Hey there! If you’re looking for a hearty, comfort-filled dish that combines creamy, savory flavors with the satisfying texture of pasta, then you’ve come to the right place. Today, we’re diving into a classic: Cream of Chicken Soup and Pasta. This dish is like a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for chilly nights or when you need something to fill you up without too much fuss.
The great thing about this recipe is its simplicity, but also the depth of flavor that develops as it comes together. With a rich, velvety cream of chicken base and tender pasta, it’s a recipe that makes you feel right at home in the kitchen. Whether you’re a beginner cook or a seasoned chef, you can whip this up in no time, and it’ll taste like you spent hours on it.
So, let’s get started!
Cream Of Chicken Soup And Pasta Recipe
This dish brings together two of the best comfort food elements: creamy soup and pasta. It’s one of those recipes that’s so flexible, you can adjust it to suit what you have on hand. The soup itself is creamy with a hint of savory chicken flavor, and the pasta soaks up all that goodness, creating a rich and satisfying meal.
Ingredients Needed
Before we jump into the cooking process, let’s go over the essentials. These ingredients are pretty standard, but I’ve included a couple of extra touches to really make this dish shine.
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Chicken (preferably Boneless, Skinless)
- This will be the base of your chicken flavor. You can use shredded rotisserie chicken for a shortcut or cook up some chicken breasts yourself.
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Pasta (short, Like Penne Or Rotini)
- The pasta soaks up all that creamy soup goodness. Short pasta works best because it holds onto the sauce better.
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Cream Of Chicken Soup
- This is the star of the dish. It’s creamy, flavorful, and creates the base of the soup sauce.
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Chicken Broth
- Helps thin out the cream of chicken soup a bit, giving it a soup-like consistency. You can use low-sodium for a healthier option.
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Heavy Cream
- For extra richness and creaminess. You could use half-and-half as a substitute if you’re trying to cut back on calories.
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Garlic (minced)
- Adds a depth of flavor that balances the creaminess.
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Onion (chopped)
- Sweet and savory, this enhances the flavor of the soup and gives a little texture to the dish.
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Butter
- To sauté the onions and garlic and to add richness to the soup base.
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Parmesan Cheese
- For some extra umami and saltiness.
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Salt And Pepper
- Always a must for seasoning, but feel free to adjust to taste.
Cooking Instructions
Now that you have everything ready, let’s get to the fun part: cooking!
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Cook The Pasta
- Start by boiling a pot of salted water. Add your pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
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Cook The Chicken
- While your pasta is cooking, heat some butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add your chicken and cook it through (about 7-10 minutes depending on thickness). If you’re using pre-cooked chicken, just shred or chop it and set it aside.
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Sauté The Aromatics
- In the same pot, with any remaining butter, add chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes, until fragrant and translucent.
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Make The Soup Base
- Add the cream of chicken soup to the pot and stir. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring until it’s smooth. Bring it to a simmer.
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Combine
- Once the soup is simmering and well-combined, add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the pot. Stir everything together until the pasta is evenly coated in that creamy soup mixture. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes to allow everything to meld together.
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Finish It Off
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. If you like a little extra cheesy goodness, sprinkle in some Parmesan cheese and stir it in.
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Serve
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with a little more Parmesan or fresh herbs if you like. Serve hot and enjoy!
Ingredient Insights
Let’s take a deeper dive into some of the key ingredients to understand why they work so well together in this dish:
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Cream Of Chicken Soup
- This is the backbone of the recipe. It’s already seasoned and provides that signature creamy, comforting texture. Plus, it has a mild chicken flavor that serves as a great base without overpowering the dish.
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Heavy Cream
- This adds that rich, velvety texture that makes the soup feel luxurious. It’s also a great way to balance the saltiness from the chicken broth and the cream of chicken soup.
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Chicken Broth
- The broth helps thin out the cream of chicken soup, creating that perfect consistency for the soup while allowing the chicken flavor to shine through. It’s also great for adjusting the thickness if you prefer a soupier dish.
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Parmesan Cheese
- Adding Parmesan at the end is a game-changer. It adds a sharp, nutty flavor that contrasts perfectly with the richness of the soup and the creaminess of the pasta.
Expert Tips
- Balance the Creaminess: If you find the dish too creamy, add a little more chicken broth to thin it out. You can always tweak the ratio of broth to cream depending on how thick or thin you want the soup.
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: This is an excellent shortcut if you want to save time. Just shred the chicken and add it straight to the soup without any additional cooking.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Make sure to cook the pasta al dente. It will continue to absorb liquid from the soup as it sits, so you don’t want it to get too soft or mushy.
- Seasoning Is Key: Don’t forget to taste and adjust the seasoning. The flavors can vary depending on the brand of cream of chicken soup and broth you use, so be sure to check before serving.
- Add Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or thyme on top before serving will elevate the dish and add a touch of freshness.
Recipe Variations
- Add Veggies: You can easily add vegetables like spinach, peas, or carrots to give the dish more color and texture. Just sauté them with the onions and garlic.
- Swap the Protein: While chicken is classic here, you could swap it out for turkey, sausage, or even shrimp.
- Use Different Pasta: If you’re not a fan of short pasta, you can use spaghetti or fettuccine for a more elegant version.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes if you want a little heat. It’s an unexpected twist that really works with the creamy base.
Final Words
This Cream of Chicken Soup and Pasta recipe is as comforting as it gets. It’s perfect for family dinners, gatherings with friends, or whenever you just need a quick, filling meal. The beauty of this dish is its simplicity, but also how you can make it your own by tweaking the ingredients to suit your tastes. It’s customizable, forgiving, and, best of all, super delicious.
If you’re a fan of rich, creamy comfort food that’s easy to make, this one is definitely a keeper.