Healthy Chicken Vegetable Noodle Soup

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You don't have to struggle this winter to find a healthy option for you and your family for dinner. This delicious soup is full of essential vitamins and minerals to get you on a fresh start for the new year. An ideal soup for a cold day or for providing you with another source of fluids during the winter cold and flu season. Try it with your favorite noodle shape to make it fun and mix it up. Prep Time: ~6 minsCook Time: ~26 minsServings: 8 servings, about 8 cups

Ingredients:

• 8 c of low-sodium chicken broth
• 4 tbsp of fresh parsley
• 2 tbsp of extra virgin olive oil
• 1 lb. of boneless skinless chicken breast, cubed
• 2 tbsp of extra virgin olive oil
• 2 c celery, sliced
• 1 1/2 c carrots, sliced
• 1 c onion, diced
• 2 clove garlic, diced
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1 c orzo, egg noodles, or favorite pasta
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• Fresh ground black pepper

Directions:

1. In stock pot add chicken broth and parsley, put on medium heat.
2. Heat 1 Tablespoon olive oil in medium skillet over medium heat; add chicken breast to oil until fully cooked. Add chicken to stock pot after patting oil off.
3. In same skillet you cooked your chicken add in 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Bring oil to heat. Add in the vegetables, onion, and garlic. Season with salt and cook until tender. Add to stock pot.
4. Once vegetables are removed, add in pasta to skillet, stirring frequently until pasta is slightly toasted/golden brown. Add to stock pot.
5. Once pasta is added, add in the lemon juice to stock pot and bring soup to a boil, cook until pasta is tender (typically 8-10 minutes)
6. Season with pepper for taste and serve.

Vitamins and Nutrients in Recipe:

• Beta Carotene: Beta Carotene is converted by your body into Vitamin A. Vitamin A promotes good vision and is important for growth, development, and immune function.
• Biotin: Biotin plays an important role in fat and protein metabolism.
• Vitamin K1: Vitamin K is important for blood coagulation and can promote bone health.
• Potassium: An essential mineral, potassium plays an important role in controlling blood pressure.
• Vitamin B6: Vitamin B6 is involved in the conversion of food into energy.
• Folate: Also known as folic acid, it's important in fetal development.
• Magnesium: Magnesium is important in the proper growth and maintenance of bones, as well as the proper functioning of muscles, nerves and other body parts.