Creamy Chicken Pasta Soup: Easy Weeknight Dinner

Creamy Chicken Pasta Soup is like a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for those chilly evenings when you just want comfort food that feels homemade without spending hours in the kitchen. With juicy shredded chicken, tender pasta, and a velvety cheese-packed broth, this Creamy Chicken Pasta Soup has all the makings of a family favorite. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or looking for something hearty after a long workday, this soup is guaranteed to hit the spot. Plus, it’s versatile—you can tweak it with your favorite veggies and seasonings to make it your own.

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What is Creamy Chicken Pasta Soup?

Creamy Chicken Pasta Soup is a rich, satisfying dish that blends tender chicken, small pasta, vegetables, and a cheese-based broth into one hearty meal. Unlike traditional chicken noodle soup, this recipe swaps clear broth for a luxurious, creamy base made with cream cheese, cheddar, and a splash of heavy cream. It’s thicker, heartier, and more indulgent, making it the perfect comfort dish for fall or winter. Think of it as the love child of mac and cheese and chicken soup—creamy, savory, and just the right level of cozy.

Reasons to Try Creamy Chicken Pasta Soup

This soup is a weeknight hero. First, it’s quick and easy—ready in under 40 minutes with mostly pantry staples. Second, it’s flexible. Got leftover rotisserie chicken? Toss it in. Want extra veggies? Add mushrooms, leeks, or even zucchini. Third, it’s a crowd-pleaser. Kids love the cheesy pasta, and adults appreciate the comforting yet flavorful broth. Lastly, it’s freezer-friendly, making it ideal for meal prepping. If you’ve been craving comfort food that’s fuss-free but feels like a warm blanket, Creamy Chicken Pasta Soup should be at the top of your list.

Ingredients Needed to Make Creamy Chicken Pasta Soup

When it comes to making Creamy Chicken Pasta Soup, the magic really lies in the fresh, simple ingredients that come together to create that silky, comforting broth we all crave. Think of this list as your roadmap to a cozy night in. Each ingredient adds depth, richness, or texture, turning an ordinary pot of soup into a bowl of pure comfort.

Here’s what you’ll need for the best Creamy Chicken Pasta Soup:

• Cooked Chicken (1 lb / 450g): Shredded chicken breast or rotisserie chicken works perfectly. Rotisserie chicken is my go-to shortcut when time is tight—it’s juicy, flavorful, and already cooked.
• Low-Sodium Chicken Broth (4 cups / 1L): The base of this soup. Low-sodium broth gives you control over the seasoning. If you prefer a vegetarian version, swap it for veggie broth and add more spinach or mushrooms. For another broth-based comfort dish, try my cozy Italian Pastina Soup.
• Olive Oil (2 teaspoons): Just enough to sauté the veggies until tender and fragrant.
• Onion (1/2 cup, chopped): A flavor powerhouse. Dice it finely so it melts seamlessly into the broth.
• Carrots (1 cup, diced): They add sweetness and color. Chop them small for quicker cooking.
• Celery (1/2 cup, diced): Classic soup vegetable that gives a subtle earthy crunch and rounds out the flavor.
• Garlic (2 cloves, minced): A little garlic goes a long way in creating that warm, aromatic base.
• Cheddar Cheese (1 1/2 cups, shredded): Use mild cheddar for a creamy melt or sharp cheddar for a bolder flavor. Freshly shredded is best—it melts smoother than pre-packaged.
• Cream Cheese (1 cup, softened): This is what makes the soup luxuriously thick and silky. Let it soften before adding so it blends in easily.
• Heavy Cream (1/2 cup): A splash of richness that makes the broth irresistibly creamy.
• Kosher Salt & Black Pepper (1/2 teaspoon each): Season to taste—start light and adjust at the end.
• Small Pasta (2 cups, ditalini or similar): Ditalini works beautifully, but any small pasta like elbows or shells will do. The pasta soaks up the creamy broth, making every bite hearty.
• Spinach (2 cups, chopped): Adds freshness, color, and a healthy boost. Stir it in at the end so it stays vibrant.
• Parmesan Cheese (1/2 cup, optional): Sprinkle on top before serving for a nutty, salty finish.

Together, these ingredients create a rich balance—protein from the chicken, carbs from the pasta, freshness from the veggies, and that dreamy cream-cheese-and-cheddar combination that makes Creamy Chicken Pasta Soup so satisfying.

Instructions to Make Creamy Chicken Pasta Soup

Making Creamy Chicken Pasta Soup isn’t complicated—it’s all about layering flavors step by step. Follow along, and you’ll end up with a steaming pot of cheesy, creamy comfort that tastes like it simmered all day (but really comes together in under an hour).

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chopped onion, diced carrots, celery, and garlic. Stir frequently until the onions become translucent and the vegetables soften slightly, about 5–6 minutes. This step builds the flavor foundation for your Creamy Chicken Pasta Soup. Don’t rush it—the more the veggies caramelize, the richer your base will taste.

Step 2: Add the Chicken

Stir in the cooked shredded chicken. If you’re using rotisserie chicken, make sure to pull it into bite-sized pieces before tossing it into the pot. Let it cook with the veggies for 2–3 minutes so the chicken can soak up that garlicky, oniony goodness.

Step 3: Build the Creamy Broth

Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth, then stir in the softened cream cheese and heavy cream. Cover the pot and bring it to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. The cream cheese will slowly melt into the broth, transforming it into a velvety base. Stir occasionally to avoid sticking.

Step 4: Add the Pasta and Cheddar

Now it’s time for the pasta. Add 2 cups of ditalini (or other small pasta) along with the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir well, making sure the pasta is fully submerged in the creamy broth. Let the soup simmer uncovered, stirring every few minutes, until the pasta is cooked al dente (usually 10–12 minutes). The cheddar will melt into the broth, giving your Creamy Chicken Pasta Soup its signature cheesy depth.

Step 5: Stir in the Spinach

Once the pasta is cooked, add in the chopped spinach. Stir until the spinach wilts, just 1–2 minutes. This gives the soup a fresh pop of color and balances the richness of the cheese and cream.

Step 6: Season and Serve

Taste your soup, then season with salt and fresh black pepper. Remember, since you used cheese and broth, go light-handed at first—you can always add more, but you can’t take it out. Ladle the Creamy Chicken Pasta Soup into bowls and top with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese for extra flavor.

Pro Serving Tip:

Serve your Creamy Chicken Pasta Soup with crusty bread or warm rolls on the side. It’s perfect for soaking up that cheesy broth. And if you’re a soup lover, you might also want to check out my cozy Chicken Potato Soup, which has the same hearty, family-friendly vibes.

What to Serve with Creamy Chicken Pasta Soup

This rich soup is a meal on its own, but you can make it shine even brighter with the right sides. A crusty loaf of garlic bread or a batch of soft dinner rolls is perfect for dunking into the cheesy broth. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness. If you’re feeling extra cozy, serve it alongside roasted veggies or even a simple grilled cheese for the ultimate comfort combo. For a lighter option, pair it with fresh fruit or a tangy cucumber salad.

Key Tips for Making Creamy Chicken Pasta Soup

1. Don’t overcook the pasta—it will keep soaking up broth as the soup sits. Cooking it al dente is best.
2. Use room-temperature cream cheese for smooth blending into the broth.
3. Add broth if it thickens—it’s normal for pasta soups to soak up liquid.
4. Customize your veggies—mushrooms, zucchini, or leeks are great add-ins.
5. Cheese matters—shred your own cheddar for the best melt and flavor.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Creamy Chicken Pasta Soup

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The pasta may absorb more broth, so add a splash of chicken stock or cream when reheating. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. For freezing, it’s best to leave the pasta out and cook fresh when serving—otherwise, the pasta can get mushy. Freeze the soup base in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months, then add freshly cooked pasta when reheating.

FAQs

Can I make this soup gluten-free?
Yes! Just swap the pasta for gluten-free pasta or rice.

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
You can, but the soup will be lighter and less creamy.

How do I thicken the soup more?
Add an extra spoon of cream cheese or let it simmer longer uncovered.

Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes! Use vegetable broth and skip the chicken. Add extra veggies like mushrooms or zucchini for heartiness.

Final Thoughts

Creamy Chicken Pasta Soup is the ultimate comfort meal—rich, cheesy, and brimming with tender chicken and pasta. It’s quick enough for a weeknight yet cozy enough for a weekend dinner with family. If you loved this, you’ll probably enjoy other hearty bowls like my Italian Pastina Soup or the cozy Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup. This recipe proves that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. Just grab a spoon and dig into that creamy, soul-soothing goodness.

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