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Busy Day Soup

Busy Day Soup is a fast, flexible soup made with pantry staples and fresh vegetables, ready in under 45 minutes for an easy weeknight meal.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Soups and Stews
Cuisine: American
Calories: 185

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • 1 can 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 2 medium carrots diced
  • 2 celery stalks diced
  • 2 cups diced chicken rotisserie or cooked
  • 1 can 15 ounces white beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
  • 2 cups fresh spinach or kale
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Equipment

  • Large pot or Dutch oven
  • Cutting board
  • Chef's knife
  • Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Can opener
  • Ladle

Method
 

  1. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large pot over medium heat for about 1 minute.
  2. Add 1 medium yellow onion, diced, and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until translucent and soft.
  3. Stir in 3 cloves garlic, minced, and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
  4. Pour in 6 cups chicken broth and add 2 medium carrots, diced, and 2 celery stalks, diced; bring to a gentle simmer.
  5. Add 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes with liquid and 1 can (15 ounces) white beans, drained and rinsed.
  6. Season with 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes if using; simmer uncovered for 15 minutes.
  7. Stir in 2 cups diced chicken and warm through for 3 to 5 minutes.
  8. Add 2 cups fresh spinach or kale and stir until wilted, about 1 minute, then stir in 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice.
  9. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed before serving.

Notes

Freezes beautifully for up to three months and reheats gently; flavors improve after resting.