Creamy Pesto Chicken Tenderloin Soup

Here’s a Creamy Pesto Chicken Tenderloin Soup recipe that’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for cozy dinners. It’s easy to customize and comes together in about 30–40 minutes.

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🥣 Creamy Pesto Chicken Tenderloin Soup

🕒 Prep Time: 10 mins

🕒 Cook Time: 25 mins
🍽 Servings: 4–6

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🧄 Ingredients:

For the Soup Base:

• 1 lb chicken tenderloins, cut into bite-sized pieces

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 carrots, diced

• 2 celery stalks, diced

• 4 cups chicken broth (low sodium)

• 1 cup half-and-half or heavy cream

• 1/3 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)

• 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)

• 1/4 tsp black pepper

• 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

• 1 tbsp flour or cornstarch (optional, for thickening)

Add-ins (optional but delicious):

• 1 cup baby spinach or kale

• 1/2 cup cooked small pasta (like orzo or ditalini)

• Fresh grated Parmesan, for topping

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🍳 Instructions:

1. Sauté aromatics & chicken:

   • In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.

   • Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5–6 minutes until softened.

   • Add chicken tenderloin pieces and season with a bit of salt and pepper. Cook until no longer pink on the outside, about 4–5 minutes.

2. Simmer:

   • Pour in chicken broth. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer.

   • Simmer uncovered for 10–12 minutes, until chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender.

3. Make it creamy & flavorful:

   • Stir in the pesto and cream (or half-and-half).

   • If you want a thicker soup, whisk the flour/cornstarch with a bit of cold water and stir it in now.

   • Simmer for another 3–5 minutes to allow flavors to blend and the soup to slightly thicken.

4. Final touches:

   • Stir in spinach/kale until wilted (if using).

   • Add cooked pasta now if desired.

   • Taste and adjust seasoning (add more salt, pepper, or a splash of lemon juice for brightness).

5. Serve:

   • Ladle into bowls and top with Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of extra pesto if desired.

   • Serve with crusty bread or garlic toast.

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📝 Tips:

• You can use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken tenderloins—just stir it in during the last 5 minutes.

• Swap cream for coconut milk for a dairy-free twist.

• Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers for extra depth.