Creamy Chicken Pasta Soup Recipe

Get ready to fall in love at first spoonful with this Creamy Chicken Pasta Soup! Imagine a bowl nestled in your hands—rich, velvety broth swirling around tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and colorful veggies, all crowned with melty cheese. Whether you’re craving a heartwarming lunch or an easy family dinner, this recipe delivers pure comfort and flavor in every bite. The ultimate perk? It comes together quickly, so cozy home-cooked happiness is never out of reach.

Creamy Chicken Pasta Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Creamy Chicken Pasta Soup is how a few everyday ingredients join forces to create something magical. Each component brings its own special note, from savory chicken to the lush creaminess that makes this soup truly unforgettable.

  • Cooked Chicken (1 lb / 450g): Shredded or chopped chicken breast (or rotisserie chicken) brings protein and hearty substance; using rotisserie adds an extra layer of flavor.
  • Low-Sodium Chicken Broth (4 cups/1L): The base of the soup—use chicken or vegetable broth for depth and body without overpowering saltiness.
  • Olive Oil (2 teaspoons): Just enough to sauté the veggies and coax out their natural sweetness.
  • Onion (1/2 cup, chopped): Aromatic and foundational—onion sets the savory tone for the broth.
  • Carrots (1 cup, diced): Pops of orange add sweetness, color, and a tender bite.
  • Celery (1/2 cup, diced): Celery lends a subtle earthiness and balances the flavors perfectly.
  • Garlic (2 cloves, minced): A hint of garlic wakes up all the other ingredients—don’t skip it!
  • Shredded Mild Cheddar Cheese (1 1/2 cups): Melts into the soup for rich, cheesy goodness that everyone loves.
  • Cream Cheese (1 cup, softened): The secret to that luxurious creamy texture—let it soften for easier blending.
  • Heavy Cream (1/2 cup): For extra silkiness and that classic creamy chicken soup feel.
  • Kosher Salt and Black Pepper (1/2 teaspoon, plus more to taste): Essential seasoning—adjust at the end for perfect balance.
  • Ditalini Pasta (2 cups, uncooked): Or any small pasta of your choice—these cute little bites soak up the broth beautifully.
  • Spinach (2 cups, chopped): Gently wilted in at the end for a fresh burst of green and a healthy dose of veggies.
  • Parmesan Cheese (1/2 cup, optional): To finish—salty, umami-packed, and perfect for sprinkling on top.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Pasta Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics and Chicken

Start by heating the olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add your chopped onion, carrots, celery, and garlic, then sauté for about 5 minutes. You’re looking for everything to soften and become irresistibly fragrant. After that, fold in your cooked chicken and continue stirring for another 3 minutes. At this point, your kitchen is already smelling amazing!

Step 2: Create the Creamy Broth

Pour in the chicken broth, then add the heavy cream and dollops of softened cream cheese. Give it all a gentle stir to help the cream cheese melt into the soup. Cover your pot and bring everything to a gentle boil. Let it simmer away for 15 minutes, which allows all those lovely flavors to meld and develop that signature Creamy Chicken Pasta Soup richness.

Step 3: Add Pasta and Cheddar

Reduce the heat a bit, then stir in your uncooked pasta and shredded cheddar cheese. Cover again and let it simmer, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is just the way you like it—tender but still with a slight bite. The cheddar will melt and help thicken the soup, creating that decadent texture we crave.

Step 4: Stir in Spinach and Adjust Seasonings

With just a few minutes left, toss in your chopped spinach. Stir gently, and watch it wilt into the soup, adding a gorgeous green color and a little healthy bonus. Taste your soup and season with kosher salt and plenty of cracked black pepper. If you like things extra cheesy, feel free to toss in a little more cheddar or some parmesan at this stage.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Ladle the steaming Creamy Chicken Pasta Soup into bowls and sprinkle generously with parmesan cheese, if you’re so inclined. Grab a spoon, dig in, and get ready for a little forkful of happiness in every bite!

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Pasta Soup

Creamy Chicken Pasta Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

The right garnish turns a simple bowl of soup into a restaurant-worthy experience! Try a flurry of freshly grated parmesan, a few grinds of black pepper, or a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or chives for color. If you’re feeling fancy, a tiny drizzle of olive oil or a crisp crouton on top is always a crowd-pleaser.

Side Dishes

Creamy Chicken Pasta Soup pairs beautifully with all kinds of sides. Serve it with a warm, crusty baguette or garlic bread to soak up every drop of that luscious broth. For a lighter touch, a crisp green salad with a zingy vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup. Roasted vegetables also make a colorful and healthful platter on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving guests, ladle the soup into rustic bread bowls for a fun, edible twist (and less dishes to wash!). Individual ramekins or colorful soup mugs add a playful vibe. For family dinners, bring the pot right to the table and let everyone scoop their own—just make sure there’s extra cheese nearby for sprinkling.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of Creamy Chicken Pasta Soup are like culinary gold. Let the soup cool completely, then transfer to airtight containers. It will keep perfectly in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors get even cozier after a night in the fridge.

Freezing

Planning ahead? While this soup freezes well, keep in mind the pasta can soften a bit when reheated. If you want the best texture, you can skip adding the pasta before freezing—just stir cooked pasta into reheated soup right before serving. Freeze in individual portions for quick and comforting lunches anytime.

Reheating

Reheat Creamy Chicken Pasta Soup gently on the stovetop, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and to redistribute the creamy cheese. If it thickens too much, simply splash in a bit of extra broth or milk. For single servings, the microwave works perfectly, too—heat in intervals and stir until velvety smooth throughout.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Ditalini is great, but any small pasta like elbows, shells, or orzo will work beautifully. If you use a larger pasta, just keep an eye on the cooking time so it’s not overdone.

What’s the best chicken to use for Creamy Chicken Pasta Soup?

Rotisserie chicken is a real time-saver and adds extra flavor, but leftover roasted or poached chicken breasts are also perfect. Just make sure the meat is tender and easy to shred or chop for the best results.

How can I make this soup lighter?

For a lighter version, use reduced-fat cream cheese, half-and-half instead of heavy cream, and go easy on the cheddar. You can also up the veggies or add even more spinach to bulk it out without adding calories.

Can I make Creamy Chicken Pasta Soup gluten free?

You sure can! Use your favorite gluten-free pasta (just monitor the cook time as these can cook quicker), and double-check your broth and cheeses to ensure they’re gluten-free products.

Can I add other vegetables?

Definitely—feel free to play around! Mushrooms, peas, zucchini, or even small florets of broccoli are tasty. Add heartier veggies earlier in the cooking process; delicate greens like kale or arugula can go in at the end, just like the spinach.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Chicken Pasta Soup is more than just a recipe; it’s a warm hug in a bowl, ready whenever you need it. Gather your ingredients, invite someone you love to the table, and let this simple, soul-satisfying dish bring a little extra joy to your day. You truly have to taste it to believe just how good it is—your next favorite comfort food adventure starts here!

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Creamy Chicken Pasta Soup Recipe

Creamy Chicken Pasta Soup is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for chilly days. This soup combines tender chicken, vegetables, pasta, and a creamy, cheesy broth that will warm you from the inside out.

  • Author: admin1
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

    Chicken Pasta Soup:

  • 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

  1. To make the creamy chicken pasta soup: In a large Dutch oven, add the carrots, celery, onion, and garlic, and saute in olive oil until tender and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Add cooked chicken and continue cooking for 3 minutes, stirring regularly.
  2. Add the broth, heavy cream, and cream cheese. Cover and bring to a boil, then cook for 15 minutes.
  3. Lower the heat, add pasta and cheddar, and simmer until pasta is cooked to your liking. Add spinach to the chicken pasta soup toward the end, and stir until wilted.
  4. Adjust seasoning to taste with salt and black pepper. Serve the creamy chicken pasta soup in bowls and top with extra parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy!

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 480 kcal
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 840mg
  • Fat: 29g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 27g
  • Cholesterol: 105mg

Keywords: Creamy Chicken Pasta Soup, Chicken Pasta Soup, Creamy Soup Recipe

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