Greek Chicken Pasta Soup

This comforting Greek Chicken Pasta Soup is a healthy, flavorful dish that’s perfect for cozy dinners. Packed with tender chicken, fresh vegetables, ditalini pasta, and a bright lemon-herb broth, it’s the perfect meal to warm you up on a chilly evening. Plus, it’s easy to make and can be customized with your favorite vegetables or toppings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This soup has everything you love in one bowl: hearty chicken, fresh vegetables, pasta, and a zesty, aromatic broth. The lemon juice adds a refreshing brightness, while the herbs—oregano and dill—give the soup a lovely Mediterranean flair. It’s a light yet satisfying dish that’s perfect for dinner, and it’s even better as leftovers! It’s healthy, easy to prepare, and full of flavor.

Ingredients

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

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 large onion, chopped

• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped

• 2 celery stalks, chopped

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 8 cups chicken broth

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• ½ teaspoon dried dill

• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 1 cup uncooked ditalini pasta (or other small pasta shape)

• ½ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice

• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Optional: Feta cheese crumbles for garnish

Directions

1. Sauté the Aromatics:
   In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are softened.

2. Add Garlic and Spices:
   Stir in the minced garlic, dried oregano, dried dill, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for another minute, until fragrant.

3. Pour in the Broth:
   Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer.

4. Add the Chicken:
   Gently place the chicken breasts into the simmering broth, making sure they are fully submerged.

5. Simmer Until Cooked:
   Cover the pot and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

6. Shred the Chicken:
   Remove the chicken breasts from the pot and place them on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces, then set aside.

7. Add the Pasta:
   Add the uncooked ditalini pasta to the simmering broth. Cook according to the package directions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until the pasta is tender but still slightly firm to the bite (al dente). Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking.

8. Add the Shredded Chicken:
   Return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir to combine.

9. Stir in Lemon Juice and Parsley:
   Stir in the freshly squeezed lemon juice and chopped fresh parsley.

10. Season to Taste:
    Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to your preference.

11. Simmer Briefly:
    Let the soup simmer for another 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

12. Serve and Garnish:
    Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with feta cheese crumbles if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Yield: 6-8 servings

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 40 minutes

• Total Time: 55 minutes

Variations

• Additional Vegetables: Add zucchini, spinach, kale, or even corn to the soup for extra vegetables and flavor.

• Creamy Option: For a creamy twist, stir in a little Greek yogurt or heavy cream at the end of cooking.

• Rice Substitution: You can swap out the pasta for rice for a different texture.

• Vegetarian Option: Use vegetable broth and add chickpeas or more vegetables for a hearty, plant-based version.

• Spicy Version: Add more red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce to increase the heat.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. If the soup thickens, add a splash of broth to loosen it.

FAQs

1. Can I make this soup in advance?

Yes! The soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It also freezes well for up to 2 months.

2. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute ditalini with other small pasta shapes like elbow macaroni, orzo, or small shells.

3. Can I make this soup in the slow cooker?

Yes! Sauté the vegetables and garlic in a skillet, then add everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours.

4. Can I add more protein?

Yes, you can add more chicken or use rotisserie chicken to save time. Alternatively, try adding white beans or chickpeas for additional protein.

5. Can I make this soup spicier?

If you prefer more heat, you can add extra red pepper flakes or fresh chopped jalapenos to the soup.

6. Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, if you use gluten-free pasta or rice, this soup can be made gluten-free.

7. How do I prevent the pasta from becoming mushy?

To prevent the pasta from getting too soft, add it towards the end of cooking and keep an eye on it while simmering. If you have leftovers, store the pasta separately and add it when reheating.

8. Can I freeze this soup?

Yes, the soup freezes well. Just be sure to let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

9. How do I make the soup more flavorful?

To deepen the flavor, try adding a splash of white wine, a squeeze of lemon zest, or a teaspoon of freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

10. Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just increase the simmering time by 5-10 minutes, and ensure the chicken reaches 165°F internally before shredding.

Conclusion

Greek Chicken Pasta Soup is the ultimate comforting meal that’s both healthy and delicious. With tender chicken, a zesty lemon broth, and hearty pasta, this soup is perfect for any occasion. It’s easy to make, customizable, and sure to please everyone at the table. Whether you’re looking for a nutritious weeknight dinner or a flavorful soup to serve guests, this recipe will quickly become a favorite!