Description

Nothing beats a warm bowl of Creamy Chicken Soup with Pasta and Spinach on a chilly day. Packed with tender chicken, hearty pasta, fresh spinach, and a rich, velvety broth, this soup is the perfect combination of comfort and nourishment. Whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting friends, or just treating yourself, this dish is easy to make and incredibly satisfying. Let’s dive into this irresistible recipe!

Ingredients

Scale

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 carrots, peeled and sliced
2 celery stalks, sliced
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper, to taste
4 cups chicken broth
2 cups water
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups prepared chicken, diced or shredded
1 cup small pasta (ditalini, small shells, or orzo work well)
3 cups fresh spinach, coarsely chopped
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Sauté the Aromatics

Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
Add the diced onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and celery.
Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and the onion turns translucent.

2. Season and Add Liquids

Stir in the dried thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Pour in the chicken broth and water, stirring to combine.
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.

3. Cook the Pasta and Vegetables

Once the broth is boiling, add the small pasta.
Cook according to the pasta package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until the pasta is al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

4. Add the Chicken and Cream

Reduce the heat to medium-low.
Stir in the cooked chicken and heavy cream.
Allow the soup to simmer for 5 minutes, letting the flavors meld together and the broth thicken slightly.

5. Add Spinach and Parmesan

Stir in the fresh spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until wilted.
If desired, sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and fully incorporated into the soup.

6. Adjust Seasoning and Serve

Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if needed.
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or extra Parmesan, if desired.
Serve immediately and enjoy the creamy, hearty flavors!

Notes

Chicken Substitutes: Use rotisserie chicken or leftover chicken for a quick and easy option.
Vegetable Options: Feel free to add more vegetables like zucchini, peas, or mushrooms for extra nutrition and flavor.
Dairy-Free Version: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and omit Parmesan cheese to make this soup dairy-free.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth to refresh the consistency.
Freezing: To freeze, cook the soup without the pasta. Add freshly cooked pasta when reheating to prevent it from becoming mushy.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Soup
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American