Dinner: Chicken, Pasta and Spinach Soup

Warm up at lunch or dinner with this flavorful soup. It includes whole grains, lean protein and even some vegetables.

This recipe includes superfoods such as:

Chicken Breast, Spinach, Basil

Health benefits of Chicken, Pasta and Spinach Soup

Skinless chicken breast, often heralded for its lean nutritional profile, is undeniably a powerhouse when it comes to protein content. With an impressive 21 grams of protein packed into every 100 grams of the breast, it emerges as a preferred choice for those conscious about their protein intake. Delving deeper into the nutritional matrix of chicken, one can't overlook the copious amounts of vitamin B6 it houses. This particular vitamin plays an indispensable role in our body, especially when discussing Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) management.

For individuals grappling with PCOS, the internal hormonal turbulence can be overwhelming, often leading to a spike in testosterone and androgen levels. This is where vitamin B6 comes into the spotlight. Acting as a balancer, vitamin B6 diligently works behind the scenes to keep these hormones in check, ensuring they don't surge beyond desirable levels. It is this equilibrium that becomes paramount for those earnestly looking to curtail the excessive flow of testosterone and androgen. In the broader spectrum of PCOS management, incorporating foods rich in vitamin B6, like chicken breast, can be a strategic move, providing both nutritional sustenance and hormonal balance.

Spinach is a nutrient-dense leafy green vegetable that is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron, magnesium, and antioxidants. The high iron content in spinach helps combat anemia, which is common in women with PCOS. Magnesium helps reduce inflammation and improve insulin sensitivity. The antioxidants in spinach can help lower oxidative stress, which is beneficial for managing PCOS symptoms. Including spinach in your diet can support overall health and well-being. Basil is an excellent stress reliever, and has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.

Ingredients

1 (14-ounce) can reduced-sodium chicken broth
1 (14.5-ounce) can no-salt-added diced tomatoes
2 ounces whole grain or multigrain pasta (such as rotini)
2 cups cooked diced chicken breast
1 cup packed baby spinach
¼ cup chopped fresh basil
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
¼ teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

In a medium saucepan, combine the broth and tomatoes and their liquid and bring to a boil over high heat. Stir in the pasta, return to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer 6 minutes or until pasta is just tender.
Remove from heat and stir in the remaining ingredients, except the cheese. Let stand, covered, 5 minutes to absorb flavors and heat through. Serve topped with cheese.
Choices: 1 starch, 3 lean meat, 1 fat

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