Pesto Chicken Soup Recipe

A creamy, comforting pesto chicken soup packed with basil, tender chicken, and fresh vegetables. Ready in 30 minutes and perfect for cozy weeknight dinners.

No ratings yet

Print Pin

Course: Dinner, Soup

Cuisine: Italian, Mediterranean

Prep Time: 10

Cook Time: 20

Rest Time (for flavors to settle): 5

Total Time: 35

Servings: bowls

Calories: 390kcal

Cost: $12

Equipment

1 Large stainless steel pot 6–8 quart, for simmering soup
1 Food processor To make fresh basil pesto
1 Wooden spoon For stirring without scratching the pot
1 Mortar and pestle Optional, for traditional pesto texture
1 Immersion blender Optional, for creamier texture
1 Sharp Chef’s Knife For chopping vegetables safely
1 Cutting board Use separate boards for chicken and veggies

Ingredients

1 lb Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs Either works well
6 cups Chicken broth Homemade or store-bought
2 tablespoon Olive oil For sautéing

Pesto

2 cups Fresh basil leaves Key flavor for pesto
3 cloves Garlic For pesto
¼ cup Pine nuts Walnuts can be substituted
¼ cup Grated Parmesan cheese Adds umami richness
¼ cup Olive oil For pesto blending
Salt and black pepper To taste

Soup Base

½ cup Heavy cream or whole milk Adds creaminess
1 cup Fresh spinach or kale Adds greens and nutrition
1 medium Zucchini Diced
1 small Onion Diced
2 cloves Garlic For soup base
½ cup Sun-dried tomatoes Optional, for depth
Lemon juice Optional, brightens flavor before serving

Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large pot, season chicken, and sear both sides until golden. Set aside.
Sauté onion and garlic in the same pot until translucent. Add zucchini and cook briefly.
Pour in chicken broth, shred chicken, and simmer together for 5 minutes.
In a food processor, blend basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan, and olive oil into chunky pesto.
Stir in heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, and ¾ of the pesto into the soup. Adjust seasoning.
Add spinach or kale and cook until wilted. Finish with lemon juice if desired.

Notes

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Nutrition