When the weather turns chilly, there's nothing like a warm bowl of soup to make everything feel right. This recipe is inspired by the comforting soups from Natasha's Kitchen, but with a few tricks to make it even easier for your busy life.
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I know you want dinner on the table without a fuss. This soup uses simple ingredients you probably already have, and it comes together in one pot. No fancy equipment, no complicated steps.
The secret is to build flavor with a good base, use rotisserie chicken to save time, and let the vegetables get tender but not mushy. Trust me, your family will ask for seconds.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
About the Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
For sautéing the aromatics. Use avocado oil if you prefer a neutral flavor.
1 large yellow onion, diced
Adds a savory base. A sweet onion works too.
3 carrots, peeled and sliced
For sweetness and color. Baby carrots are fine; just slice them.
2 celery stalks, sliced
Adds classic soup flavor. If you don't have celery, skip it or add fennel.
4 cloves garlic, minced
Fresh garlic gives the best flavor. Jarred minced garlic works in a pinch.
6 cups (1.4L) chicken broth
Use low-sodium so you control the salt. Vegetable broth works for a vegetarian version.
1 (15 oz / 425g) can diced tomatoes, undrained
Adds acidity and depth. Fire-roasted for extra smokiness.
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Earthy herby note. Fresh thyme: use 1 tablespoon, chopped.
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Classic Italian herb. Marjoram is a good substitute.
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
For a little heat. Omit if you prefer mild.
2 cups (280g) cooked chicken, shredded
Rotisserie chicken is a huge time-saver. Leftover grilled chicken also works.
1 (15 oz / 425g) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
Adds protein and heartiness. White beans are a great substitute.
2 cups (60g) fresh spinach
Adds color and nutrients. Kale needs a few extra minutes to wilt.
Salt and black pepper to taste
Season at the end; broth and tomatoes vary in saltiness.
Tips & Tricks
- Chop all veggies before you start – it makes cooking smooth.
- Use rotisserie chicken to cut prep time.
- Don't overcook the spinach; add it right before serving.
Pro Tips
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Heat the oil
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat (350°F / 175°C). Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5-7 minutes until softened and onion is translucent, stirring occasionally.
2. Add garlic and spices
Stir in garlic, thyme, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
3. Pour in liquids
Add chicken broth and diced tomatoes. Scrape any browned bits from the bottom. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low (200°F / 95°C) to simmer.
4. Simmer the soup
Let the soup simmer uncovered for 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. The vegetables should be tender but still have a slight bite.
5. Add chicken and chickpeas
Stir in the shredded chicken and chickpeas. Simmer for another 5-10 minutes until heated through.
6. Finish with spinach
Turn off the heat and stir in the fresh spinach. Let it wilt for 2-3 minutes until bright green and soft.
7. Season and serve
Taste and season with salt and pepper. Serve hot with crusty bread or a side salad.
Delicious Variations
Vegetarian
Use vegetable broth, skip the chicken, and add extra chickpeas or white beans.
Spicy
Add a chopped jalapeño with the onions, or a dash of hot sauce at the end.
Creamy
Stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut milk after simmering for a richer texture.
How to Store Natasha's Kitchen Soup Recipes
Refrigerator
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The flavors will meld and deepen.
Freezer
Freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if too thick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use raw chicken instead of cooked?
Yes, absolutely. Cut raw chicken into bite-sized pieces and brown them in the pot before adding the onions. Then follow the recipe, ensuring the chicken is fully cooked (165°F / 74°C) before adding the chickpeas.
Q: Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can. Sauté the aromatics on the stovetop, then transfer everything except the spinach to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Stir in spinach before serving.
Q: How can I thicken the soup?
If you prefer a thicker soup, mash some of the chickpeas against the side of the pot before adding them, or stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water) and simmer for a few minutes.
Q: Can I substitute other vegetables?
Definitely. Zucchini, bell peppers, or green beans work well. Add firmer veggies earlier, and delicate ones like spinach at the end.
Q: Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, as written, this soup is gluten-free. Just check that your broth and diced tomatoes are certified gluten-free if you have celiac disease.
Try this soup tonight – it's a simple way to bring comfort to your table. Small steps, big impact.
Natasha's Kitchen Soup Recipes
Make Natasha's Kitchen Soup Recipes: a hearty, creamy chicken and vegetable soup that's ready in 45 minutes and perfect for busy weeknights.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups (1.4L) chicken broth
- 1 (15 oz / 425g) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 cups (280g) cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 (15 oz / 425g) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups (60g) fresh spinach
- Salt and black pepper to taste
📋 Instructions
- 1Heat the oil — In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat (350°F / 175°C). Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5-7 minutes until softened and onion is translucent, stirring occasionally.
- 2Add garlic and spices — Stir in garlic, thyme, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- 3Pour in liquids — Add chicken broth and diced tomatoes. Scrape any browned bits from the bottom. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low (200°F / 95°C) to simmer.
- 4Simmer the soup — Let the soup simmer uncovered for 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. The vegetables should be tender but still have a slight bite.
- 5Add chicken and chickpeas — Stir in the shredded chicken and chickpeas. Simmer for another 5-10 minutes until heated through.
- 6Finish with spinach — Turn off the heat and stir in the fresh spinach. Let it wilt for 2-3 minutes until bright green and soft.
- 7Season and serve — Taste and season with salt and pepper. Serve hot with crusty bread or a side salad.



