© Original recipe by Crave & Craft ©
Easy Creamy Chicken Pasta Soup for Cozy Evenings 🍲🥰✨
1. Introduction
Looking for a comforting and hearty dish that combines the richness of creamy sauces with tender chicken and al dente pasta? This creamy chicken pasta soup recipe is your perfect solution for cozy evenings. Whether you want a quick family meal or a warming dish after a long day, this chicken pasta soup is sure to become a favorite. Its velvety texture, flavorful ingredients, and easy preparation make it ideal for cold weather or whenever you crave something savory and satisfying.
2. Ingredients for Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk for dairy-free option
- 2 cups uncooked pasta (penne, shell, or your favorite)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
For more healthy and quick alternatives, explore this vegetarian quick meal.
3. Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Creamy Chicken Pasta Soup
Preparing the Base
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Sautéing Vegetables
Add sliced carrots and celery to the pot. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften slightly.
Adding the Chicken and Broth
Stir in the shredded cooked chicken and pour in the chicken broth. Add dried thyme, salt, and pepper to season. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 10 minutes.
Cooking the Pasta
While the broth simmers, cook your pasta separately according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Making it Creamy
Reduce the heat under the soup to low, then stir in the heavy cream or coconut milk. Add cooked pasta to the soup and stir well. Let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes to combine flavors.
Finishing Touches
Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving for a burst of color and flavor.
4. Tips for Perfect Creamy Chicken Pasta Soup
- Use leftover cooked chicken to save time and add flavor.
- For a thicker soup, blend a portion of the soup with an immersion blender before adding the pasta.
- Experiment with different pasta shapes to vary texture and presentation.
5. Storage and Reheating
This creamy chicken noodle soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave. Keep in mind that the cream may thicken after refrigeration; add a splash of broth or milk to loosen the consistency during reheating.
6. Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Serve this chicken pasta soup with crusty bread or garlic bread for a complete meal. For a fresh touch, add a squeeze of lemon or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top. A side salad with mixed greens perfectly balances the richness of the soup.
Interested in perfecting other pasta dishes? Check out this creamy Parmesan spinach mushroom pasta for a quick and flavorful dinner.
7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Yes, replace the heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative. The soup will still be creamy and delicious.
How can I make this recipe healthier?
Incorporate whole wheat pasta or add more vegetables like spinach or kale. Use low-sodium chicken broth and skip the heavy cream for a lighter version.
What is the total preparation time?
This creamy chicken pasta soup recipe takes approximately 30-40 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for a quick dinner.
8. Kitchen tools that you might need for this recipe
- Compact 6-in-1 Digital Air Fryer: Perfect for quickly cooking or reheating components of this dish.
- T-fal 14-Piece Hard Anodized Nonstick Cookware Set: Ensures easy sautéing and boiling for the soup.
- Ninja Foodi Smart XL Indoor Grill & Air Fryer Combo: Ideal for preparing ingredients efficiently.
9. Conclusion
Enjoying a warm, hearty bowl of creamy chicken pasta soup is truly one of life’s simple pleasures. This recipe offers a perfect balance of comfort, flavor, and ease, making it an excellent choice for cozy evenings or weeknight dinners. Feel free to customize it with your favorite vegetables or pasta shapes, and don’t forget to explore additional kitchen gadgets to make cooking even more enjoyable. Remember, a well-made soup can be a delightful way to nourish both body and soul.
Print
Easy Creamy Chicken Pasta Soup for Cozy Evenings
This creamy chicken pasta soup is a comforting blend of tender chicken, pasta, and rich broth, finished with herbs and spices.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 cup ditalini or small pasta
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté onion and garlic until fragrant and translucent.
- Add chicken broth, cooked chicken, thyme, salt, and pepper; bring to a boil.
- Add pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
- Stir in heavy cream and simmer for 5 minutes to thicken.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Feel free to substitute cooked turkey or vegetables for added variety.
- Adjust the cream for desired richness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Comfort Food
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350 Kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 85mg