Giada De Laurentiis Soup Recipe

Giada De Laurentiis is a name that’s synonymous with Italian-American cooking at its finest. Whether you’ve caught her on Food Network or have followed her recipes through her books and social media, her style is undeniably approachable, fresh, and full of flavor. If you’re a fan of her work, you’ve likely come across her famous soups that balance richness with vibrant, healthy ingredients, perfect for any season. Today, we’re diving into one of her most beloved soup recipes-a dish that’s as comforting as it is exciting.

This soup recipe isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience. With Giada’s unique Italian flair, she manages to turn simple ingredients into something extraordinary. Ready to make a meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl? Let’s go through the recipe together.

Giada De Laurentiis Soup Recipe

Now, you might be wondering-what exactly makes Giada’s soups stand out? Well, it’s her ability to combine fresh, seasonal ingredients with Italian-inspired techniques. In this particular recipe, we’ll focus on a hearty vegetable and chicken soup that’s easy to make, nourishing, and full of flavor. It’s the kind of dish that takes comfort food to the next level, combining simple pantry staples with fresh vegetables and tender chicken, creating a balanced meal for any occasion.

So, whether you’re hosting a family dinner, prepping for a weeknight meal, or just craving something wholesome, this Giada-inspired soup recipe will fit the bill.

Ingredients Needed

When it comes to ingredients for this soup, Giada sticks to items you can find at almost any local grocery store. Nothing too fancy, but everything has a purpose, layering in depth of flavor.

• Olive Oil: Use extra virgin for the best flavor. It’s essential for sautéing the vegetables and creating a rich base.
• Yellow Onion: A classic flavor base. Sweet yet savory, the onion adds depth to the broth.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic will give the soup that aromatic, slightly pungent, and comforting kick.
• Carrots: A root vegetable that brings a natural sweetness to the soup, balancing out the more savory flavors.
• Celery: Another vegetable that plays off the carrots, adding a subtle, earthy flavor to the mix.
• Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best for their lean protein and versatility. If you prefer dark meat, chicken thighs could also work.
• Low-Sodium Chicken Broth: The backbone of any soup. Opt for low-sodium to control the salt content and let the fresh ingredients shine.
• Canned Tomatoes: You can use diced tomatoes for a slight tang that cuts through the richness of the soup. They also provide texture and color.
• Fresh Herbs: Basil and thyme are a perfect combo here, adding brightness and freshness to the soup.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning, but go easy on the salt, especially if you’re using canned tomatoes or broth that may already contain salt.
• Baby Spinach: For a touch of green, baby spinach wilts perfectly into the soup, adding vitamins without overwhelming the texture.

Cooking Instructions

Now comes the fun part-making the soup. It’s a one-pot wonder that requires just a bit of prep and patience. Here’s the step-by-step breakdown:

1. Prepare The Ingredients

   • Dice the onion, carrots, and celery into small, uniform pieces for even cooking.
   • Mince the garlic finely.
   • Cut the chicken breasts into small cubes or strips for quicker cooking and easier texture in the soup.

2. Sauté The Vegetables

   • Heat about 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
   • Add the onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have softened and the onions turn translucent.
   • Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

3. Add The Chicken

   • Push the vegetables to one side of the pot and add the chicken pieces. Let them cook for 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until lightly browned.

4. Create The Soup Base

   • Pour in the chicken broth and canned tomatoes. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a boil.
   • Lower the heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to cook through.

5. Add Fresh Herbs And Spinach

   • Add the fresh basil, thyme, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir in the spinach and let it wilt into the soup. If the soup feels too thick, you can add a little extra broth to adjust the consistency.

6. Taste And Adjust

   • Taste the soup for seasoning. If it needs more salt, pepper, or a bit of acidity (from lemon juice or extra tomatoes), feel free to add it now.
   • Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes to let the flavors fully integrate.

7. Serve

   • Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot, possibly with some crusty bread or grated Parmesan on top for an extra touch of indulgence.

Ingredient Insights

Every ingredient in this soup serves a specific purpose. Let’s break it down a bit:

• Olive Oil: More than just a cooking fat, olive oil has a distinct flavor profile that enhances the depth of the soup. It also adds a smoothness to the broth that’s hard to achieve with other oils.
• Chicken: Lean protein is essential for a satisfying soup that feels like a complete meal. Giada’s choice of chicken breast is versatile and allows the other ingredients to shine, without being too greasy or overwhelming.
• Tomatoes: Canned tomatoes are a lifesaver in this recipe, providing that burst of acidity and sweetness that helps balance the earthiness of the vegetables and the richness of the broth.
• Spinach: Packed with vitamins, spinach adds a mild bitterness that contrasts nicely with the sweetness of the carrots and the richness of the chicken broth. It also makes the dish feel fresh and light.
• Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil and thyme are classic Italian additions, and they do wonders for brightening up the soup. They give the soup an aromatic finish that elevates it from ’good’ to “great”.

Expert Tips

1. Use Homemade Broth: If you have the time, homemade chicken broth can make a world of difference in flavor. It’s richer, more complex, and much less salty than store-bought versions.
2. Don’t Skip the Sautéing: Sautéing the vegetables and chicken first is crucial. This step caramelizes the ingredients, developing deep flavors that will infuse the broth.
3. Add Greens at the End: To preserve the vibrant color and fresh flavor of the spinach, add it toward the end of cooking. Overcooking greens can make them wilt and lose their appeal.
4. Make It Ahead: Soups often taste better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld. Make a big batch and store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
5. Experiment with Beans or Pasta: If you want to make the soup heartier, consider adding beans (like white beans or chickpeas) or a small pasta like ditalini for a more filling dish.

Recipe Variations

Giada’s soup recipe is a great base, but you can always play with it to suit your tastes:

• For a Vegan Version: Skip the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You could add beans like cannellini or kidney beans for protein and texture.
• Spicy Twist: If you like a little heat, throw in a pinch of red pepper flakes while sautéing the vegetables. This will infuse the soup with a subtle spice that pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the carrots and the freshness of the spinach.
• Add More Vegetables: Feel free to toss in other vegetables like zucchini, peas, or bell peppers. Just be mindful of cooking times to avoid overcooking them.
• Creamy Version: For a creamier texture, blend part of the soup (using an immersion blender or traditional blender) and then stir it back in for a velvety, smooth broth.

Final Words

Giada De Laurentiis knows how to make comfort food feel elegant and fresh. This soup, with its balance of savory chicken, sweet vegetables, and bright herbs, hits all the right notes. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or for a crowd, this dish provides warmth, nourishment, and plenty of flavor without being complicated.

By using everyday ingredients and simple cooking techniques, you’ll be able to craft a meal that’s not only easy to make but also feels special every time. So, grab your apron, get your ingredients together, and start cooking-you’re about to make a dish that’s sure to impress!