If you’re craving something warm, cozy, and downright delicious, this Creamy Chicken Pasta Soup is your new go-to. It’s the kind of dish that soothes your soul and fills your belly without requiring hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for your family on a busy weeknight or need a quick lunch that feels indulgent, this chicken soup recipe has you covered.
Think of it as a creamy pasta bowl and a classic chicken soup rolled into one steamy, cheesy masterpiece. Bonus: It comes together in under an hour and uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chicken Pasta Soup
- Rich, cheesy broth that feels like a hug in a bowl
- Packed with protein, veggies, and tender pasta
- One of the best quick chicken soup options out there
- Comforting enough for cold nights, easy enough for any night
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 lb cooked shredded or chopped chicken breast (or rotisserie chicken)
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 tsp olive oil
- ½ cup chopped onion
- 1 cup diced carrots
- ½ cup diced celery
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1½ cups shredded mild cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ tsp kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 cups uncooked ditalini pasta (or other small pasta)
- 2 cups chopped spinach
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)
How to Make This Creamy Pasta Soup
- In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Sauté carrots, celery, onion, and garlic for 5 minutes until soft and fragrant.
- Stir in cooked chicken and cook for 3 more minutes.
- Add broth, heavy cream, and cream cheese. Stir until cream cheese is mostly melted.
- Cover and bring to a gentle boil. Cook for 15 minutes.
- Lower the heat, stir in pasta and shredded cheddar cheese.
- Simmer until pasta is al dente.
- Add chopped spinach during the last 2–3 minutes, stirring until wilted.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Ladle into bowls and garnish with Parmesan if desired. Serve hot.
Tips for the Creamiest Chicken Soup
- Use room-temp cream cheese to help it melt faster.
- Stir frequently after adding cheese to avoid sticking.
- Ditalini is ideal, but any small pasta will work.
- Add a splash more broth or cream if you like it soupier.
Why This Soup Is Aways on My Menu
This recipe was born out of a fridge clean-out night and quickly became a family favorite. It hits all the right notes: cozy, creamy, hearty, and fast. Plus, I always have leftover rotisserie chicken on hand, and the kids think this is basically mac and cheese in soup form—a total win.
What to Serve With Creamy Pasta Soup
- Crusty bread or garlic toast
- A crisp green salad with vinaigrette
- Roasted veggies on the side
- A cozy blanket and a good movie
How to Store and Reheat
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- The pasta will absorb liquid, so add more broth or cream when reheating.
- Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring often.
- Not ideal for freezing due to the cream and pasta, but can be done in a pinch.
FAQs
Can I use a different cheese?
Absolutely! Monterey Jack or mozzarella also melt beautifully.
Can I use milk instead of cream?
Yes, but it will be less rich. Whole milk works best as a sub.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Just swap in gluten-free pasta and ensure your broth and cheeses are GF.
Is it okay to use raw chicken?
You can simmer raw chicken in the broth until fully cooked, then shred it before adding the dairy and pasta.
One Bowl, So Many Comforts
This Creamy Chicken Pasta Soup brings together everything we love in comfort food: ease, warmth, and satisfaction. Whether it’s your first time trying a creamy pasta soup or you’re already a fan, this bowl is sure to become part of your regular rotation. Grab a spoon and dig into your new favorite soup night tradition.
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Print
Creamy Chicken Pasta Soup
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Creamy Chicken Pasta Soup is the ultimate comfort food—rich, cheesy, and loaded with tender chicken, vegetables, and small pasta. This quick and cozy soup is perfect for weeknights or chilly weekends, bringing the best of both soup and creamy pasta into one satisfying bowl.
Ingredients
-
1 lb cooked shredded or chopped chicken breast (or rotisserie chicken)
-
4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
-
2 tsp olive oil
-
½ cup chopped onion
-
1 cup diced carrots
-
½ cup diced celery
-
2 garlic cloves, minced
-
1½ cups shredded mild cheddar cheese
-
1 cup cream cheese, softened
-
½ cup heavy cream
-
½ tsp kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
-
2 cups uncooked ditalini pasta (or other small pasta)
-
2 cups chopped spinach
-
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
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In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
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Add onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
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Stir in cooked chicken. Cook for 3 more minutes.
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Pour in broth, cream, and cream cheese. Stir until cream cheese is mostly melted.
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Cover and bring to a gentle boil. Cook for 15 minutes.
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Add pasta and shredded cheddar. Stir frequently and cook until pasta is al dente.
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Add spinach during the last 2–3 minutes of cooking, stirring until wilted.
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Season with salt and pepper.
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Serve hot, garnished with Parmesan if desired.
Notes
Use room-temperature cream cheese for easier melting.
Stir often after adding cheese to avoid sticking.
Adjust thickness with extra broth or cream as needed.
Can be made gluten-free with suitable pasta and broth.
Not ideal for freezing due to dairy and pasta texture changes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Plats
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
