Creamy Vitamix Chicken & Veggie Soup (Low Sodium)

• •1 tbsp Olive oil
• •1 piece Yellow onion (medium, chopped)
• •2 piece Carrots (medium, peeled and chopped)
• •2 piece Celery stalks (chopped)
• •3 cloves Garlic (minced)
• •4 cup Low sodium chicken broth
• •1.5 cup Cooked chicken breast (shredded or diced, ensure it's unsalted or low-sodium if possible)
• •2 cup Fresh spinach (packed)
• •0.5 cup Heavy cream
• •2 scoops Unflavored protein powder ((approx. 40-50g))
• •0.5 tsp Dried thyme
• •to taste Salt ((start with a pinch, or omit if preferred, especially with low-sodium broth))
• •to taste Black pepper
• •1 tbsp Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish (optional))

Instructions

1. 1

   Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until vegetables start to soften.

2. 2

   Add minced garlic and dried thyme to the pot. Cook for another minute until fragrant.

3. 3

   Pour in the low sodium chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until vegetables are tender.

4. 4

   Remove the pot from the heat. Add the cooked chicken (ensuring it's low-sodium) and fresh spinach to the hot soup. Stir until the spinach wilts.

5. 5

   Carefully transfer the soup mixture to your Vitamix blender. Start on a low speed and gradually increase to high, blending until completely smooth and creamy. Be cautious when blending hot liquids; ensure the lid's vent is open and covered with a cloth.

6. 6

   Return the blended soup to the pot over low heat (do not boil). Stir in the heavy cream and protein powder until well combined and smooth. Season with black pepper to taste, and only add a very small pinch of salt if absolutely necessary, after tasting, given the low-sodium broth.

7. 7

   Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

Chef's Tips

• 💡For an extra nutrient boost, add a handful of chopped zucchini or bell pepper along with the carrots and celery.
• 💡If you don't have cooked chicken on hand, you can quickly poach boneless, skinless chicken breasts in unsalted water or low-sodium broth before adding vegetables, then shred them.
• 💡Adjust the amount of protein powder based on your dietary needs and the type of protein powder you use, ensuring it's unflavored to avoid altering the soup's taste significantly.
• 💡Always taste before adding salt when cooking low-sodium. Herbs and spices like thyme, garlic, and pepper can add plenty of flavor without extra sodium.