Creamy Chicken Pasta Soup: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe
Introduction to Creamy Chicken Pasta Soup
Warm up with a bowl of creamy chicken pasta soup! This delightful dish combines tender chicken, hearty pasta, and a rich, flavorful broth to create the perfect comfort food. Whether you’re looking for a cozy dinner option or a nourishing meal to share with loved ones, this recipe is sure to please everyone at the table.
A Personal Story Behind My Creamy Chicken Pasta Soup Journey
Growing up, my grandmother always made the most comforting soups during cold winter nights. Her creamy chicken soup was a family favorite, warming our hearts and filling our bellies. This recipe is inspired by those cherished memories and is my way of keeping that tradition alive, bringing joy and comfort to my own family.
What Makes This Creamy Chicken Pasta Soup Recipe Special?
This creamy chicken pasta soup stands out because of its rich flavors and creamy texture, thanks to the combination of cream cheese and cheddar cheese. It’s not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make, allowing you to whip up a hearty meal in under 40 minutes. Plus, you can easily customize it with your favorite vegetables, making it a versatile recipe for any occasion.
The Full Creamy Chicken Pasta Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) cooked, shredded, or chopped chicken breast (or rotisserie chicken)
- 4 cups (1L) low-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1/2 cup diced celery
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mild cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and fresh black pepper
- 2 cups uncooked ditalini pasta or any other small pasta
- 2 cups chopped spinach
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese for garnish, optional
Instructions
- Sauté the Vegetables: In a large Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, diced carrots, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are tender and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Add the Chicken: Stir in the cooked chicken and continue to cook for another 3 minutes, ensuring everything is well combined.
- Pour in the Broth and Cream: Carefully pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, along with the heavy cream and softened cream cheese. Cover the pot and bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15 minutes.
- Add Pasta and Cheese: Reduce the heat further and add the uncooked ditalini pasta and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir well and simmer until the pasta reaches your desired tenderness, which should take about 8-10 minutes.
- Incorporate the Spinach: Just a few minutes before serving, add the chopped spinach and stir until it’s wilted. This adds color and nutrition to your soup.
- Season and Serve: Season the soup with kosher salt and fresh black pepper to taste. Serve it warm in bowls, and sprinkle with extra parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy your comforting bowl of creamy chicken pasta soup!
Serving Suggestions and Variations for Creamy Chicken Pasta Soup
This creamy chicken pasta soup is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with a slice of crusty bread or a fresh side salad for a complete meal. For variations, consider adding other vegetables such as peas, bell peppers, or even corn for a burst of sweetness. You can also experiment with different types of cheese, or add herbs like thyme or parsley for extra flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Chicken Pasta Soup
Can I use frozen vegetables? Yes, frozen vegetables work great in this recipe! Just add them when you add the chicken.
How can I make this soup healthier? You can reduce the amount of cheese and cream, or substitute with lower-fat alternatives. Adding more vegetables is also a great way to enhance the nutritional value.
Can I make this soup ahead of time? Absolutely! This soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat gently on the stove before serving.
Is this recipe gluten-free? You can make it gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta. Ensure your broth is also gluten-free.
Can I freeze the creamy chicken pasta soup? Yes, you can freeze it! Just allow it to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.
Recipe Stats
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Calories per Serving: 380
- Servings: 6
Creamy Chicken Pasta Soup
Equipment
- Dutch oven
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb cooked, shredded or chopped chicken breast or rotisserie chicken
- 4 cup low-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth
- 2 teaspoon olive oil
- 0.5 cup chopped onion
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 0.5 cup diced celery
- 2 clove garlic, minced
- 1.5 cup shredded mild cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 0.5 cup heavy cream
- 0.5 teaspoon kosher salt
- 0.5 teaspoon fresh black pepper
- 2 cup uncooked ditalini pasta or any small pasta
- 2 cup chopped spinach
- 0.5 cup parmesan cheese for garnish optional
Instructions
- In a large Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, diced carrots, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are tender and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the cooked chicken and continue to cook for another 3 minutes, ensuring everything is well combined.
- Carefully pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, along with the heavy cream and softened cream cheese. Cover the pot and bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15 minutes.
- Reduce the heat further and add the uncooked ditalini pasta and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir well and simmer until the pasta reaches your desired tenderness, which should take about 8-10 minutes.
- Just a few minutes before serving, add the chopped spinach and stir until it's wilted. This adds color and nutrition to your soup.
- Season the soup with kosher salt and fresh black pepper to taste. Serve it warm in bowls, and sprinkle with extra parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy your comforting bowl of creamy chicken pasta soup!