Hearty, healthy, and perfect for cool or downright cold weather! The elevated flavors of your basic tomato soup also adds chicken for a huge protein boost. We love it with a slice of homemade bread on the side.

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Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 20 minutes

Total time: 30 minutes

Makes 4-6 servings

• 1 Tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small white onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 4 cloves (or Tablespoons) garlic, minced
• 2 – 28 oz cans crushed tomatoes (can use tomatoes, if you prefer)
• 14 oz can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
• 3 cups shredded cooked chicken
• 2 handfuls fresh baby spinach (about 2-1/2 cups)
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (omit for less heat)

Optional toppings:

• Parmesan cheese, grated
• Fresh basil, chopped

• If you are not using pre-shredded chicken, begin by cooking your chicken and shredding it. Set aside.
• In a large pot (not a pan!), heat olive oil over medium-high heat and add onion, carrots, and celery. Saute for about 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until onion is soft.
• Add garlic and saute for another minute, until fragrant.
• Add all remaining ingredients and stir to combine.
• Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer partially covered for 10 minutes.
• Serve hot in bowls with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a hunk of homemade bread.

• You can also add all the ingredients, except cheese, to a slow cooker. Stir to combine and cook on high 3-4 hours or low for 5-6 hours.
• If you want to save time, I recommend buying pre-shredded chicken from the deli. I like Good & Gather from Target, but I know there are other brands at various other grocery stores.
• If you need an easy, no frills homemade bread recipe, check out my favorite Homemade Italian Bread recipe.

I went through a long phase where I hated soups and stews. I always felt like they were either really bland or not enough to fill me up. A couple of years ago I embarked on a journey of finding and trying ones that are rich in protein and flavor.

Protein is filling and flavor so it isn’t bland. This one checks all the boxes and is even great if you want a grilled cheese alongside it, as a sort of “zhuzhed up” version of tomato soup.

Until next time,