Make Ahead

Lemon-Chicken & Pepe Soup

Name: Lemon-Chicken &amp; Pepe Soup
Prep time: 7 min
Cook time: 13 min
Yield: Serves 8
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 4 scallions (white and green parts separated), chopped; 2 celery stalks, chopped; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 small zucchini, diced; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper; 9 cups chicken stock, plus additional if needed; 3/4 cup acini de pepe pasta; 1 1/2 teaspoons lemon zest; 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (from a rotisserie chicken); 1 cup canned garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed; 1 1/2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley; 1 1/2 cups shredded romaine lettuce; 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 1 pinch Red pepper flakes for garnish (optional)

by: foxeslovelemons

January 31, 2013

4.4

28 Ratings

Photo by James Ransom

Prep time 7 minutes
Cook time 13 minutes
Serves 8

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Author Notes

Inspired by a multitude of Greek and Italian flavors, this dish is like a soup, salad, and pasta dish all-in-one. While hearty and warming, it has a light touch from the lemon and fresh herbs. The addition of romaine lettuce at the end may seem unusual, but in this case, it adds a flavor and texture that pairs well with the rest of the ingredients. Spinach, kale or arugula could be used in place of the lettuce. It comes together in about 20 minutes, and it's perfect for healthful lunches throughout the week. —foxeslovelemons

Test Kitchen Notes

Loriloveslemons' delicious soup was quick and easy to prepare, especially using already made rotisserie chicken. The lemon -- the dish's the secret weapon -- gave this soup a delightful complexity, while the beans, vegetables and pastine made it nice and filling. It was a little surprising to use lettuce in the soup, but because it was added at the end it retained some of its texture and crunch. This soup would be equally good subbing different vegetables or beans, and it's an excellent basic recipe that can easily become whatever you want it to be. —sdebrango

Test Kitchen-Approved

What You'll Need

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
4 scallions (white and green parts separated), chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 small zucchini, diced
¹/₂ teaspoon kosher salt
¹/₄ teaspoon ground black pepper
9 cups chicken stock, plus additional if needed
³/₄ cup acini de pepe pasta
1 ¹/₂ teaspoons lemon zest
2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (from a rotisserie chicken)
1 cup canned garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
1 ¹/₂ tablespoons chopped fresh dill
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
1 ¹/₂ cups shredded romaine lettuce
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 pinch Red pepper flakes for garnish (optional)

Directions

In a large saucepot, heat oil over medium heat. Add scallion whites and celery; cook 1 minute or until vegetables are tender, stirring frequently. Add garlic, zucchini, salt, and pepper; cook 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add stock, pasta and lemon zest; heat to boiling over high heat. Reduce heat to medium-high; cook 9 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Stir in chicken, beans, dill, and parsley; cook over medium-low for two minutes, or until chicken and beans are heated through.
Just before serving, stir in lettuce, lemon juice and scallion greens. If soup becomes too thick, stir in additional stock as needed. Serve garnished with red pepper flakes, if desired.

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80 Reviews

saltspoon April 17, 2024

I swapped the Pepe for Orzo because that was what was available at my market and it turned out great.

Megan M. January 29, 2023

I'm not sure why, but this recipe just didn't work great for me. I even had some good homemade chicken broth that I used, which usually elevates soups a bit, but I kept looking for more flavor. Added more lemon juice, more salt and pepper, and more herbs, but I just kept looking for something more. I did use spinach instead of Romaine lettuce, since I knew I'd have leftovers and wasn't sure how leftover, wilted Romaine would taste. It was OK. But I won't make it again.

OldGrayMare February 12, 2020

Forgot to add: using a really good chicken stock is key! Costco brand organic is our go-to....best, most “chickeny” IMO

OldGrayMare February 12, 2020

Been making this for several years now...and it never gets old. So “forgiving”...no garbanzos? Cannelini beans work great. No ancini de pepe? Orzo to the rescue. Can also just toss everything into the crockpot (yes, even the romaine), use dried dill/parsley, bottled lemon juice...whatever....it still comes out light, lemony and perfect in winter or summer (here in Florida is ALWAYS “summer” - sigh). I make this every year for our condo’s soup supper and its always a hit.

Shana September 7, 2019

I've now made this soup 3 times and I love that you can be super flexible with it. It is now one of our go to recipes. Add or subtract ingredients as you see fit. Be creative -- as noted by other reviewers. I've added carrots (cut in any shape) for additional color and heft. I've found that zucchini spirals work well. Next time perhaps butternut squash cubes. I love adding spinach at the end. And adding red pepper flakes gives it some kick! Overall, you just can't help but feel that this is such a healthy soup that feeds the soul. And the leftovers are terrific! Knowing I have some in the freezer for that night when I'm just too tired to cook is the best!

katherine L. January 23, 2019

Making this tonight but without the pasta and using mushrooms instead .(We really don't need the carbs at the moment! ) Will let y'all know how it goes.

CFrance January 23, 2019

Katherine L., please do! This sounds like a very good way to enjoy this soup without all the pasta carbs.

Sabine G. January 2, 2019

my whole family loved this- but my 4 year old couldn't quit raving about it! She loved the 'baby noodles!' and the 'healthy stuff'! Super easy, SUPER tasty! Thanks so much!

ElisaD December 25, 2018

Made this last night and loved it! Had never used this pasta before and it was perfect. If you can't find the specific pasta (ours was Ronzoni brand), probably orzo, pastina, or even Israeli couscous would be an okay substitution. We also didn't have fresh dill available, so I got the refrigerated paste in a tube (https://www.gourmetgarden.com/en-us/product/520/dill-stir-paste) from the local supermarket.

Sandy December 16, 2018

I made this and it was very good!

Pamela H. September 29, 2018

This is a delicious and easy fall soup, perfect for the first days of cool air. I didn’t have zucchini so I added broccoli and later so it kept its color and a little crunch, and I used orzo. Yum.

Mae December 21, 2017

This is such an easy soup! I omitted the chicken, and used 1 full can of chickpeas and a can of cannellini beans. Very yummy!

Susan October 20, 2017

I have made this soup many, many times since I discovered recipe and it is always a hit. I use a lemon garlic orzo so only need the juice, usually use spinach at end, and do let it simmer a bit longer. Highly recommend this!!!

cocos C. June 29, 2015

This soup has been my absolute favorite since I discovered it last year! (Which is saying a lot, since soup is a passion chez moi.) I just wanted to congratulate you on the fresh and satisfying combination of flavors and textures. Great recipe!

foxeslovelemons June 29, 2015

Thanks so much for your kind words, cocos cooking! I'm so glad you're enjoying it!

Barb March 5, 2015

SarahLloyd March 5, 2015

Hi - Does this soup freeze well?

foxeslovelemons March 5, 2015

Hi Sarah - Freezing pasta always seems to result in a weird texture for me. If you wanted to freeze it, I would recommend leaving out the pepe pasta, as well as the lettuce, then adding those just before serving.

Scribbles January 20, 2015

Made this last night - really good! All the comments about light and comforting are right on target. I used quinoa cause I love it and it worked great. Also couldn't find dill so I went with the thyme and that tasted great. I do want to try the dill as I'm sure the lemon and dill will be super.

Nicole K. January 19, 2015

Would a low sodium chicken stock work? Any recommendations? Thank you! :)

Lynn W. January 20, 2015

I always use Low sodium chx stock for all my recipes. That way you have control over how much salt you add. Also, you don't risk it being overly salty if you want to reduce a sauce.

Lynn W. January 20, 2015

Swanson makes one. Also imagine (both available at whole foods. Trader joe's also makes one but I haven tasted it, so no guarantees. Have fun!

Nicole K. January 20, 2015

Thank you so much! Looking forward to making this recipe :)

ElisaD December 25, 2018

I'm a big fan of the Low Sodium Redi-Base stocks. Mail order only, but well worth it. These are concentrated and keep the refrigerator. I use the chicken, beef, vegetable (that one is shelf-stable) and mushroom bases.

Carol January 2, 2015

Served this to a large group on New Year's Eve and everyone went back for seconds. I used the rotisserie chicken carcass to make the stock (along with a second carcass I had in the freezer) rather than using commercially prepared stock. I substituted escarole for the romaine as I thought it would hold up a bit better as I needed to do most of the prep in advance. Very successful substitution. Will definitely be making this one again.

foxeslovelemons January 2, 2015

LOVE the escarole substitution, Carol. Sounds so good! I'm so glad this was a hit for you!

Eva November 26, 2014

This soup exceeded my expectations! The flavors are complex but not too complex. It was delicious! This is going into my rotation.

foxeslovelemons November 26, 2014

So glad you enjoyed it, Eva! Thanks so much for the kind words.

TheWimpyVegetarian May 21, 2014

This looks fabulous, Lori! Pinning to make it this weekend. LOVE!

foxeslovelemons May 21, 2014

Thanks so much, Susan. I hope you love it!

robin L. May 21, 2014

For the picky eater in the family, do you think it would be fine to leave out the green onions and lettuce and serve them on the side as a garnish for the rest of us?

Alexandra P. May 21, 2014

I am confident that the soup will taste just great for those picky li'l eaters! Only the fine dining people will notice the absence of the green onions and the lettuce doesn't add or take away much really, so go ahead. They will love it for sure. :-)

foxeslovelemons May 21, 2014

I agree with Alexandra, the soup will still be lovely serving these things on the side. Enjoy!

Horto March 24, 2014

i just never have enough stock on hand
I'll poach the chicken, using sarah lee chases method, and use that liquid for stock!

Alexandra P. March 14, 2014

Fabbbuloso soup! Sank a small pile of noodles in the bowl instead of adding the acini pasta, then spooned the soup over the top! Family fav go to meal in a bowl now! Thanks for the recipe.

foxeslovelemons March 14, 2014

Great idea, Alexandra! So glad you loved it.

Lynn W. March 2, 2014

I made this in anticipation of this week's winter storm. Substituted thyme for dill (not a big dill lover) and it was a big hit. Now I am done I see that the dill might have been inspired. Will try it next time. Thanks for this light and tasty soup. LMW

foxeslovelemons March 3, 2014

So glad it was a hit, Lynn!

AnnabelMelrose January 23, 2014

This has now become our family favourite go-to soup recipe.. I plan other meals just to be able to have the right things to hand to make this. I recommend following the recipe exactly the first time before making any adjustments of your own. It's warming and fresh and filling and light all at the same time. Thanks for posting!

foxeslovelemons January 23, 2014

Thanks so much for the kind words, AnnabelMelrose. I'm so glad your family enjoys it. "warming and fresh and filling and light all at the same time" = EXACTLY what I was going for :)

healthierkitchen January 6, 2014

Glad this popped up on the feature today! Perfect for the cold blast we're expecting!

foxeslovelemons January 6, 2014

Thanks healthierkitchen! I think the high here in Detroit is going to be ZERO tomorrow. I have soups on the menu all week!

healthierkitchen January 6, 2014

I am a weather wimp so I'm already freaked out about our low tonight in the single digits! But even if it wont be as cold here in DC I still made the soup! I love the lemon! First store didn't have parsley or dill today (DC full of fellow weather wimps buying out grocery store) so I used some thyme I had which took it more Italian than Greek so I went with cannellini beans this time. Everyone loved it!

foxeslovelemons January 7, 2014

Oh yeah, our grocery stores here are wiped out, too! I actually really love the thyme and cannelini angle. So glad everyone loved it!

healthierkitchen January 7, 2014

And, great for breakfast this morning, too, with a fried egg on top!

foxeslovelemons January 7, 2014

Oh, heck yes! Anything is better with a fried egg on top, am I right?

healthierkitchen January 7, 2014

Indeed!

Barb January 2, 2014

On my way to work this morning I picked up a rotisserie chicken, some kale, spinach, and Israeli couscous; I knew I wanted to try this recipe tonight in preparation for being shut in tomorrow with the upcoming blizzard. Well, I've just finished a large bowl of this soup and I have to say it was absolutely delicious! Loved the lemon in it which gave it a light and refreshing finish. Thanks so much for sharing this recipe!

foxeslovelemons January 2, 2014

So glad you liked it, Barb! I was practically snowed in today, myself, and unfortunately, didn't have much on hand to make myself any soup! haha.

thecumincondition December 31, 2013

This was delicious and so easy! I used orzo and dried herbs and added red kale.

Thank you for the great recipe!

foxeslovelemons January 1, 2014

Yum, that sounds great! I love orzo and actually wanted to use it for this recipe, but my store was sold out of it. Love your user name, by the way :)

ktmckinsey April 3, 2013

This looks really good. Would Israeli cous cous work instead of the pasta? I'm planning to make this tonight, and I have about 3/4 c of it sitting in my cupboard.

foxeslovelemons April 3, 2013

Oh yes, Israeli substitute will work perfectly! Just throw it in and cook until its tender :)

Baywife March 20, 2013

Very good. I made it as directed except that I used fresh spinach in lieu of the romaine. I don't think I'd change anything else at all.

foxeslovelemons March 21, 2013

Thank you, Baywife. I'm so glad you liked it. I'm going to put spinach in it next time, too! I went with romaine because I'd had some traditional Greek dishes with romaine mixed into warm foods, so I knew it would stand up well. But, spinach is just healthier, so why not? :)

Leaseachef March 7, 2013

Made this last night and loved it! Silly quick and easy, and delicious. I left out the pasta because I am GF, and didn't miss it a bit. I didn't get much from the lettuce--next time I would sub in kale or spinach--or love the arugula suggestions! But the dill and lemon are such a wonderful flavor combo. I rarely use dill--this was delightful!

foxeslovelemons March 7, 2013

Thanks, Leaseachef, I'm so glad that you liked it and that it was enjoyable without the pasta. I think arugula would add a peppery bite that perhaps the lettuce is lacking.

TriBeCa March 6, 2013

I made the soup last night and I have never tasted anything so delicious in my life!! It tasted a bit like Greek egg lemon soup, but healthier. I served it with greyure cheese paninis! Amazing you can get so much lemon flavor with so little lemon. Thank you!!!

foxeslovelemons March 6, 2013

Thank you so much, TriBeCa! The inspiration certainly was Greek avgolemono soup :) I love the lemon flavor of that style of soup, but I wanted a little more "substance" in it, so it could be a full meal. I'm so glad you made it and enjoyed it.

AriH March 3, 2013

Made this tonight, with some small tweaks: brown rice instead of pasta, and some leftover bibb lettuce chooped up. The chicken broth was from the leftovers of a roaster from earlier in the week and I scraped the last bits of meat off the carcass for the soup as well. It came out really tasty, like others said, with a light touch, but still hearty. To me it tasted like Spring, somehow. It was a hit and will definitely make it onto the menu again in some incarnation.

foxeslovelemons March 3, 2013

I'm so glad it was a hit, Ari! I agree - it tasted like spring to me, too, even though I wrote the recipe in January!

Hollyfleur March 3, 2013

Made this tonight and really enjoyed it. I subbed some ingredients- because they are what I had on hand. I used kale for the romaine, orzo for the acini de pepe, and sugar snap peas for the zucchini. Still wonderfully yummy and fresh. (I even added a hunk of parm rind toward the end- the perfect compliment!) What a fabulous recipe that can be taken in a million directions! Thanks!

foxeslovelemons March 3, 2013

I'm so glad you enjoyed it, Holly! The parm rind at the end is an excellent idea! I'll try that next time, for sure :)

CFrance March 3, 2013

I can see this as a meatless soup, too, with some white beans added as well. I love the addition of lemon.

foxeslovelemons March 3, 2013

Thanks CFrance! This could definitely be meatless - just sub veg stock for the chicken stock, and sure - bulk it up with some extra beans!

amgchem March 3, 2013

What pasta can be substituted for the acini de pepe? I don't think I can acquire it here. I have never seen it.

Ascender March 3, 2013

I would think that orzo or Israli couscous would be reasonable substitutes. Both are tiny pasta. Acini de pepe are the size of a peppercorn, hence their name.

foxeslovelemons March 3, 2013

Thanks for the help, Ascender. Amgchem - I agree - if you can find Israeli (pearl) couscous, that would be a perfect sub. Orzo would work great. Even stirring in some cooked rice at the end would be great.

Babette's S. March 5, 2013

How about pastina, stelle (small star shaped pasta), orzo, seme di melone (seed shaped pasta), anellini (little rings)

foxeslovelemons March 5, 2013

Yep, those would work, too!

Gina55164 March 6, 2013

I used tiny star pasta and it worked great!

foxeslovelemons March 6, 2013

So glad! Stars would be fun :)

pamelalee February 21, 2013

I made this for dinner tonight, and it was delicious! I love the addition of tiny pasta, shredded arugula, and, of course, lemon.

foxeslovelemons February 21, 2013

So glad you liked it, Pamela! And glad to hear the arugula worked out as I hoped it would :)

savorthis February 6, 2013

This looks filling and soulful. I will replace celery with fennel since I'm allergic, and I think it will substitute perfectly. I love the mix of tiny pasta, beans and shredded chicken- a great mix of textures.

foxeslovelemons February 6, 2013

Thank you so much. The fennel will work perfectly!

Pat S. February 4, 2013

Just made this for dinner. Wow! Incredible flavors, healthy and delicious! Thanks for the recipe!

foxeslovelemons February 4, 2013

Thank you, Pat. I'm so glad you enjoyed it.

Ileana M. February 4, 2013

This looks great!

foxeslovelemons February 4, 2013

Thank you! I appreciate it.

Author Notes

Test Kitchen Notes

Ingredients

Directions

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80 Reviews