Creamy Chicken Soup with Pasta and Spinach Recipe

Looking for a comforting, hearty meal that’s packed with flavor? This Creamy Chicken Soup with Pasta and Spinach is the perfect bowl of warmth on a cold day. With tender chicken, al dente pasta, and fresh spinach in a creamy, savory broth, this soup is easy to make and utterly delicious. 🥣🍗

Creamy Chicken Soup is the perfect combination of comfort food and nourishment. It’s loaded with tender chicken, pasta for substance, and a touch of fresh spinach for a healthy boost. The creamy broth ties everything together, making this soup rich and satisfying without being too heavy. Whether it’s for a cozy dinner or meal prep, this soup is sure to become a family favorite.The Heartiness of Chicken Soup

Chicken soup has long been a staple for comfort and warmth. This creamy version takes things to the next level with the addition of pasta and spinach, making it a complete meal in a bowl. The creamy broth is rich yet light, and the combination of protein from the chicken, carbs from the pasta, and fiber from the spinach makes this a well-balanced dish that’s perfect for any time of year.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chicken Soup with Pasta and Spinach

This soup is incredibly versatile and easy to make, coming together in just one pot. The creamy broth is flavorful and comforting, while the spinach and pasta add heartiness. It’s a great way to use up leftover chicken, and it’s easy to customize with different vegetables or pasta types. Best of all, it’s ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a quick lunch.

Main Ingredients of Creamy Chicken Soup with Pasta and Spinach

Each ingredient in this recipe is selected to create a comforting, nourishing soup that’s perfect for any occasion:

• Chicken Breasts (2 medium, cooked and shredded): Chicken adds lean protein to the soup, making it hearty and satisfying.
  • Substitution: You can use rotisserie chicken or leftover chicken to save time.
• Pasta (1 cup, small shapes like ditalini, orzo, or shells): Pasta makes the soup filling and adds texture.
  • Substitution: You can use gluten-free pasta or whole wheat pasta if preferred.
• Spinach (2 cups, fresh): Fresh spinach adds a healthy boost of vitamins and minerals, as well as a pop of color.
  • Substitution: You can use baby kale or Swiss chard if you prefer.
• Chicken Broth (6 cups): Chicken broth forms the base of the soup, adding flavor and moisture.
  • Substitution: Use vegetable broth for a lighter flavor or to make the soup vegetarian (replace the chicken with a plant-based option).
• Heavy Cream (1 cup): The cream makes the soup rich and velvety.
  • Substitution: For a lighter option, use half-and-half or coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
• Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Garlic adds a savory, aromatic flavor to the soup.
  • Tip: You can add more garlic if you prefer a stronger garlic flavor.
• Onion (1 medium, diced): Onion adds sweetness and depth of flavor to the soup.
  • Substitution: You can use shallots or leeks for a milder flavor.
• Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): Olive oil is used to sauté the vegetables, adding richness to the soup base.
  • Tip: You can use butter for an even richer flavor.
• Flour (2 tablespoons): Flour helps thicken the soup, giving it a creamy consistency.
  • Substitution: Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch for a gluten-free version.
• Salt and Pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings to enhance the flavor of the soup.
• Parmesan Cheese (optional, for garnish): Adds a nutty, salty flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy broth.

Benefits of Ingredients

• Chicken is a great source of lean protein, while the spinach adds important vitamins like A, C, and K. The pasta provides carbs for energy, making this a well-rounded meal.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Soup with Pasta and Spinach: Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
   • Tip: You can cook the pasta directly in the soup for extra flavor, but it may absorb more liquid.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
   • Tip: Stir frequently to prevent the garlic from burning.
3. Make the Creamy Broth: Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed onions and garlic, stirring to combine. Cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
   • Tip: If you prefer a thinner soup, add more broth at this stage.
4. Add the Chicken and Spinach: Stir in the shredded chicken and fresh spinach. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until the spinach wilts and the chicken is heated through.
   • Tip: If you’re using cooked rotisserie chicken, add it just before serving to avoid overcooking.
5. Stir in the Cream: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, allowing the soup to gently heat without boiling. Add the cooked pasta to the soup and stir to combine.
   • Tip: Avoid boiling the soup after adding the cream to prevent curdling.
6. Season and Serve: Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve hot with crusty bread or a side salad.
   • Tip: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice can brighten up the flavors before serving.

Tips for the Perfect Creamy Chicken Soup

• Cook the Pasta Separately: Cooking the pasta separately helps prevent it from becoming mushy as it sits in the soup.
• Use Fresh Spinach: Fresh spinach wilts beautifully in the hot soup, adding color and nutrients without overpowering the dish.
• Customize with Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, celery, or peas for extra flavor and texture.

Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Chicken Soup with Pasta and Spinach

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs are a great alternative and will add extra richness to the soup. Simply shred the cooked thighs and add them to the soup as you would the breasts.

Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Absolutely! You can substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or almond milk to make the soup dairy-free. Just be mindful that the flavor will change slightly.

What kind of pasta works best in this soup?
Small pasta shapes like ditalini, orzo, or mini shells work best as they complement the other ingredients without overpowering the soup.

How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding extra broth or cream if needed to adjust the consistency.

Can I freeze this soup?
Cream-based soups can sometimes separate when frozen, but this soup can be frozen if you leave out the cream. When reheating, add the cream after the soup has thawed and heated through.