Chicken Minestrone with Orzo
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 8
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Ingredients
- 6 cups chicken broth or stock
- 2 chicken breasts - boneless, skinless and cut into one inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons lemon pepper
- 2 carrots - peeled and diced
- 1 zucchini - sliced into 1/4 inch circles
- 1 yellow squash - sliced into 1/4 inch circles
- 1 cup green beans - fresh
- 6 ounces snap peas - fresh
- 1/2 red onion - chopped
- 8 ounces baby bella mushrooms - sliced
- 2 cloves garlic - chopped
- 1/2 cabbage - shredded

1

- 2 tomatoes - diced
- 1/4 cup basil - fresh and chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon thyme - fresh and chopped
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 15 ounces cannellini beans - rinsed and drained
- salt and pepper to taste
- basil pesto - for garnish
- parmesan cheese - shredded for garnish 
 
Loaded with chicken and fresh vegetables, this hearty soup makes a satisfying complete meal.
 
Directions

  • In a frying pan or griddle, drizzle olive oil to coat the bottom.
  • Over medium heat, grill
    or sauté chicken breasts that have been seasoned with lemon pepper on both sides - approximately
    6 minutes per side. Set them aside to cool.
  • Cut the carrots, zucchini, squash, green beans
    and pea pods into bite sized pieces.
  • In a large saucepan or pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive
    oil over medium heat.
  • Add the mushrooms and sauté for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Add
    garlic, carrots, red pepper, zucchini, squash, green beans pea pods and red onion.
  • Stir and
    continue to sauté for 5 minutes or until the vegetables are crisp tender.
  • Add shredded cabbage, sauté just until it is soft, 2-3 minutes.

2

  • Add tomatoes, basil and chicken stock.
  • Bring to a boil, add orzo, reduce heat to medium
    and cook until the orzo is al denté, 8-10 minutes.
  • Add the beans and cooked chicken, stir to
    heat through.
  • Season to taste with salt and pepper.
  • Serve with lots of fresh shredded cheese and a dollop of pesto sauce.


  • 3