Creamy Lemon Artichoke Chicken Soup Recipe: A Hearty and Healthy Comfort Food

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 medium carrot, diced
• 2-3 celery stalks, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• ¼ teaspoon red chili flakes
• 2 chicken breasts (about 1 lb / 450 g)
• 6 cups (1.5 liters) chicken stock
• ½ cup (75 g) pastina
• 1 can (14 oz / 400 g) artichoke hearts, drained, rinsed, and quartered
• Juice of 1 small lemon
• A handful of fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Preparation

Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large stock pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrot, and celery, and sauté for 6-8 minutes until the vegetables are softened. Next, stir in the finely chopped garlic and ¼ teaspoon of red chili flakes, cooking for an additional minute to release their aromatic flavors.

Place the 2 chicken breasts into the pot and pour in 6 cups of chicken stock, ensuring everything is fully submerged. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low, cover with a lid, and let it simmer for 15 minutes. This allows the chicken to cook through and infuse the broth with its rich flavor.

Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the pot and set it aside. Add ½ cup of pastina to the simmering broth and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot. Aim for an al dente texture for the perfect bite.

While the pasta cooks, use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Once the pasta is ready, return the shredded chicken to the pot along with the quarter artichoke hearts and juice of 1 small lemon. Stir well to combine, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Finally, mix in a handful of freshly chopped parsley for a burst of freshness. Season the soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve this creamy lemon artichoke chicken soup hot, garnished with extra lemon juice or parsley if desired. This recipe is a healthy, hearty, and comforting meal perfect for any season!