If you are searching for a cozy bowl of comfort that feels like a warm hug, you can’t go wrong with this Creamy Chicken Soup with Pasta and Spinach Recipe. It’s the perfect combination of tender chicken, smooth creaminess, delicate pasta, and vibrant spinach all mingling together in a flavorful broth that satisfies both the soul and the appetite. Whether you’re craving something hearty after a long day or want a wholesome meal to share with loved ones, this soup hits all the right notes with its rich texture and fresh ingredients.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this soup lies in its simplicity and balance. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color that make every spoonful delightful. Here’s what you’ll want to gather before diving in.
- Chicken breast: Provides lean protein with a tender bite, essential for that cozy, hearty base.
- Chicken broth: Forms the flavorful foundation, infusing the soup with savory richness.
- Heavy cream: Adds luscious creaminess, creating that velvety mouthfeel everyone loves.
- Spinach: Brings a fresh, earthy pop of color and nutrients, wilting gently into the soup.
- Pasta: Offers a delightful chewiness and absorbs the tasty broth beautifully.
- Onion: Adds natural sweetness and depth when sautéed just right.
- Garlic: Infuses fragrant warmth, elevating the overall flavor profile.
- Olive oil: For sautéing, it lends a subtle fruity note and smooth texture.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors, bringing harmony to the dish.
- Black pepper: Provides a gentle kick and aroma to balance the creaminess.
- Dried thyme: Introduces an herby, slightly floral hint that complements the chicken perfectly.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Soup with Pasta and Spinach Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
Begin by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once warm, add diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté them gently until they become soft and fragrant, releasing their natural sweetness that forms the very first layer of flavor in your soup.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
Add the chicken breast pieces to the pot and cook, turning occasionally, until each side is delightfully golden brown. This step is crucial as it seals in juices and develops a rich, savory base that will carry through the entire soup.
Step 3: Simmer in Broth
Pour in the hearty chicken broth, giving everything a good stir. Bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully while gently cooking the chicken through.
Step 4: Stir in Cream and Pasta
Next, whisk in the heavy cream for that signature richness, then add your pasta. Let the soup cook uncovered until the pasta is perfectly al dente, soaking up some of that delicious broth and creaminess.
Step 5: Add Spinach and Seasonings
Just before finishing, toss in the fresh spinach leaves, stirring gently to wilt them without losing their vibrant green color. Finally, season with salt, black pepper, and dried thyme to taste, enhancing the soup’s depth and warmth.
Step 6: Ready to Serve
Once everything is tender, and the spinach is wilted to perfection, your Creamy Chicken Soup with Pasta and Spinach Recipe is ready to be enjoyed piping hot. Ladle it into bowls and prepare for a cozy mealtime experience.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Soup with Pasta and Spinach Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your presentation with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or grated Parmesan cheese on top. A few cracks of black pepper or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil add an inviting finishing touch that brightens each spoonful.
Side Dishes
This soup shines beautifully alongside a crusty piece of garlic bread or a warm, buttered baguette. A crisp side salad with a tangy vinaigrette can also add a refreshing contrast to the creamy richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this soup inside hollowed-out bread bowls for that rustic charm everyone loves. You could also garnish with toasted pine nuts or a dash of smoked paprika to surprise your guests with new layers of flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer leftover soup into airtight containers and store it in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for up to 3 days, making it perfect for planned lunches or quick weeknight dinners.
Freezing
This soup freezes well but remember that the texture of pasta can soften after thawing. If you plan to freeze, it’s best to leave the pasta out and add freshly cooked pasta when reheating.
Reheating
Rewarm your soup gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Adding a splash of broth or cream can help restore its creamy consistency if it thickens too much during storage.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta in this recipe?
Absolutely! Small shapes like orzo, ditalini, or shells work wonderfully since they cook quickly and blend well into the soup.
Is it possible to make this soup dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative. This will still give a creamy texture and add an interesting flavor twist.
How can I make this soup spicier?
Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes during the sautéing stage or a dash of hot sauce when serving for a gentle heat kick.
Can I use leftover cooked chicken?
Definitely! Shredded leftover chicken can be added after simmering the broth, just be sure to allow it to heat through thoroughly.
Is fresh spinach necessary, or can I use frozen?
Fresh spinach is preferable for its texture and color, but frozen spinach can be used in a pinch — just add it earlier to allow time to thaw and integrate.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a homemade bowl of Creamy Chicken Soup with Pasta and Spinach Recipe that wraps you in comfort and fills the kitchen with incredible aromas. It’s easy to prepare, hearty, and packed with wholesome ingredients that nourish you from the inside out. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try making this recipe—it might just become your new favorite go-to whenever you want a little taste of home.
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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
Description
This Creamy Chicken Soup with Pasta and Spinach is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for chilly days. Tender chicken breast is simmered in a flavorful chicken broth, then enriched with heavy cream and complemented by tender pasta and fresh spinach. The sautéed onions and garlic add depth, while thyme brings a subtle herbal note. This soup is a satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Proteins and Dairy
- 500 g chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup heavy cream
Vegetables
- 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids
- 8 cups chicken broth
Grains and Pasta
- 1 cup pasta (small shapes like elbow macaroni or ditalini preferred)
Oils and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
Instructions
- Heat oil: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat to prepare for sautéing the aromatics and browning the chicken.
- Sauté onions and garlic: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the hot oil and sauté until the onions become soft and translucent, releasing their flavors.
- Brown the chicken: Add the diced chicken breast pieces to the pot and cook them until browned on all sides, locking in flavor and texture.
- Simmer with broth: Pour in 8 cups of chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer, which forms the base of the soup.
- Add cream and pasta: Stir in 1 cup heavy cream and 1 cup pasta, letting the pasta cook until it reaches al dente texture, absorbing the flavor of the broth.
- Add spinach: Add the fresh spinach to the pot, allowing it to wilt gently into the creamy soup.
- Season: Season with 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, adjusting to taste.
- Serve: Ladle the creamy chicken soup into bowls and serve hot for a comforting meal.
Notes
- Use small-shaped pasta for best results to ensure even cooking and easy eating.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative.
- You can add other vegetables like carrots or celery for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Leftover soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently to prevent cream from curdling.
