Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

As the chilly weather sets in, there’s nothing more comforting than a bowl of hearty soup to warm you up. This Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is not just a treat for your taste buds but also a nourishing meal that combines rich flavors and creamy textures. Perfect for cozy evenings, this soup is sure to become a favorite. Let’s dive into the details of making this delightful dish.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 pound mushrooms, sliced
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1 teaspoon thyme, chopped
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup wild rice (or a blend including wild rice)
• 1 1/2 cups cooked and diced or shredded chicken
• 1 cup milk or cream
• 1 cup parmigiano reggiano (parmesan), grated
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Cook the Mushrooms: Start by melting 2 tablespoons of butter in a pan over medium-high heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook them until they have released their liquids and the liquid has evaporated, which should take about 10-15 minutes. Once done, remove the mushrooms from the pan and set aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pan, add an additional tablespoon of butter, followed by the diced onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté the mixture until the vegetables are tender, which typically takes about 8-10 minutes.
3. Add Garlic and Herbs: Stir in the chopped garlic and thyme, cooking for about 1 minute until they become fragrant, which adds a layer of flavor to the soup.
4. Simmer the Soup: Pour in the chicken broth and add the wild rice, cooked chicken, and previously cooked mushrooms. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer, covered, until the rice is tender, around 20-30 minutes.
5. Add Dairy and Cheese: Once the rice is tender, stir in the milk or cream and the grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese. Continue cooking until the cheese is completely melted, integrating beautifully into the soup and creating a rich, creamy texture.
6. Season: Finally, season the soup with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.

Nutritional Information:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 55 minutes
• Total Time: 70 minutes
• Calories: 350 kcal per serving
• Servings: 4

This Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is a fulfilling dish that brings together the earthy flavors of mushrooms and the nuttiness of wild rice with the comforting richness of chicken broth and cream. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or as a part of your weekend meal prep. Serve this delightful soup with a slice of crusty bread for dipping, and enjoy the amalgamation of flavors and textures that this recipe has to offer.

Enjoy cooking and relishing this creamy, comforting bowl of goodness that promises to soothe and satisfy!