Cook Time:30 minsTotal Time:30 minsServings:5Yield:5 servings, about 1 1/2 cups eachJump to Nutrition Facts

Cook Time:30 minsTotal Time:30 minsServings:5Yield:5 servings, about 1 1/2 cups each

Cook Time:30 mins

Cook Time:

30 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Total Time:

Servings:5

Servings:

5

Yield:5 servings, about 1 1/2 cups each

Yield:

5 servings, about 1 1/2 cups each

Jump to Nutrition Facts

Jump to recipeNutrition NotesChicken breastis an excellent source of lean protein. It also provides other vitamins and minerals, including B vitamins and choline, a nutrient necessary for proper nervous system functioning.Spinachis a green leafy vegetable that is rich in many nutrients—which become even greater when the spinach is cooked. Spinach provides vitamins A, C and K, fiber, folate, calcium, potassium and iron. The antioxidants and other nutrients in spinach support eye, bone and skin health and naturally lower blood pressure.Pestois a blend of olive oil, basil, garlic, pine nuts, and parmesan cheese—all ingredients that will add to your nutritional bottom line. You can find pesto made with various herbs and nuts and even some without cheese if you’re looking for a vegan variety.

Jump to recipe

Nutrition NotesChicken breastis an excellent source of lean protein. It also provides other vitamins and minerals, including B vitamins and choline, a nutrient necessary for proper nervous system functioning.Spinachis a green leafy vegetable that is rich in many nutrients—which become even greater when the spinach is cooked. Spinach provides vitamins A, C and K, fiber, folate, calcium, potassium and iron. The antioxidants and other nutrients in spinach support eye, bone and skin health and naturally lower blood pressure.Pestois a blend of olive oil, basil, garlic, pine nuts, and parmesan cheese—all ingredients that will add to your nutritional bottom line. You can find pesto made with various herbs and nuts and even some without cheese if you’re looking for a vegan variety.

Nutrition Notes

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Ingredients

2teaspoonsplus 1tablespoonextra-virgin olive oil, divided

½cupcarrot or diced red bell pepper

1largeboneless, skinless chicken breast (about 8 ounces), cut into quarters

1largeclove garlic, minced

5cupsreduced-sodium chicken broth

1 ½teaspoonsdried marjoram

1(15 ounce)can cannellini beans or great northern beans, rinsed

¼cupgrated Parmesan cheese

⅓cuplightly packed fresh basil leaves

Freshly ground pepper, to taste

¾cupplain or herbed multigrain croutons for garnish (optional)

Directions

Heat 2 teaspoons oil in a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add carrot (or bell pepper) and chicken; cook, turning the chicken and stirring frequently, until the chicken begins to brown, 3 to 4 minutes. Add garlic and cook, stirring, for 1 minute more. Stir in broth and marjoram; bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through, about 5 minutes.

With a slotted spoon, transfer the chicken pieces to a clean cutting board to cool. Add spinach and beans to the pot and bring to a gentle boil. Cook for 5 minutes to blend the flavors.

To make a pesto, combine the remaining 1 tablespoon oil, Parmesan and basil in a food processor (a mini processor works well). Process until a coarse paste forms, adding a little water and scraping down the sides as necessary.

Cut the chicken into bite-size pieces. Stir the chicken and pesto into the pot. Season with pepper. Heat until hot. Garnish with croutons, if desired.

Chicken & Spinach Soup with Fresh Pesto

Equipment

Food processor or mini chopper

Frequently Asked Questions

Absolutely, but keep in mind that chicken breasts cook faster than chicken thighs, so you may need to add a little more time.

Originally appeared: EatingWell Soups Special Issue April 2016

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Nutrition Facts(per serving)227Calories9gFat18gCarbs19gProtein

Nutrition Facts(per serving)

  • Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.

Carrie Myers, M.S.

andLinda Frahm

Linda Frahm