You’ll love this creamy chicken soup recipe because it’s hearty, cozy, and made in just one pot. It’s filled with tender chicken, rich broth, soft pasta, and melty Parmesan that bring pure comfort to every spoonful. This family-friendly meal takes under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights or chilly weekends. Every bite tastes like a warm hug, and cleanup is easy since everything cooks together in one pot.
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Why You’ll Love This Chicken Soup Recipe
This chicken soup recipe is the ultimate comfort food. It’s creamy, loaded with tender chicken and fresh veggies, and takes less than an hour to make. You’ll appreciate how the Italian seasoning adds a warm, herby aroma while the Parmesan and cream create a smooth, velvety finish. Because it’s made in one pot, cleanup stays simple. It’s also easy to customize with your favorite veggies or pasta shapes. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or meal prep, it always turns out delicious and satisfying.
Chicken Soup Ingredients
To make this chicken soup recipe, you’ll need olive oil, chicken, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, diced carrots, celery, onions, sundried tomatoes, garlic, flour, optional tomato paste, chicken broth, small pasta, cream, Parmesan cheese, and spinach. These ingredients combine to create a perfect balance of creamy texture, savory depth, and satisfying heartiness. You can adjust the creaminess by adding more or less broth, or swap in different vegetables or pasta shapes to make it your own. Every ingredient plays a role in creating a soup that feels homemade and nourishing.
Best Chicken Options for Soup
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs both work well. Breasts give a leaner texture while thighs add richer flavor. You can also use rotisserie chicken for convenience or leftover cooked chicken to save time. The key is to cut the chicken into bite-size pieces so they cook evenly and stay tender. Browning them first builds depth and gives the broth a savory, golden base.
Vegetables and Flavor Builders That Matter
Carrots, celery, and onions create the foundation of this chicken soup recipe. Sundried tomatoes and garlic boost the richness while adding a subtle tang. These veggies soften beautifully as they simmer, releasing natural sweetness that balances the savory chicken. Italian seasoning ties everything together with earthy herbs. Each element works to make the broth flavorful without overpowering the creaminess.
Pasta, Cream, and Cheese Choices
Small pasta shapes like ditalini, elbows, or shells fit perfectly in every spoonful. The heavy cream gives the broth a rich texture, and Parmesan cheese melts into a smooth finish. If you prefer a lighter version, use half-and-half or milk instead. The pasta absorbs flavor from the broth, so make sure to simmer just until tender. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan before serving makes it extra indulgent.
How to Make Chicken Soup Step by Step
Making this creamy chicken soup recipe is easy and rewarding. You’ll brown the chicken, build the base, simmer with broth and pasta, and finish with cream and cheese for a comforting, restaurant-quality bowl.
Browning the Chicken for Maximum Flavor
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the chicken seasoned with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until golden on all sides, locking in the juices. Browning not only adds flavor but also gives the soup a richer color. Once done, remove the chicken and set it aside. This first step builds the foundation of your soup’s flavor.
Building the Soup Base and Thickening It
In the same pot, add diced carrots, celery, onions, sundried tomatoes, and garlic. Stir until fragrant and softened. Sprinkle in flour to thicken the soup base and stir to coat. Add tomato paste if using, which deepens color and adds a mild tang. Slowly pour in chicken broth while whisking to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a boil, allowing it to thicken slightly before adding pasta.
Simmering, Finishing, and Final Adjustments
Return the chicken to the pot with remaining Italian seasoning. Cover and simmer until the pasta is tender, about 20 minutes. Stir in heavy cream, spinach, and Parmesan cheese. Simmer a few minutes longer until spinach wilts and cheese melts. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. The result is a creamy, savory soup ready to serve. Garnish with more cheese if desired.
Pro Tips for the Best Creamy Chicken Soup
Always start with less broth and add more later to control thickness. Brown your chicken for deeper flavor and avoid overcooking the pasta. Add cream at the end to keep it smooth and prevent curdling. If reheating, stir in a splash of broth or milk to refresh the texture. You can use leftover chicken, and for a lighter option, replace cream with milk or half-and-half. These small steps make a big difference in taste and consistency.
Chicken Soup Variations and Add-Ins
This chicken soup recipe can be endlessly customized. Add red peppers, mushrooms, or kale for extra color and nutrients. Sprinkle red pepper flakes or squeeze lemon juice for brightness. You can even stir in cooked bacon or shredded mozzarella for a smoky, cheesy twist. The base is flexible enough for your favorite add-ins.
Vegetable and Flavor Variations
Try swapping spinach for kale or broccoli. Add corn or sweet peas for a hint of sweetness. You can also sauté mushrooms or bell peppers to create extra depth. For spice lovers, a dash of crushed red pepper or paprika brings warmth. Every variation keeps the creamy comfort intact while adding your personal touch.
Dairy and Ingredient Substitutions
If you’re avoiding heavy cream, try coconut milk or cream cheese for richness. Almond or oat milk can lighten the soup, though texture changes slightly. Parmesan can be replaced with Asiago or Romano for a sharper bite. Adjust broth levels as needed since dairy alternatives can thicken differently. These swaps help make the soup fit your preferences.
How to Prevent Mushy Pasta in Chicken Soup
To avoid mushy pasta, don’t overcook it. Add pasta only after the broth reaches a boil, and simmer just until al dente. If you plan to store leftovers, cook the pasta separately and stir it in when reheating. This prevents it from soaking up too much liquid. Adding a bit of olive oil after cooking also keeps it from sticking together.
Make-Ahead, Storage, and Freezing Tips
This soup keeps well for meal prep and leftovers. You can make it ahead and store it easily for quick, warm meals during the week.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Refrigerate cooled soup in airtight containers for up to four days. When reheating, warm it gently over medium heat and add a little broth to loosen the texture. Avoid boiling, which can break the cream. The flavors often deepen after a day, making leftovers even better.
How to Freeze Chicken Soup Successfully
For freezing, leave out the cream and pasta until you reheat. Portion cooled soup into freezer-safe containers and store up to three months. When ready, thaw in the fridge overnight, reheat gently, and add cream and pasta just before serving. This keeps the texture creamy and the pasta firm.
FAQs About Chicken Soup Recipe
What are common mistakes when making chicken soup?
Overcooking pasta or adding cream too early can ruin the texture. Always simmer gently after adding cream.
How to make the perfect chicken soup?
Brown the chicken first, use fresh veggies, and add cream at the end for a silky finish.
How to know if chicken soup is done?
Check that the chicken is cooked through and the pasta is tender but not mushy.
What is the main ingredient in chicken soup?
The star is tender, flavorful chicken combined with a creamy broth and hearty vegetables.
Other Recipes You May Enjoy
- Hot and Sour Soup Recipe
- Creamy Chickpea Noodle Soup
- Asparagus Soup (Creamy, Healthy)
- Tomato Basil Soup (Roasted Fresh Tomato)
- Easy Taco Soup Recipe
- Ginger Scallion Chicken Noodle Soup
Final Thoughts
This creamy chicken soup recipe is cozy, flavorful, and easy enough for weeknights. Each bowl is filled with tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a rich, creamy broth that warms you from the inside out. Whether you’re making it for family dinner or meal prep, it’s a dish that brings comfort and smiles every time. You can find more soup inspiration on my Pinterest page.
Chicken Soup Recipe
Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven For cooking all ingredients in one pot.
- Wooden spoon For stirring and preventing burning.
- Whisk To mix in broth and flour smoothly.
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 to 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, divided
- salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ cup diced carrots
- ½ cup diced celery
- ½ cup diced onions
- ¼ cup diced sundried tomatoes
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste (optional)
- 6–8 cups chicken broth
- 6 ounces small pasta (shells, ditalini, or elbows)
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- ½–1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2½–3 cups fresh spinach
Instructions
- Warm olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add chicken seasoned with 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned on all sides, then remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, cook carrots, celery, onions, sundried tomatoes, and garlic until softened. Stir in flour to coat the vegetables evenly. Add tomato paste if using.
- Gradually whisk in chicken broth to avoid lumps. Bring to a boil, add pasta, remaining Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cover and simmer until pasta is tender, about 20 minutes.
- Stir in heavy cream, spinach, and Parmesan. Simmer a few minutes until spinach wilts and cheese melts. Adjust salt and pepper to taste before serving.
