Description
Delicious and comforting Creamy Chicken Soup with Pasta and Spinach recipe. Discover a warm and nutritious meal for any night.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely diced (about 1 cup)
- 3 medium carrots, diced (about 1 cup)
- 3 celery stalks, diced (about 1 cup)
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into ½-inch pieces
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 8 cups chicken broth (2 quarts/64 oz)
- 8 oz dried short pasta (such as rotini, farfalle, or small shells)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened and cubed
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 6 oz fresh spinach (about 4 cups)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare Your Base Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add onions, carrots, and celery, cooking until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds more. Season with salt and pepper to enhance flavors as you build your base. Your kitchen should already be filling with that wonderful aromatic scent that promises delicious comfort food ahead!
- Step 2: Cook the Chicken Add chicken pieces to the pot along with dried thyme, oregano, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is no longer pink on the outside. Don’t worry about cooking it through completely at this stage – it will continue cooking in the broth.
- Step 3: Add Liquid and Simmer Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer and cook for about 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld. This is where your Creamy Chicken Soup with Pasta and Spinach really starts developing its signature taste.
- Step 4: Cook Pasta Add pasta directly to the simmering soup and cook according to package directions, typically 8-10 minutes, until just al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The pasta will absorb some of the delicious flavors as it cooks.
- Step 5: Create Creaminess Reduce heat to low. Add softened cream cheese in small chunks, stirring until completely melted. Pour in the heavy cream and stir to incorporate. This transformation from brothy soup to creamy delight happens quickly, so watch in satisfaction as your soup takes on its luxurious texture!
- Step 6: Finish With Fresh Elements Stir in fresh spinach and cook just until wilted, about 1-2 minutes. Add lemon juice, taste, and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. Remove from heat and stir in chopped parsley and Parmesan cheese. Your Creamy Chicken Soup with Pasta and Spinach is now ready to ladle into bowls and enjoy!
Notes
Fresh ingredients will always yield the best flavor results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 50mg