Lemon Chicken Soup with Angel Hair Pasta
Lemon Chicken Soup with Angel Hair Pasta is a bright, refreshing, and comforting soup that combines zesty lemon flavors with tender chicken and delicate pasta. This quick and nutritious recipe is perfect for a light yet satisfying meal that warms the body and soul.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (if gluten-free pasta substitute is used)
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
Pasta
- 4 oz angel hair pasta
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 cup carrots, finely chopped
- 1 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Liquids & Oils
- 6 cups chicken broth (homemade or low-sodium store-bought)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Citrus & Seasoning
- Juice and zest of 2 fresh lemons
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add finely chopped onions, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté until softened and fragrant to build the soup’s flavorful base.
- Cook the Chicken: Add diced chicken breast to the pot and cook until pieces are just opaque, locking in juices and tenderness without overcooking.
- Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth, bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, and cook for about 15 minutes to blend all flavors beautifully.
- Cook the Angel Hair Pasta: Add angel hair pasta directly into the simmering soup and cook for 3-4 minutes until al dente, as this pasta cooks very quickly.
- Finish with Lemon and Herbs: Stir in fresh lemon juice and zest, then sprinkle with chopped parsley just before serving to give the soup its signature bright and fresh flavor. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Notes
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the most vibrant flavor instead of bottled lemon juice.
- Add angel hair pasta at the end to avoid overcooking and mushy texture.
- Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces for faster cooking and easier eating.
- Homemade chicken broth enhances depth of flavor, but high-quality store-bought broth works well too.
- Add lemon juice gradually and taste as you go to balance the soup’s acidity without overpowering it.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
Keywords: lemon chicken soup, angel hair pasta soup, light chicken soup, citrus chicken soup, healthy chicken soup, quick chicken soup