When you need a comforting, hearty meal that warms you from the inside out, look no further than this homemade chicken soup. Packed with rich flavors and wholesome ingredients, this soup is the ultimate cozy dish that’s perfect for chilly days or when you’re in need of some homemade comfort food. The combination of tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and a creamy base makes this chicken soup a meal everyone will love.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this easy-to-make recipe ensures a delicious result. With simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can prepare a delicious soup that tastes like it’s been simmering for hours. Let’s dive into why this chicken soup should become your new go-to recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
1. Creamy and Flavorful
The creamy broth made from heavy whipping cream and cream cheese adds a luxurious richness that sets this soup apart. Sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil contribute deep, savory flavors that make each spoonful a treat.
2. Quick and Easy
This chicken soup comes together in just about 40 minutes. With a few simple ingredients and one pot, you can prepare a comforting dish without spending hours in the kitchen.
3. Hearty and Filling
The addition of pasta, chicken, and fresh spinach makes this soup not only flavorful but also filling. It’s a perfect one-pot meal that’s both satisfying and nutritious.
4. Customizable
Feel free to swap ingredients based on your preferences. Add more veggies, use a different type of pasta, or adjust the seasonings to suit your taste.
5. Great for Leftovers
This soup stores beautifully in the refrigerator and tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. It’s perfect for meal prepping or making ahead for busy weeks.
Ingredients
- ½ cup drained julienne-cut sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil with herbs)
- 1 tbsp oil from the sun-dried tomato jar, divided
- 1½ cups chopped yellow onion
- 4 medium garlic cloves, minced (about 4 tsp)
- 3 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 (32-ounce) packages chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 4 tsp chopped fresh basil (plus more for garnish, optional)
- 2 tsp kosher salt
- 1½ tsp dried Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper (plus more for garnish)
- 8 oz uncooked medium-shell pasta
- 3 cups roughly chopped fresh baby spinach
- 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
- 8 oz cream cheese, cubed (at room temperature)
- 1½ oz Parmesan cheese, finely shredded (plus more for garnish)
Variations
1. Vegetable Chicken Soup
Add more veggies such as carrots, celery, or zucchini for an extra boost of nutrition. These vegetables will complement the chicken and provide added texture and flavor.
2. Spicy Chicken Soup
If you like a bit of heat, add more crushed red pepper or toss in a finely chopped jalapeño for an extra kick.
3. Low-Carb Version
Replace the pasta with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a low-carb version of this soup while still maintaining the creamy and comforting feel.
4. Dairy-Free Option
For a dairy-free version, substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream and omit the cream cheese and Parmesan. Use dairy-free alternatives to maintain the creaminess.
5. Chicken and Rice Soup
Swap the pasta for cooked rice for a more filling and traditional chicken and rice soup variation. This works well if you prefer rice over pasta.
How to Make the Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Base
In a large pot, heat 1 tsp of the sun-dried tomato oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
Step 2: Add the Tomatoes and Tomato Paste
Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and tomato paste, cooking for another 2-3 minutes. This helps to develop the flavors and gives the soup a rich, tangy base.
Step 3: Add Broth and Seasonings
Pour in the chicken broth and stir to combine. Add the basil, salt, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, allowing the flavors to meld together, about 10 minutes.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
Add the uncooked pasta to the soup and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Stir occasionally to ensure the pasta cooks evenly.
Step 5: Add the Greens and Chicken
Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the fresh spinach and shredded rotisserie chicken. Let the spinach wilt and the chicken heat through.
Step 6: Make It Creamy
Reduce the heat to low and add the cream cheese cubes. Stir until the cream cheese melts and the soup becomes smooth and creamy. Then, add the heavy whipping cream and Parmesan cheese, stirring until everything is well combined and the soup is creamy.
Step 7: Adjust Seasoning and Serve
Taste the soup and adjust seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes for extra flavor. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with additional fresh basil and Parmesan cheese.
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: This is a great shortcut that adds flavor and saves time. If you have leftover chicken, feel free to use that as well.
- Simmer for Extra Flavor: Let the soup simmer for a bit longer if you have time. The longer it cooks, the more flavorful it becomes.
- Adjust the Creaminess: If you like your soup extra creamy, you can add more cream cheese or heavy cream.
- Use Fresh Spinach: Fresh spinach wilts beautifully into the soup, but if you use frozen spinach, make sure to thaw and drain it before adding.
How to Serve
- As a Main Course: Serve this soup as a hearty meal on its own with some crusty bread or crackers on the side.
- With a Salad: Pair it with a light side salad for a well-rounded meal.
- In a Bread Bowl: For an extra fun presentation, serve the soup in a hollowed-out bread bowl. It’s sure to impress guests!
- With Parmesan Toast: Toast a few slices of bread with butter and Parmesan cheese for a delicious side.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow the soup to cool before storing leftovers in an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, you may need to add a little extra broth or cream to adjust the consistency.
Freezing
This soup can be frozen, but the creaminess may slightly change after thawing. Store it in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove.
Reheating
Reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add more broth or cream if the soup has thickened too much.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, feel free to use any type of pasta you like—penne, rotini, or even gluten-free pasta work well.
2. Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, you can make it vegetarian by omitting the chicken and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
3. Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, but make sure to thaw and drain the spinach before adding it to the soup.
4. Is this soup spicy?
It has a mild heat from the crushed red pepper, but you can adjust the spice level by adding more or less.
5. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can use mozzarella, gouda, or any cheese you prefer. Parmesan adds a nice sharpness, but feel free to experiment.
6. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
7. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the soup a day ahead and refrigerate it. It will taste even better the next day.
8. Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?
Yes, you can substitute half-and-half for a lighter version of the soup.
9. Can I add more vegetables to this soup?
Yes, add vegetables like carrots, celery, or zucchini for extra flavor and nutrition.
10. How do I thicken the soup?
If the soup is too thin, you can thicken it by adding a slurry of cornstarch and water or by simmering it longer to reduce the liquid.
Conclusion
This homemade chicken soup is everything you need on a cold day—comforting, creamy, and packed with flavor. With tender chicken, creamy broth, and a variety of textures, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s simple to make. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a cozy solo meal, this soup is sure to warm your heart and fill your stomach.
PrintHomemade Chicken Soup: Comfort in Every Spoonful
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings (about 2 cups per serving) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Homemade Chicken Soup is a comforting and hearty dish, perfect for a cozy meal. Packed with flavorful sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil, creamy textures, and tender chicken, this soup is rich, satisfying, and full of savory goodness. It’s the perfect dish for chilly evenings or when you need something nourishing and warming.
Ingredients
Serves 6 (about 2 cups per serving)
- ½ cup drained julienne-cut sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil with herbs)
- 1 tbsp oil from the sun-dried tomato jar (divided)
- 1½ cups chopped yellow onion
- 4 medium garlic cloves, minced (about 4 tsp)
- 3 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 (32-ounce) packages chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 4 tsp chopped fresh basil (plus more for garnish, optional)
- 2 tsp kosher salt
- 1½ tsp dried Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper (plus more for garnish)
- 8 oz uncooked medium-shell pasta
- 3 cups roughly chopped fresh baby spinach
- 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
- 8 oz cream cheese, cubed (at room temperature)
- 1½ oz Parmesan cheese, finely shredded (plus more for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Soup Base:
- Heat 1/2 tablespoon of the oil from the sun-dried tomato jar in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped yellow onion and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes, until softened.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the Tomato Paste & Broth:
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another minute. Then, add the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Incorporate the Cream and Seasonings:
- Once the broth is simmering, add the heavy whipping cream, fresh basil, kosher salt, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper. Stir to combine and continue simmering for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Cook the Pasta:
- Add the uncooked medium-shell pasta to the simmering soup and cook according to package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes, until the pasta is al dente.
- Add the Vegetables and Chicken:
- Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the chopped spinach and shredded rotisserie chicken. Continue simmering for another 3-5 minutes until the spinach is wilted and the chicken is heated through.
- Creamy Finish:
- Lower the heat and stir in the cubed cream cheese. Stir until the cream cheese melts completely into the soup, making the soup rich and creamy.
- Add Parmesan and Final Touches:
- Stir in the finely shredded Parmesan cheese until melted and fully incorporated. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning as necessary, adding more salt, pepper, or red pepper if desired.
- Serve:
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with additional fresh basil, red pepper flakes, and Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Notes
- Substitutions: You can swap the heavy cream with half-and-half or milk for a lighter version. For a dairy-free version, consider using coconut milk or a non-dairy cream alternative, and skip the cream cheese and Parmesan.
- Leftovers: This soup stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days and can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Make it Spicy: For a spicier kick, add more crushed red pepper or a dash of hot sauce when serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Chicken Soup, Creamy Chicken Soup, Homemade Chicken Soup, Rotisserie Chicken Soup, Comfort Food Soup