Do Share Recipe

Creamy Chicken Soup with Pasta and Spinach Recipe | Comforting Meal

I made this creamy chicken soup with pasta and spinach recipe on a cold evening, and honestly, it felt like comfort in a bowl. The tender chicken, soft pasta and fresh spinach blended beautifully with the rich, silky broth. As it simmered, the kitchen filled with the kind of aroma that makes you excited to eat.

I ended up finishing two bowls without even realizing it. If you love cozy, creamy meals that come together easily, this soup is exactly what you need — you can also enjoy similar Cheesy Ground Beef Stuffed Bread Roll Recipe for an indulgent side.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you need, along with useful notes to help you get the best results:

450 g chicken breast (cooked and shredded or chopped) – using cooked chicken saves time and lets it soak up flavour beautifully.
4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth – low-sodium keeps seasoning under control.
2 teaspoons olive oil – perfect for sautéing without overpowering flavour.
½ cup chopped onion – fresh onion brings depth and aroma.
1 cup diced carrots – adds sweetness and colour.
½ cup diced celery – boosts flavour with a mild crunch.
2 garlic cloves, minced – fresh garlic intensifies the aroma.
1½ cups shredded mild cheddar cheese – freshly shredded melts creamier than packaged.
1 cup cream cheese, softened – softening helps it blend smoothly.
½ cup heavy cream – creates velvety richness.
½ teaspoon kosher salt and black pepper – enhances flavour balance.
2 cups uncooked ditalini pasta (or any small pasta) – small shapes cook quickly and evenly.
2 cups chopped fresh spinach – fresh leaves give bright colour and better texture than frozen.
½ cup grated parmesan (optional) – adds a savoury finish.

Note: Serves several people depending on portion size.

Variations

If you want to customize the soup, here are some great options:

Dairy-free: Use plant-based cream cheese and a creamy non-dairy milk; use dairy-free cheddar.
Lighter version: Use half-and-half or milk instead of full heavy cream.
Veggie-loaded: Add mushrooms, zucchini or kale for extra bulk and nutrition.
Spicy twist: Add red pepper flakes, paprika or a little chopped jalapeño.
Gluten-free: Use gluten-free small pasta or chickpea pasta.

Cooking Time

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Equipment You Need

A large pot or Dutch oven – cooks everything evenly in one place.
Measuring cups & spoons – ensures accurate flavours.
Wooden spoon or spatula – ideal for stirring without scratching the pot.
Knife & cutting board – for prepping veggies and spinach.
Grater – useful for shredding fresh cheese.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Soup with Pasta and Spinach?

Here’s a simple breakdown to help you make this soup effortlessly.

Step 1: Sauté your vegetables

Heat olive oil in your pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots and celery, cooking until they soften and release aroma. Stir in the garlic and cooked chicken, letting everything warm through nicely.

Step 2: Build the creamy base

Pour in the broth, then add the softened cream cheese and heavy cream. Bring it to a boil, cover and let it simmer so the flavours blend and the cream cheese melts smoothly into the soup.

Step 3: Add pasta, cheese and spinach

Lower the heat and stir in the pasta and shredded cheddar. Cook until the pasta is tender. Add the chopped spinach last and stir until just wilted. Adjust seasoning before serving and top with optional parmesan.

You can also serve this alongside Savory Steak Gorgonzola Alfredo with Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe for a rich and hearty meal.

Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better

Here’s what I learned after making this recipe myself:

I prefer shredding cheddar fresh because it melts much creamier.
I undercook the pasta by a minute or two since it keeps softening in the soup.
I keep extra broth nearby — the pasta absorbs liquid as it sits.
I avoid boiling after adding cheddar to prevent graininess.
I let the soup rest a minute before serving so the flavours settle perfectly.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Soup with Pasta and Spinach?

Serve it hot in deep bowls to show off the creamy texture. Top with freshly grated parmesan, cracked pepper or a drizzle of olive oil for shine. Add a few extra spinach leaves or parsley as garnish. Pair it with crusty bread, garlic toast or warm dinner rolls for dipping.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick nutritional snapshot per serving:

Calories: ~456
Protein: ~24 g
Carbohydrates: ~28 g
Fat: ~28 g

Make Ahead and Storage

Make Ahead

Prepare the soup base without the pasta. Add the pasta only when you’re reheating to prevent it from becoming mushy.

Storage

Store cooled soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. Add a splash of broth when reheating because the pasta absorbs liquid.

Freezing & Reheating

Freezing is best without pasta and dairy. Freeze the broth base and chicken separately. Add cream, cheese and fresh pasta after reheating for the best texture.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

Here’s why this soup will become a favourite in your home:

Quick and easy: It comes together in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy nights.
Rich and comforting: Creamy broth, tender chicken and pasta make it super satisfying.
Customizable: Works beautifully with dairy-free, gluten-free or veggie-packed variations.
Family-approved: Mild, creamy flavours make it a hit even with picky eaters.
Great texture mix: Creamy broth + soft pasta + fresh greens creates a perfect balance.

Ben Carraoli