Chicken breast soup with mushrooms and basil

Chicken Breast, Mushroom, and Basil Soup - A Healthy and Flavorful Recipe in Record Time

It's hard to find a meal as comforting and nourishing as a warm bowl of soup. Chicken breast, mushroom, and basil soup is an excellent choice for those days when you need something quick yet full of flavor. This recipe is not only easy to prepare but also offers an explosion of flavors that will delight your taste buds. Plus, it can be made in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients:
- 2 chicken breasts, diced
- 1 cup of mushrooms, sliced (you can use button mushrooms or a mix of mushrooms)
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 180 g thin spaghetti (or any type of pasta you prefer)
- 6 cups of chicken broth or water with a concentrated cube
- 1 cup of fresh basil leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste

A Touch of History
Soup is one of the oldest culinary preparations, found in almost every culture. It is said that soup was invented by people seeking warmth and comfort, serving as a way to combine various available ingredients from nature. Over time, recipes have diversified, and chicken soup has become a symbol of comfort food, often served during times of illness or sadness.

Additionally, basil, the star ingredient of this recipe, is valued not only for its distinctive flavor but also for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. So, not only will you enjoy a delicious soup, but you'll also benefit from its nutritional advantages.

Making the Soup
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Make sure you have all your ingredients ready. Wash the chicken breasts thoroughly and cut them into small cubes to ensure even cooking. The mushrooms and onion should be finely chopped, and the basil should be washed and dried with a paper towel. This step is essential to save time during cooking.

Step 2: Sauté the Onion
In a large pot, add a little olive oil and heat it over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until it becomes translucent. This step will bring out the natural sweetness of the onion in the soup.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Add the diced chicken breast to the pot, stirring constantly to seal in the juices. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the chicken turns white on all sides. This step is important for achieving a flavorful soup.

Step 4: Add the Mushrooms and Broth
Add the sliced mushrooms to the pot and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the mushrooms start to soften. Then, pour in the 6 cups of chicken broth or water with a concentrated cube. Bring the soup to a boil.

Step 5: Cook the Pasta
Once the soup starts boiling, add the thin spaghetti. Cook according to the package instructions, usually between 8-10 minutes. It's essential not to overcook the pasta, as it will continue to cook in the soup and absorb some of the liquid.

Step 6: Final Touches
Once the pasta is ready, add the fresh basil leaves, salt, and pepper to taste. Gently stir to combine the flavors. Let the soup simmer for another 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Serving and Variations
This soup can be served simply in deep bowls, but you can enhance it with a squeeze of lemon on top or grated Parmesan for extra flavor. You can also accompany it with toasted bread or croutons, which will add a crunchy texture.

If you want to experiment, you can add other vegetables like carrots or celery, or try replacing basil with parsley or cilantro, depending on your preferences. A vegetarian version of this soup could include tofu or mixed vegetables.

Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use turkey instead of chicken?
Yes, you can use turkey. The flavor will be slightly different, but it will still be just as delicious.

2. Can I substitute the pasta with a gluten-free alternative?
Absolutely! There are many types of gluten-free pasta available on the market that will work perfectly in this recipe.

3. How can I store the soup for later?
You can store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. You can also freeze it to enjoy later.

Nutritional Benefits
This soup is rich in protein due to the chicken and provides a good source of fiber from the mushrooms and pasta. Basil adds not only flavor but also antioxidants, contributing to a stronger immune system. Each serving has about 300-350 calories, making it an excellent choice for a light yet satisfying meal.

Whether you're making it for a quick dinner or to enjoy on the weekend with loved ones, this chicken breast, mushroom, and basil soup will surely become a favorite recipe in your home! Enjoy every spoonful and don't forget to share this recipe with your friends. Bon appétit!