If you’re craving something soothing yet packed with flavor, this Creamy Chicken Soup with Pasta and Spinach Recipe is just what you need. It’s the perfect harmony of tender chicken, silky cream, wholesome pasta, and vibrant spinach all swimming in a fragrant broth that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Whether it’s a cozy night in or you’re looking to impress loved ones with a comforting homemade dish, this recipe brings together simple, fresh ingredients that create magic with every spoonful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Creamy Chicken Soup with Pasta and Spinach Recipe lies in its straightforward and wholesome ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in building layers of taste, texture, and color that make this soup so memorable.
- Chicken breast: The star protein that stays tender and juicy while adding a hearty base to the soup.
- Chicken broth: Creates a rich, flavorful foundation that ties everything together perfectly.
- Heavy cream: Adds luscious creaminess that smooths out the flavors and enriches the soup.
- Spinach: Brings freshness and a wonderful pop of green, plus those healthy greens you love.
- Pasta: Small shapes work best to soak up delicious broth without overpowering the dish.
- Onion: A classic aromatic that adds subtle sweetness and depth when sautéed.
- Garlic: Offers a gentle kick of warmth and rounds out the flavor profile.
- Olive oil: Perfect for sautéing and providing a fruity, smooth undertone.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing all flavors into balance.
- Black pepper: Adds a gentle heat and spice that enhances the savory notes.
- Dried thyme: Adds a hint of herbal earthiness for a welcoming aroma and taste.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Soup with Pasta and Spinach Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and minced garlic, letting them soften and release their lovely fragrance. This is the flavor base that will carry the entire soup, so take your time until the onion is translucent and the kitchen smells irresistibly inviting.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
Add your chicken breast pieces to the pot, cooking until they’re browned on all sides. This step locks in flavor and creates those tasty little caramelized spots that add complexity. Don’t rush it—those golden bits really elevate the overall richness of the soup.
Step 3: Add Broth and Simmer
Pour in the chicken broth and bring the pot to a gentle simmer. The broth will begin infusing with all the cooked-on flavors, creating the soulful liquid you want to sip from the moment it’s ready. Let it simmer enough for the chicken to cook through, absorbing all those delicious aromas.
Step 4: Stir in Cream and Pasta
Next comes the creamy part: gently stir in the heavy cream and your choice of pasta. The cream softens the broth into a silky texture, and the pasta cooks right in the soup, soaking up the flavors as it becomes perfectly al dente. Keep an eye on the pasta so it doesn’t get mushy—just tender with a little bite.
Step 5: Add Spinach and Season
Finish with the fresh spinach leaves. They wilt beautifully into the soup, brightening up the colors and adding a fresh, slightly earthy flavor. Season everything to your taste with salt, black pepper, and dried thyme, balancing the creaminess and adding just the right hint of herbaceous warmth.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Your creamy chicken soup with pasta and spinach is ready to be ladled into bowls. This soul-warming dish is best served hot, inviting everyone to dive in and enjoy each comforting bite.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Soup with Pasta and Spinach Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate this soup by sprinkling some freshly grated Parmesan or a handful of chopped fresh parsley right before serving. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a splash of lemon juice can also add a bright, lively touch that contrasts beautifully with the creaminess.
Side Dishes
Pair this soup with crusty bread or warm garlic rolls to soak up every last drop. A simple side salad with crisp greens and vinaigrette offers a refreshing counterpoint that balances the richness of the soup perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this creamy chicken soup in hollowed-out bread bowls for an all-in-one meal experience. Or, try topping each bowl with crispy bacon bits or toasted pine nuts to add delightful texture and burst of flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Creamy Chicken Soup with Pasta and Spinach Recipe stores beautifully in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making it even more delicious the next day.
Freezing
While the soup freezes well, the pasta might become softer after thawing. To keep the best texture, consider undercooking the pasta slightly before freezing or freezing the soup and cooked pasta separately, combining them fresh on reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If the soup has thickened, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it back to that perfect creamy consistency before serving.
FAQs
Can I use other greens instead of spinach?
Absolutely! Kale, Swiss chard, or even baby arugula work wonderfully. Just add them at the same stage as the spinach so they wilt nicely without losing their vibrant color and texture.
What type of pasta is best for this soup?
Small shapes like ditalini, orzo, or small shells are ideal because they cook quickly and blend well with the soup’s texture without overwhelming the other ingredients.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a cashew cream alternative. Just note the flavor will change slightly, but it’ll still be deliciously creamy and satisfying.
How long does the soup take to make?
You’re looking at about 45 minutes from start to finish, including prep and cooking. It’s a fantastic option for a nutritious weeknight meal that doesn’t keep you in the kitchen for hours.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Definitely! Brown the chicken and sauté the aromatics first, then combine everything in your slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours. Add the pasta and spinach closer to the end to avoid overcooking.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken Soup with Pasta and Spinach Recipe has quickly become one of my go-to dishes when I want something both comforting and vibrant. It’s easy to make, packed with wholesome ingredients, and so flexible that you can tweak it to your taste. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll be a staple in your kitchen rotation because nothing beats that warm, creamy bowl of goodness on a chilly day. So gather your ingredients and dive into making this delicious soup—you won’t regret it!
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Creamy Chicken Soup with Pasta and Spinach Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 0h 30m
- Total Time: 0h 45m
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Creamy Chicken Soup with Pasta and Spinach is a comforting and hearty meal perfect for chilly days. Tender chicken breast is simmered in a flavorful chicken broth, enriched with heavy cream, sautéed onions, and garlic. The addition of pasta and fresh spinach creates a balanced bowl of creamy goodness, blending protein, greens, and carbs in every spoonful.
Ingredients
Protein
- 500 g chicken breast
Vegetables
- 1 cup spinach
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
Carbohydrates
- 1 cup pasta (preferably small shapes like elbow or shells)
Oils and Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
Instructions
- Heat the oil: In a large pot over medium heat, warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil until shimmering to prepare for sautéing the aromatics.
- Sauté onions and garlic: Add diced onion and minced garlic to the pot, cooking until the onions become soft and translucent without browning, which usually takes about 3-5 minutes, releasing fragrant aromas.
- Cook the chicken: Add the chicken breast pieces to the pot and cook them until nicely browned on all sides. This step seals in the juices and adds flavor, typically about 5-7 minutes.
- Add broth and simmer: Pour in 8 cups of chicken broth, stir to combine, and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, allowing the chicken to cook through and infuse the soup with flavor, around 10 minutes.
- Add cream and pasta: Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream followed by 1 cup of pasta. Keep the soup at a simmer and cook until the pasta is al dente, roughly 8-10 minutes depending on the pasta type.
- Incorporate spinach: Add 1 cup of fresh spinach to the pot and cook until the spinach wilts into the soup, about 2 minutes, mixing well for even distribution.
- Season the soup: Sprinkle 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme into the soup. Stir thoroughly and adjust seasoning to taste.
- Serve hot: Ladle the creamy chicken soup with pasta and spinach into bowls and serve immediately for a warming and satisfying meal.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut milk.
- Use gluten-free pasta to accommodate gluten sensitivities.
- Fresh spinach can be replaced with kale or Swiss chard for a different leafy green flavor.
- To make the soup thicker, add a slurry of flour or cornstarch mixed with water before adding the pasta.
- Leftover soup can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
