Creamy Chicken Pasta Soup
Comforting and rich, this creamy chicken pasta soup is perfect for any day of the week.
Equipment
- Dutch oven Essential for even cooking of the soup.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 0.5 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1.5 cups small shell pasta, uncooked
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- 0.5 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- cups fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, mix the diced chicken with salt, Italian seasoning, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes until evenly coated. This step enhances the chicken's flavor.
- Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat until shimmering. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally until lightly browned. Transfer chicken to a bowl and set aside.
- In the same pot, add the diced onion and cook for 4-5 minutes until softened. This adds a delicious depth to the soup.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional minute, making sure not to burn it.
- Slowly pour in the chicken broth, then stir in the heavy cream and whole milk, whisking until smooth. This creates a rich, creamy base.
- Add the uncooked pasta and partially cooked chicken to the pot. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 10-12 minutes until the pasta is tender and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the Parmesan and mozzarella until melted and smooth. This adds a wonderful cheesy flavor.
- Serve warm, garnished with extra Parmesan and chopped parsley. This not only enhances the flavor but also adds a beautiful color to the dish.
Notes
You can customize this soup by adding vegetables like spinach or broccoli for extra nutrition and flavor.