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Creamy Chicken Soup

Featured in Soups & Stews.

Made this creamy dish last night when a friend popped by with no notice. Everything was already in the pantry. The cream and tomatoes give it a unique flavor, and spinach adds a touch of green. My friend thought I spent all night cooking. It’s perfect when you want hearty food on a lazy evening.
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Updated on Tue, 01 Apr 2025 19:07:44 GMT
A pot of creamy chicken soup with spinach and sun-dried tomatoes cooked together. Pin it
A pot of creamy chicken soup with spinach and sun-dried tomatoes cooked together. | tasteofmoms.com

Combine pasta with sun-dried tomatoes, chicken, and creamy Parmesan in this cozy soup. It's just what you need when the weather turns cold.

Why Make This Soup

One pot and just 45 minutes is all you need. Sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan give it amazing flavor. Works great for a family meal or when friends drop by.

Ingredients

  • Chicken: Chopped thighs or breasts
  • Salt: To enhance flavors
  • Butter: For sautéing
  • Onion: Diced yellow variety
  • Garlic: Freshly chopped
  • Black Pepper: Ground fresh
  • Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Pat dry if packed in oil
  • Tomato Paste: Adds depth
  • Chicken Broth: Reduced sodium version
  • Thyme: The dried kind
  • Red Pepper: Add for spiciness if wanted
  • Pasta Shells: Medium-sized ones
  • Spinach: Young baby leaves
  • Heavy Cream: For creaminess
  • Parmesan: Freshly shredded
A hearty chicken and spinach soup with shell pasta and sun-dried tomatoes, served in a large pot. Pin it
A hearty chicken and spinach soup with shell pasta and sun-dried tomatoes, served in a large pot. | tasteofmoms.com

Instructions

Cut Chicken:
Chop into smaller chunks. Sprinkle with salt.
Cook Chicken:
Heat butter in your pot. Cook chicken until golden, about 4-6 minutes. Remove it.
Cook Base:
Toss in onion, garlic, salt, pepper. Sauté until they're soft.
Add Tomatoes:
Stir in tomatoes and paste. Let cook for 2-3 minutes.
Make Soup:
Pour in broth, add thyme and red pepper. Let it come to a boil.
Cook Pasta:
Drop in pasta shells. Simmer for 10-12 minutes.
Finish:
Return chicken to pot. Mix in spinach, cream, and cheese. Warm everything through.

Why It's Good

The broth turns out so flavorful with chunks of tender chicken and soft pasta. You'll love how the sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan work together. And you can have it on your table in less than an hour.

Main Parts

The chicken gives you something hearty to bite into. Those pasta shells capture all the tasty sauce. Parmesan brings a wonderful savory note. And those sun-dried tomatoes pack a flavor punch.

Easy Cooking

You'll only dirty one pot. Every step builds more flavor. Your kitchen will smell wonderful as it cooks. And cleanup won't take long at all.

Cooking Tips

Don't crowd the chicken when browning for better results. Throw in a cheese rind if you have one. Give it a quick taste before serving to check if it needs more salt. You can prep some components earlier if you're short on time.

Make It Your Way

Switch up the pasta shape if you want. Swap the spinach for some kale. Want it lighter? Use milk instead of the heavy cream. Toss in some red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.

A creamy chicken pasta dish with spinach and sun-dried tomatoes simmering in a green pot. Pin it
A creamy chicken pasta dish with spinach and sun-dried tomatoes simmering in a green pot. | tasteofmoms.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use other pasta?
  • Any type can work
  • Adjust cooking time
  • Smaller shapes are better
  • Don't add too much
  • Toss it in last
  • Keep extra broth ready
→ How do I make it veggie?
  • Try mushrooms
  • Or add chickpeas
  • Switch to veggie stock
  • Same seasonings work
  • Pile on veggies
  • Keep it creamy
→ How do I store leftovers?
  • Use an airtight container
  • Eats fine for 4 days
  • Reheat slow
  • Stir as it warms
  • Add milk if thick
  • Pasta may soften
→ Can I freeze it?
  • Cream goes off
  • Pasta turns mushy
  • Not freezer-friendly
  • Eat within 4 days
  • Share with someone
  • Try a smaller batch
→ What pairs well with it?
  • Grab some bread
  • Fresh green salad
  • Garlic toast is great
  • Even crispy crackers
  • Light extras work
  • It’s filling as-is

Conclusion

If you enjoy this, you’ll probably love creamy chicken pasta with sun-dried tomatoes or a spinach-stuffed Alfredo. Same taste done differently.

Easy Creamy Chicken Soup

Fast creamy chicken soup for quick guests.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
45 Minutes
Total Time
55 Minutes
By: Ashley

Category: Soups & Stews

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 5 Servings (10 cups)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

01 8 oz shell pasta.
02 5 oz baby spinach.
03 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped.
04 1/2 oz parmesan cheese, plus extra for the top.
05 6 cups chicken stock.
06 1 onion, chopped small.
07 3/4 cup heavy cream.
08 2 tsp salt, keep 1 tsp for later.
09 3 Tbsp tomato paste.
10 1 1/2 lbs chicken pieces.
11 2 Tbsp butter.
12 1/4 tsp ground black pepper.
13 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, cut smaller.
14 1 tsp dried thyme.
15 Red pepper flakes, optional.

Instructions

Step 01

Sprinkle 1 tsp salt over chicken pieces.

Step 02

Heat butter in a large pot. Cook chicken in two parts, about 4-6 minutes each time. Take them out when done.

Step 03

In the same pot, cook the onion, garlic, black pepper, and 1 tsp salt until soft, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 04

Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and paste. Let it cook another 2-3 minutes.

Step 05

Add chicken broth, thyme, and red pepper flakes. Let it come to a boil.

Step 06

Stir in the pasta and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes.

Step 07

Return chicken to the pot. Stir in the spinach, cream, and parmesan cheese. Let it cook for another 2 minutes, then adjust with salt and pepper if needed.

Notes

  1. You can swap in cooked chicken.
  2. If you're saving it, cook pasta separately and mix it later.
  3. Stays fresh in the fridge for about 4 days.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large pot.
  • Spoon with holes.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: ~
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: ~
  • Protein: ~