Chicken Soup Recipe | Creamy, Comforting & Delicious

It’s the kind of chicken soup that brings everyone to the table. Steam curls up from the pot, rich with garlic and herbs, while Parmesan melts into a velvety broth. Whether you’ve had a long day or the weather calls for something cozy, this chicken soup recipe promises comfort in every spoonful.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Soup Recipe

This creamy chicken soup checks every box. It’s hearty, rich, and full of Italian flavor. Everything cooks in one pot, which means fewer dishes and more time to relax. The texture is creamy but not heavy, and the mix of pasta, spinach, and Parmesan adds both depth and freshness. Even picky eaters love it. Best of all, it’s quick enough for a weeknight yet elegant enough to serve guests.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Main Ingredients

• Chicken: Use 1 to 1½ pounds of diced boneless chicken breasts or thighs. Thighs add richness; breasts keep it lean.
• Vegetables: Carrots, celery, and onions build flavor and add natural sweetness.
• Sundried tomatoes: Provide tangy, concentrated flavor that complements the creamy base.
• Garlic: Fresh cloves give the soup warmth and aroma.
• Pasta: Small shapes like shells or ditalini cook evenly and hold the broth beautifully.
• Cream and Cheese: Heavy cream and Parmesan Reggiano create a luscious texture.
• Seasonings: Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper balance everything with savory herbs.

Optional Add-Ins

Try crispy bacon for smoky depth, Cajun seasoning for heat, or mushrooms and lemon juice for brightness. You can also add zucchini or kale for extra greens.

Best Chicken for Soup

For the best flavor, go with chicken thighs. They stay tender and juicy during simmering. If you prefer a lighter soup, boneless breasts work just fine. When time is short, rotisserie chicken is your best friend—just stir it in near the end to heat through.

Choosing the Right Pasta

Small pasta shapes like shells, elbows, or ditalini soak up flavor and give each bite a perfect balance of soup and chew. To keep leftovers from getting mushy, cook the pasta separately and add it when reheating.

Ideal Cookware for This Recipe

Use a 6-quart Dutch oven or any heavy-bottomed pot. It distributes heat evenly, prevents scorching, and seals in moisture. That slow, steady simmer makes every ingredient meld beautifully.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Creamy Chicken Soup – 400 words

Step 1 – Brown the Chicken

Heat olive oil in your pot over medium-high heat. Season diced chicken with salt, pepper, and half the Italian seasoning. Cook until golden on both sides. Browning builds flavor that forms the base of your soup.

Step 2 – Sauté the Vegetables

Add diced onions, carrots, celery, sundried tomatoes, and minced garlic. Stir often and cook until the vegetables soften and release their aroma. This step layers sweetness and savory depth into the broth.

Step 3 – Create the Base

Sprinkle flour over the vegetables, stirring slowly so it coats everything evenly. Add tomato paste if you want a deeper color and slight tang. Gradually whisk in chicken broth while stirring to prevent lumps. The flour thickens the soup, giving it that velvety body.

Step 4 – Simmer and Add Pasta

Bring the pot to a boil. Add the pasta and the remaining Italian seasoning, then cover and reduce the heat. Simmer for about 20 minutes until the pasta is tender and the chicken fully cooked. The smell alone will make you hungry.

Step 5 – Finish Creamy

Lower the heat. Stir in heavy cream, spinach, and grated Parmesan. Let everything simmer for another 5 minutes. The spinach wilts gently while the cheese melts into a silky, golden broth. Taste and adjust salt or pepper as needed.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 10 cups

Pro Tips for Perfect Chicken Soup

Season lightly at the start and adjust near the end. For thicker soup, add a spoonful of cream cheese instead of flour. Stir gently after adding cream to prevent curdling. Use freshly grated Parmesan for a smooth finish and avoid pre-shredded varieties, which can turn grainy.

Variations and Flavor Twists

For a Tuscan-style version, keep the sundried tomatoes and add kale and cannellini beans. Want heat? Try a Cajun-inspired twist with smoked paprika and sausage. For seafood lovers, replace chicken with shrimp or scallops and simmer gently after adding cream.

Substitutions and Dietary Options

Swap heavy cream for half & half, coconut milk, or whole milk to lighten the soup. Use gluten-free pasta or rice flour for thickening if needed. Dairy-free eaters can use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.

Storage, Reheating, and Freezing

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding broth or water to loosen the texture. To freeze, skip the cream and pasta; add them after thawing for the best consistency.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don’t overcook the pasta—it continues to soften as it sits. Always reduce the heat before adding cream to avoid curdling. Taste before serving and balance salt with the richness of cheese and broth.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Conclusion

This chicken soup recipe brings warmth, comfort, and flexibility to your kitchen year-round. You can make it light or rich, simple or layered with extras. Each spoonful tastes like home. Try new twists, share it with loved ones, and bring your favorite flavors to life. For more inspiration, follow Kai Recipes on Pinterest and Facebook.

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