Chicken cacciatore, meaning “hunter-style chicken” in Italian, is a rustic and comforting dish traditionally made with braised chicken, vegetables, and tomatoes. Inspired by classic Italian flavors and the approachable style of the Pioneer Woman, this recipe transforms the beloved skillet dish into a hearty and satisfying soup. Perfect for a family dinner, this Pioneer Woman Chicken Cacciatore soup is easy to make and full of flavor, bringing a touch of Italian warmth to your kitchen.
Hearty bowl of Pioneer Woman Chicken Cacciatore Soup, showcasing the rich tomato broth and tender chicken.
This soup captures the essence of chicken cacciatore with tender chicken, bell peppers, and mushrooms in a rich tomato broth. Using a quality tomato sauce like Ragú® Old World Style® Traditional Sauce provides a deep, authentic Italian flavor as the base of this soup, reminiscent of a flavorful minestrone but with a distinct cacciatore twist. The addition of red wine enhances the depth of flavor, while feta cheese stirred in at the end adds a creamy, tangy finish. This recipe is adaptable for busy weeknights and can even be prepared in a slow cooker for ultimate convenience.
Ingredients
- 1 (24 oz) jar Ragú® Old World Style® Traditional Sauce
- 2 chicken thighs or 1 chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 yellow or orange bell pepper, chopped
- 4-6 mushrooms, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (or 3 tsp garlic powder)
- 1 small yellow onion, chopped
- 1/4 cup red wine
- 1/2 cup crumbled Feta cheese
- 3-4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 – 1 cup pasta (such as ditalini or broken spaghetti)
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preparing Pioneer Woman Chicken Cacciatore Soup, pot with simmering broth, chicken, peppers, and mushrooms.
Instructions
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Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic (or garlic powder) and sliced mushrooms. Continue to sauté for another 5 minutes, until the vegetables are lightly browned and fragrant. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Build the Soup Base: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil.
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Add Chicken: Add the bite-sized pieces of chicken to the boiling broth. Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover the pot, and let the chicken cook for about 10 minutes, or until it is no longer pink on the outside.
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Incorporate Pasta: Add the pasta to the simmering soup. Cover the pot again and cook for another 10-15 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente and the chicken is cooked through.
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Add Sauce and Wine: Stir in the jar of Ragú® Old World Style® Traditional Sauce and red wine. Simmer for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
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Finish with Feta: Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the crumbled feta cheese. Allow the soup to sit for a few minutes, so the feta slightly melts into the warm broth, creating creamy pockets of flavor.
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Season and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust seasonings as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy this comforting Pioneer Woman chicken cacciatore soup!
Delicious Pioneer Woman Chicken Cacciatore Soup, topped with feta cheese, ready to serve.
Tips and Variations
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Slow Cooker Option: For a slow cooker version, sauté the vegetables as directed, then transfer them to a slow cooker. Add the chicken, chicken broth, Ragú® Old World Style® Traditional Sauce, and red wine. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until chicken is cooked through. Add pasta during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Stir in feta cheese before serving.
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Pasta Choices: Feel free to use other small pasta shapes like orzo, elbow macaroni, or even rice instead of ditalini or spaghetti.
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Vegetable Variations: Add other vegetables like zucchini, carrots, or celery for extra nutrients and flavor.
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Serving Suggestions: Serve this soup with crusty Italian bread for dipping and a simple side salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
Enjoy this easy and flavorful Pioneer Woman inspired chicken cacciatore soup, perfect for bringing family and friends together around a warm and comforting bowl.
