lemon juice
• Parmesan cheese, grated
• Parmesan cheese rind (optional but recommended)
• Angel hair pasta

For the Seasonings:

• Dried parsley, basil, oregano, mustard powder
• Pinch of turmeric
• Salt and pepper

Directions

1. Prepare the Chicken:
   Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Season chicken breasts with lemon pepper seasoning. Sear chicken until golden on both sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
   In the same pot, melt butter. Add onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened.
3. Deglaze the Pot:
   Pour in white wine (or extra broth) to deglaze, scraping up browned bits. Simmer for 2 minutes.
4. Add Broth and Chicken:
   Return chicken to the pot. Add chicken broth, bouillon cube, soy sauce, lemon juice, Parmesan cheese, and Parmesan rind. Stir to combine.
5. Add Seasonings:
   Stir in parsley, basil, oregano, mustard powder, turmeric, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle boil.
6. Cook the Pasta:
   Add angel hair pasta to the pot and cook until al dente, about 3-4 minutes.
7. Shred the Chicken:
   Remove chicken, shred it with two forks, and return it to the pot. Stir to combine.
8. Adjust Seasoning:
   Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed.
9. Serve:
   Ladle into bowls and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Protein options: Swap chicken for turkey or tofu for a vegetarian twist.
• Grain alternative: Replace angel hair pasta with rice, quinoa, or orzo.
• Low-carb version: Use zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of pasta.
• Extra veggies: Add spinach, kale, or peas for more nutrients.
• Spicy kick: Include red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Let soup cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze soup without the pasta for up to 3 months. Add fresh pasta when reheating.
• Reheating: Warm on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.

FAQs

1. Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the soup and refrigerate it for up to 4 days. Add pasta when reheating for best texture.

2. What can I use instead of angel hair pasta?

You can use orzo, spaghetti broken into smaller pieces, or rice for a different texture.

3. Is there a non-alcoholic substitute for the wine?

Yes, simply use extra chicken broth instead of wine.

4. Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! Skip the searing step and add shredded rotisserie chicken when adding the broth.

5. How do I make the soup thicker?

Add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water) and simmer until thickened.

6. Can I omit the Parmesan cheese?

You can, but it adds depth to the flavor. Nutritional yeast is a good alternative for a cheesy flavor.

7. What if I don’t have a Parmesan rind?

The rind is optional but adds a rich flavor. The soup will still be delicious without it.

8. How do I adjust the lemon flavor?

Start with half the lemon juice, taste, and add more if desired.

9. Can I use dried garlic instead of fresh?

Yes, substitute with ½ teaspoon of garlic powder.

10. How do I prevent the pasta from getting mushy?

Cook the pasta separately and add it to individual bowls before ladling in the soup.

Conclusion

This Lemon Chicken Soup is a perfect combination of tangy, savory, and comforting flavors. With its wholesome ingredients and simple preparation, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Customize it to suit your preferences and enjoy a warm bowl of this delicious soup anytime!