This Creamy Chicken Soup with Pasta & Spinach is a comforting classic with a healthy twist. Tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and vibrant spinach swim in a rich and creamy broth that’s bursting with flavor. It’s the ultimate comfort food that’s both satisfying and nourishing.
Here’s what makes this soup special:
- Flavorful foundation: Sautéed onions, carrots, celery, and garlic create a depth of flavor that makes this soup truly irresistible.
- Creamy dreaminess: A blend of broth, heavy cream, and cream cheese creates a velvety smooth texture that coats every spoonful.
- Hearty and healthy: Pasta adds a satisfying heartiness, while spinach brings a boost of vitamins and vibrant color.
- Perfect for any occasion: Whether you’re cozying up on a chilly evening or need a quick and easy weeknight meal, this soup is a winner.
- Customizable: Make it your own! Add your favorite vegetables, spices, or a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavors.
This Creamy Chicken Soup with Pasta & Spinach is a delicious and versatile dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. It’s comfort food at its finest!
Creamy Chicken Soup With Pasta & Spinach
Servings: 6 people
Calories: 691kcal
Creamy chicken soup with pasta and spinach is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, hearty pasta, and nutritious spinach in a rich and creamy broth. It's a versatile soup that can be adapted to different tastes and preferences, making it a popular choice for a quick and satisfying meal.
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1 lb Chicken Breast shredded or chopped- 4 Cups Chicken Broth low sodium (or vegetable broth)
- 2 tsp Olive Oil
- ½ Cup Yellow Onion chopped fine
- 1 Cup Carrots small diced
- ½ Cup Celery fine dice
- 2 Cloves Garlic minced
- 1½ Cups Mild Cheddar Cheese
- 1 Cup Cream Cheese softened
- ½ Cup Heavy Cream
- ½ tsp Kosher Salt to taste
- ½ tsp Ground Black Pepper to taste
- 2 Cups Ditalini Pasta or comparable small pasta
- 2 Cups Spinach Chopped
Garnish
- ½ Cup Parmesan Cheese
Instructions
- Heat your pot or Dutch oven, then add the vegetables and get those aromatics going! Stir them around as they cook until they're nice and tender.
- Now, introduce the cooked chicken to the pan. Let it heat through and absorb the flavors of the vegetables for a couple of minutes, stirring occasionally.
- It's time to build the creamy base. Pour in the rich broth, followed by the heavy cream and cream cheese. Give it a stir, then cover the pot and bring the soup to a boil. Once it's bubbling, reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Now, add the pasta to the simmering soup. Let it bubble away gently until the pasta is cooked to your liking, usually around 8-10 minutes. Once the pasta is ready, stir in the cheddar cheese, allowing it to melt into the creamy broth and create a luscious texture.
- As the pasta reaches perfect tenderness, it's time to add the spinach. Gently fold it into the simmering soup, watching as it wilts and releases its vibrant color. Be sure to taste and adjust the seasoning with a sprinkle of salt and a grind of black pepper. Then, ladle the soup into bowls and savor the comforting flavors.
Notes
Chicken:
- Cooked chicken is key: Using pre-cooked chicken (rotisserie, leftover, etc.) saves time and ensures tender results.
- Dark meat for flavor: While chicken breasts work, using some dark meat (thighs, legs) adds richness.
- Shred or dice: Shredding creates a more integrated texture, while dicing offers more defined bites.
- Aromatics are essential: The classic trio of onions, carrots, and celery builds flavor.
- Sautéing is key: Don't skip this step! It develops depth and sweetness in the vegetables.
- Garlic for punch: Freshly minced garlic is best for its pungent aroma and flavor.
- Spinach at the end: Add spinach towards the end of cooking to preserve its color and nutrients.
- Broth choice matters: Homemade or low-sodium store-bought broth is ideal.
- Cream content: Heavy cream or half-and-half create richness. Adjust the amount for desired creaminess.
- Cream cheese for tang: Cream cheese adds a subtle tang and helps thicken the soup.
- Cheese matters: Cheddar adds sharpness, Parmesan adds saltiness. Consider a blend!
- Small shapes are best: Ditalini, orzo, mini shells, etc., cook quickly and hold the sauce well.
- Cook to al dente: Slightly firm pasta is ideal. Overcooked pasta can make the soup mushy.
- Salt and pepper are essential: Season to taste throughout the cooking process.
- Herbs and spices: Fresh or dried herbs (thyme, Italian seasoning) add complexity.
- Optional extras: A pinch of red pepper flakes or a squeeze of lemon juice can brighten the flavors.
- Don't overcook: Simmer gently to avoid curdling the dairy or overcooking the chicken and vegetables.
- Adjust consistency: If the soup is too thick, add more broth. If it's too thin, simmer uncovered to reduce or use a cornstarch slurry.
- Garnish generously: Fresh parsley, a sprinkle of cheese, or croutons add visual appeal and flavor.
Nutrition
Serving: 12oz | Calories: 691kcal | Carbohydrates: 51g | Protein: 38g | Fat: 37g | Saturated Fat: 20g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 147mg | Sodium: 1354mg | Potassium: 709mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 5796IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 402mg | Iron: 2mg
List of Ingredients:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) cooked shredded or chopped chicken breast (rotisserie chicken works great!)
- 4 cups (1L) low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1/2 cup diced celery
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mild cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- Fresh black pepper (to taste)
- 2 cups uncooked ditalini pasta (or any other small pasta)
- 2 cups chopped spinach
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese for garnish (optional)
Image Gallery
Creamy Chicken Soup with Pasta & Spinach Step 3a
Creamy Chicken Soup with Pasta & Spinach
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History of Creamy Chicken Soup With Pasta & Spinach
Unfortunately, tracing the exact origins of Creamy Chicken Soup with Pasta & Spinach is like trying to find the beginning of a river – it’s formed from many streams and tributaries, and pinning down the one source is tricky.
Here’s what makes it hard to pinpoint a definitive history:
- Relatively Modern Dish: This soup is likely a more recent creation, possibly gaining popularity in the mid-20th century when convenience cooking and global food exploration were on the rise. Older cookbooks are less likely to feature it.
- Home Cook Origins: It’s often a dish made at home, passed down through families with variations, making it harder to trace to a specific chef or restaurant.
- Fusion of Influences: It combines elements from different culinary traditions (American comfort food, Italian pasta, creamy soups found globally), making it a fusion dish rather than one with a clear-cut origin.
However, we can look at the historical influences that likely contributed to its development:
- Chicken Soup Tradition: Chicken soup has been a staple in many cultures for centuries, known for its nourishing and comforting properties.
- Creamy Soups: Cream-based soups have a long history in European cuisine, particularly in France and Italy.
- Pasta in Soup: Adding pasta to soup is a common practice in Italian cuisine, with minestrone being a prime example.
- Spinach’s Rise: Spinach became more widely consumed in the Western world in the 20th century, adding a nutritional boost to many dishes.
Possible Timeline:
- Early 20th Century: Basic chicken noodle soup recipes were becoming popular in the US.
- Mid-20th Century: Creamy soups and the use of convenience ingredients like cream cheese were on the rise.
- Late 20th Century: Increased interest in healthy eating and international flavors may have led to the addition of spinach and variations with different pasta shapes.
In Conclusion:
Creamy Chicken Soup with Pasta & Spinach likely emerged from a combination of culinary trends and home cooking traditions. While its exact history is unclear, it’s a delicious and comforting dish enjoyed by many today!
If you tried this recipe please share with us. Be as detailed as possible in your descriptions.
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