Creamy Chicken Pasta Soup – A One-Pot Comfort Meal

There’s nothing like a warm, hearty bowl of Creamy Chicken Pasta Soup on a chilly day.

The rich broth, tender chicken, and pasta shells come together in a creamy, savory base that feels like a hug in a bowl.

This soup quickly became a staple in my home—it’s filling, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to whip up even on a busy weeknight.

Why I Love This Recipe

One-pot meal that’s both creamy and protein-packed

Perfect balance of veggies, pasta, and savory chicken

Great for meal prep or cozy Sunday dinners

Customizable to your spice or veggie preferences

What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)

Chicken breasts or thighs – Tender and juicy, diced into bite-sized pieces

Pasta shells – Soak up the creamy broth perfectly

Carrots, celery, onion – Classic soup base for depth of flavor

Sundried tomatoes – Adds a sweet, tangy richness

Heavy cream & Parmesan – For that luscious creamy finish

Fresh spinach – Lightens the soup and adds color

Italian seasoning – Ties everything together with aromatic herbs

Pro Tips Before You Start

Cut chicken evenly to ensure it cooks uniformly.

Add broth slowly after flour to avoid clumps.

Start with 6 cups of broth—add more if you like it soupier.

Tomato paste adds depth but can be skipped if preferred.

To save time, boil the pasta separately and stir in at the end.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Pasta Soup

Step 1: Brown the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.

Add diced chicken with half of the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

Sauté for about 4–5 minutes until the chicken is browned on all sides.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pot, add diced onion, carrots, celery, sundried tomatoes, and minced garlic.

Cook for 3–4 minutes until the veggies are fragrant and slightly soft.

Step 3: Build the Base

Sprinkle flour evenly over the mixture and stir well to combine.

If using tomato paste, stir it in now for added depth.

Step 4: Add the Broth

Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to deglaze.

Make sure the flour dissolves completely to avoid lumps.

Step 5: Simmer with Pasta

Bring the soup to a boil, then add pasta and the remaining Italian seasoning.

Cover and reduce heat to a low simmer.

Cook for about 20 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and the pasta is al dente.

(Optional: Cook pasta separately and add it at the end for better texture.)

Step 6: Finish with Cream and Greens

Stir in heavy cream, grated Parmesan, and fresh spinach.

Let simmer uncovered for about 5 more minutes until spinach wilts and the soup thickens slightly.

Step 7: Final Seasoning

Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning as needed before serving.

What to Serve It With

This creamy soup pairs wonderfully with:

Crusty sourdough or garlic bread

A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette

Roasted Brussels sprouts or asparagus

A simple bruschetta appetizer

Variations / Substitutions

Swap pasta shells with rotini, orzo, or elbow macaroni.

Use turkey or rotisserie chicken for quicker prep.

Add mushrooms or zucchini for extra veggies.

Try a splash of white wine before adding broth for added depth.

Omit cream and use whole milk for a lighter version.

Storage & Leftovers

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.

Reheat on the stove over medium heat or microwave gently.

The pasta may absorb more liquid over time—add extra broth or water to loosen it.

Freezing is possible, but the cream may separate slightly upon thawing. Stir well when reheating.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, just add it after the veggies are cooked and proceed with the broth step.

What’s the best pasta for this soup?
Small shapes like shells, elbow, or ditalini hold up well and cook evenly.

Do I have to use cream?
You can substitute with milk or a dairy-free option, though the soup will be thinner.

Can I skip the tomato paste?
Yes, it’s optional—it adds a richer flavor but isn’t essential.

How can I thicken the soup more?
Let it simmer uncovered longer or add a cornstarch slurry if needed.

Is it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and a GF flour alternative to make it gluten-free.

Can I make it vegetarian?
Swap chicken for white beans or chickpeas, and use vegetable broth.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Chicken Pasta Soup is exactly what you need on a cold day or when you’re craving something hearty and nourishing.

It’s cozy, flavorful, and comes together in one pot—making cleanup a breeze.

Once you try it, I guarantee it’ll be a repeat recipe in your kitchen all year long.