Soup Makes A Fast Meal And An Economical Choice For Dinner

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If you want a fast, easy, and economical dinner solution, look no further than this quick and healthy chicken pasta soup!

Soups Are the Perfect Way to Save Money and Use Up Ingredients in the Kitchen

There is nothing like soup. Easy to make, economical to serve and tastes even better the next day. One of the best things about soup is the ability to serve it on day one, then change it up for a second day meal that has completely new style.

Cost Saving Meals

The bigger the family, the greater the need for cost saving meals. Soups is an economical choice for a tight budget. Because it is in “liquid” form, it is simple to stretch by adding additional broth or water. Another cost saving measure is to add additional vegetables for more bulk. Families these days are tying to be economical and soup helps reach this goal.

Healthy Eating

If made in certain ways, soup can be a very healthy meal and help with a healthy eating goal. Those recipes with large amounts of cream or cheese should be eaten only occasionally as they are high in fat and calories. But tomato or broth based soups, or those who use cream and cheese as a flavoring make soup a healthy food.

Quick and Healthy Chicken Pasta Soup

The jury is out on its medicinal value, but there is no doubting its popularity. This recipe is made with macaroni as a departure from the everyday noodle.

6 servings

 8 cups canned low-salt chicken broth (or 4 cups broth and 4 cups water)
 2-3 lb of chicken pieces – save time by purchasing a rotisserie chicken and skipping the first step
 1/2 cup chopped yellow onion
 2 carrots, peeled, thinly sliced
 1 cup sliced mushrooms
 4 ounces dried macaroni
 1 teaspoon dried italian oregano
 1 teaspoon salt
 1 teaspoon pepper

Directions

1. Bring the chicken broth and water if using to a boil in a large pot. Carefully add the chicken pieces and bring to a boil again. Reduce heat; cover partially and simmer until chicken is cooked through, about 20 minutes. Carefully remove the chicken to a cutting board to cool. Cool the chicken until it can be touched. Remove the skin and cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Cool the broth and let the fat rise to the top. Spoon it off and discard. ** Alternately purchases skinless chicken still on the bone.
2. Return broth to simmer. Add onion, carrots, mushrooms, oregano and pasta. Simmer until vegetables soften and pasta is al dente, about 8 minutes. Season soup to taste with salt and pepper.

Cook Once Eat Twice for an Economical Choice

Soup tastes great off the stove. But the secret is it tastes even better the next day. Serve it day one with a side of salad and bread then warm it up the next and pour it over pasta. Make it with a toasty cheese sandwich one night and use it as a side for a basic chicken breast the next.

Fast and Healthy

Being creative with healthy soups can can keep a family smiling and eating healthy all winter long. There are many other foods that are quick to make and healthy to feed your family. Other great meals that are both quick and healthy are chicken, seafood, pasta and beans.