Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Step 1: Cook the chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add diced chicken, season lightly with salt and pepper, and cook 4–5 minutes until just cooked through.
- Remove chicken and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté vegetables
- In the same pot, add onion, carrots, and celery.
- Cook 4–5 minutes until softened.
- Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3: Build the creamy base
- Add butter to the pot and let it melt.
- Sprinkle in flour and stir constantly for 1 minute to form a roux.
Step 4: Add broth
- Slowly pour in chicken broth while stirring to prevent lumps.
- Bring to a gentle simmer.
Step 5: Season and simmer
- Add Italian seasoning, paprika, thyme, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer 10 minutes to develop flavor.
Step 6: Cook the pasta
- Add pasta directly to the soup.
- Simmer 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente.
Step 7: Finish creamy
- Lower heat and stir in cream, cooked chicken, Parmesan cheese, and spinach.
- Simmer 2–3 minutes until spinach wilts and soup is silky.
- Taste and adjust seasoning.
Notes
🧊 Storage & Reheating
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. ❄️ Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave. Add a splash of broth or milk when reheating, as pasta thickens the soup. For freezing, freeze without pasta and add fresh pasta when reheating.🥄 Variations
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken SoupAdd extra garlic and Parmesan for deeper flavor. Tuscan-Style Version
Add sun-dried tomatoes and a pinch of oregano. Extra Protein Boost
Stir in white beans or chickpeas. Low-Carb Option
Skip pasta and add cauliflower florets or zucchini noodles. Lemon Cream Chicken Soup
Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
❓ 10 FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken?Yes — add it when you add the cream. What pasta works best?
Small shapes that hold broth well. Can I make this ahead?
Yes — flavors improve overnight. Is this soup very thick?
Medium-thick and creamy; adjust with broth. Can I make it dairy-free?
Use plant-based butter and cream alternatives. Will the pasta overcook?
Slightly over time — cook just to al dente. Can I use milk instead of cream?
Yes, but the soup will be lighter. Is this kid-friendly?
Very — mild, creamy, and comforting. Can I add mushrooms?
Absolutely — sauté them with the vegetables. What bread pairs well?
Garlic bread, dinner rolls, or crusty bread.
