Warm up with this Creamy Chicken Soup with Pasta & Spinach. Made with tender chicken, pasta, fresh spinach, and a rich creamy broth, this comforting one-pot meal is perfect for cozy family dinners and meal prep.
Creamy Chicken Soup with Pasta & Spinach: Comfort Food in a Bowl
Creamy Chicken Soup with Pasta & Spinach is a hearty, satisfying soup that combines tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, fresh spinach, and a velvety cream-based broth. Packed with flavor and wholesome ingredients, this one-pot meal is ideal for chilly evenings, busy weeknights, or whenever you need a comforting homemade dish.
The combination of protein, vegetables, and pasta makes this soup filling enough to serve as a complete meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich, creamy, and comforting
- Easy one-pot recipe
- Packed with protein and vegetables
- Family-friendly and filling
- Perfect for leftovers and meal prep
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
For the Soup
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Pasta and Spinach
- 1½ cups small pasta (shells, ditalini, or elbow macaroni)
- 3 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
For the Creamy Finish
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for a thicker soup)
- 2 tablespoons water (if using cornstarch)
Optional Garnishes
- Fresh parsley
- Extra Parmesan cheese
- Cracked black pepper
Equipment Needed
- Large soup pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon
- Ladle
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Heat butter and olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat.
Add:
- Onion
- Carrots
- Celery
Cook for 5–7 minutes until softened.
Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 2: Add the Broth
Pour in the chicken broth.
Add:
- Italian seasoning
- Thyme
- Salt
- Black pepper
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Step 3: Add the Chicken
Stir in the cooked chicken.
Reduce heat slightly and simmer for 10 minutes.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
Add the pasta directly to the soup.
Cook according to package directions, usually 8–10 minutes, until tender.
Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 5: Add the Spinach
Stir in the fresh spinach.
Cook for 2–3 minutes until wilted.
Step 6: Add the Cream
Reduce heat to low.
Slowly stir in the heavy cream.
Mix until fully incorporated.
Step 7: Add Parmesan
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
Step 8: Thicken (Optional)
For a thicker soup, whisk together cornstarch and water.
Stir the slurry into the soup and simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 9: Taste and Adjust
Taste the soup and adjust seasoning if needed.
Add more salt, pepper, or Parmesan according to preference.
Step 10: Serve
Ladle into bowls and garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.
Serve hot.
Serving Suggestions
This creamy soup pairs perfectly with:
- Crusty artisan bread
- Garlic bread
- Dinner rolls
- Caesar salad
- Roasted vegetables
Tips for Success
- Use rotisserie chicken for convenience
- Add the spinach near the end to preserve color
- Avoid boiling after adding cream
- Cook pasta just until tender
- Freshly grated Parmesan melts best
Storage Instructions
Refrigerator
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer
Freeze without the pasta and cream for best results.
Add fresh pasta and cream when reheating.
Reheating
Warm gently over medium-low heat, stirring frequently.
Add extra broth if the soup becomes too thick.
Variations
Chicken Alfredo Soup
Increase Parmesan and add extra cream.
Vegetable-Packed Soup
Add mushrooms, peas, or zucchini.
Spicy Chicken Soup
Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper.
Lighter Version
Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
Gluten-Free Version
Use gluten-free pasta.
Final Thoughts
Creamy Chicken Soup with Pasta & Spinach is the perfect balance of comfort and nourishment. Tender chicken, hearty pasta, fresh spinach, and a silky, flavorful broth come together to create a meal that’s both satisfying and easy to make. Whether served for a family dinner or prepared ahead for busy days, this comforting soup is sure to become a favorite.