Keto Protein Soup: Hearty Meal Prep Comfort (Print Version)
Keto protein soup for easy meal prep. Enjoy a hearty, low-carb comfort meal packed with protein. Simple to make and perfect for busy weeks.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 35 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Comfort
Dietary: Gluten-Free, Diabetic-Friendly
# Ingredients:
→ The Protein Powerhouse
01 -
1 1/2 lbs cooked shredded chicken breast
02 -
6 slices bacon, diced
→ Aromatic Foundation
03 -
2 tbsp olive oil
04 -
1 medium yellow onion, diced
05 -
2 medium celery stalks, diced
06 -
4 cloves garlic, minced
→ Creamy Comfort Core
07 -
6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
08 -
1 cup heavy cream
09 -
4 oz cream cheese, softened
10 -
5 oz fresh spinach, packed
→ Savory Seasoning Symphony
11 -
1 tsp dried thyme
12 -
1 tsp smoked paprika
13 -
1 large bay leaf
14 -
1 tsp salt, or to taste
15 -
1/2 tsp black pepper, or to taste
# Instructions:
01 -
Start your Hearty Keto Soup: Protein-Loaded Comfort Meal Prep by cooking 6 slices diced bacon in a large pot over medium heat until crispy. Remove bacon, reserving for garnish, and leave 2 tbsp drippings. Add 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 medium diced yellow onion, and 2 medium diced celery stalks. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened.
02 -
Stir in 4 cloves minced garlic, 1 tsp dried thyme, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic. This builds the savory foundation for your Hearty Keto Soup: Protein-Loaded Comfort Meal Prep.
03 -
Pour in 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth and add 1 large bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Whisk in 4 oz softened cream cheese until it is fully dissolved and the soup base is smooth. Stir in 1 cup heavy cream.
04 -
Reduce the heat to low and let the soup gently simmer for 10-15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the soup to slightly thicken. Stir occasionally to prevent any sticking to the bottom of the pot.
05 -
Add 1.5 lbs cooked shredded chicken breast and 5 oz packed fresh spinach to the pot. Stir gently until the spinach completely wilts into the soup, which should take approximately 2-3 minutes. Ensure the chicken is heated through.
06 -
Remove and discard the bay leaf. Taste the soup and adjust 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper as needed. Ladle your Hearty Keto Soup: Protein-Loaded Comfort Meal Prep into bowls and garnish generously with the reserved crispy bacon.
# Notes:
01 -
For a vegetarian option, omit bacon and chicken, and add 1.5 lbs roasted cauliflower florets or sautéed mushrooms. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
02 -
This soup is perfect for meal prep! Store cooled leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
03 -
Enhance your soup with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives, a dash of hot sauce for a kick, or a dollop of sour cream for extra creaminess.
04 -
To save time, shred your chicken breast a day in advance. You can also dice the onion and celery ahead of time and store them in the fridge.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large stockpot or Dutch oven
02 -
Cutting board
03 -
Chef's knife
04 -
Measuring cups
05 -
Measuring spoons
06 -
Ladle
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 501 kcal
Total Fat: 35 g
Total Carbohydrate: 8 g
Protein: 52 g