Get ready to transform your dinner table with Ginny's White Bean Chicken Spinach Cabbage Soup - a magical blend of hearty protein, nutritious vegetables, and irresistible flavors that will make your taste buds dance and your body thank you! This isn't just another soup recipe; it's a culinary adventure that combines the wholesome goodness of chicken, the creamy texture of white beans, and the vibrant crunch of spinach and cabbage in one incredible bowl of comfort.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 1 can (15 oz) white beans, drained
- 2 cups spinach, chopped
- 2 cups cabbage, shredded
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by dicing chicken breast into uniform 1/2-inch cubes, chopping onion finely, mincing garlic, and shredding cabbage into thin strips.
- Heat a large soup pot over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil. Add diced chicken and season with salt and pepper. Cook chicken until golden brown and no longer pink in the center, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Remove browned chicken from pot and set aside. In the same pot, sauté chopped onions and minced garlic until onions become translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Pour chicken broth into the pot, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan to enhance flavor. Add drained white beans and thyme.
- Return cooked chicken to the pot and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook for 20-25 minutes, allowing flavors to meld together.
- Add shredded cabbage and cook for an additional 10 minutes until cabbage becomes tender but still maintains some crispness.
- Stir in chopped spinach during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, allowing it to wilt but remain bright green.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. Let soup rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Ladle hot soup into bowls and serve immediately. Optional: Garnish with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese.
Tips
- Cut chicken into uniform cubes to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the soup.
- Don't rush the browning process - letting chicken develop a golden color builds deep, rich flavor.
- Use fresh garlic and onions for maximum taste impact; avoid pre-minced garlic if possible.
- Allow the soup to simmer gently to help flavors meld and develop complexity.
- Add spinach at the very end to preserve its bright green color and nutritional value.
- For extra richness, consider adding a splash of white wine when sautéing onions and garlic.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, you can partially mash some white beans or add a small amount of cornstarch slurry.
- This soup freezes beautifully - make a double batch and save some for later!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 92kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 10g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 20mg
