This creamy chicken and spinach soup with pasta is comfort in a bowl, bursting with vibrant vegetables, tender chunks of chicken, and shells of pasta all smothered in a rich, velvety broth. From the sweet pop of sundried tomatoes to the fresh green flecks of spinach and the sharp kick of Parmesan, every spoonful brings heartwarming goodness. This dish truly sings thanks to the perfect blend of Ingredients that are simple yet utterly transformative, turning everyday staples into a soul-satisfying meal everyone will crave.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about the foundation of this incredible soup! The Ingredients are straightforward but each one brings its own special flair, building layers of savory, creamy, and vibrant flavors that will have you coming back for seconds (and thirds!).

Olive oil: Adds a fruity richness and gets your chicken beautifully browned from the get-go.
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: The star of the show! Pick thighs for juiciness or breasts if you prefer leaner bites.
Italian seasoning: Two teaspoons divided; blends aromatic herbs for that unmistakable Italian-inspired warmth throughout the soup.
Salt and pepper: The humble heroes—never skip seasoning as you go!
Diced carrots: Their sweetness rounds out the savory notes and adds cheerful color.
Diced celery: For that essential earthy base and subtle crunch.
Diced onions: They meld into the broth and enrich every aspect of the soup.
Diced sundried tomatoes: Chewy, tangy and packed with umami, they give this bowl a signature taste boost.
Minced garlic: Three cloves; because garlic makes almost everything better!
Flour: Whisked in for a luscious, thickened base—essential for that classic creamy feel.
Tomato paste (optional): Turn up the tomato flavor for extra zest or leave it out for a more mellow, creamy broth.
Chicken broth: Start with 6 cups; it’s the liquid backbone, giving depth, body, and rich savor to the Ingredients.
Pasta (small shells): These catch every drop of goodness and add heartiness without overpowering the bowl.
Heavy whipping cream: Delivers that luxurious creamy texture you’ll keep dreaming about.
Parmesan Reggiano cheese: Freshly grated is always best; adds nuttiness and lovely salinity.
Fresh spinach: For vibrant green color, gentle flavor, and a boost of nutrition.

How to Make Ingredients

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Start by heating up your olive oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Toss in your chicken pieces, sprinkle over one teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and add salt and pepper to taste. Let the chicken brown on all sides, which takes about 4-5 minutes, while your kitchen fills with the most inviting aroma. This stage sets the foundation, building those delicious, caramelized notes right in the pot.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pot (no need to wash—those browned bits are liquid gold!), add the onions, carrots, celery, sundried tomatoes, and minced garlic. Stir and sauté until everything turns soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. This step coaxes out sweetness and deepens the savory profile, making each spoonful more vibrant.

Step 3: Build the Roux

Sprinkle the flour evenly across the veggies and stir it in, taking care to add it gradually to prevent clumps. If you’re a tomato lover, add the tomato paste at this point and mix thoroughly. The flour will help transform the broth into a creamy, luxurious base that hugs every bite.

Step 4: Add Broth and Pasta

Slowly pour in the chicken broth, whisking constantly so you end up with a smooth, lump-free soup. Scrape those savory fragments off the bottom to infuse extra flavor. Bring it all to a rolling boil, then stir in the pasta and the second teaspoon of Italian seasoning (plus extra salt and pepper if desired). Cover and let the soup simmer for about 20 minutes, until the chicken is fork-tender and the pasta is perfectly al dente. If you prefer, you can cook the pasta separately and add it at the end to avoid any mushy bits.

Step 5: Creamy Finishing Touches

Once the chicken and pasta are cooked, take off the lid and stir in the heavy cream, fresh spinach, and grated Parmesan. Let everything simmer for another five minutes until the spinach wilts and the cheese melts right in. Taste, adjust the seasoning if needed, and marvel at the creamy symphony you’ve just created from your Ingredients!

How to Serve Ingredients

Garnishes

I adore showering each bowl with extra grated Parmesan, a sprinkle of cracked black pepper, and a few fresh basil leaves. They wake up the flavors and make everything look irresistible. If you love a little color, a drizzle of olive oil or even a few extra sundried tomato bits on top make this dish sing.

Side Dishes

This soup is a meal in itself, but don’t shy away from pairing it with warm, crusty bread (hello, perfect for dunking!). You could serve a crisp green salad dressed simply with olive oil and lemon, or offer a plate of roasted veggies to celebrate that medley of fresh Ingredients all around.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties, ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls and broil a thin layer of cheese on top, French onion style. Or, try serving the soup in hollowed-out sourdough bread bowls—guaranteed to delight guests and soak up every drop. You could even arrange toppings as a mini DIY bar, so everyone can personalize their experience with their favorite Ingredients.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let the soup cool before transferring to airtight containers. Store it in the fridge for up to 4 days. If you think you’ll have leftovers, consider keeping the pasta separate to prevent it from getting overly soft. The flavors deepen overnight, making tomorrow’s lunch even better!

Freezing

This creamy soup freezes beautifully if you leave out the pasta and spinach, which you can add fresh after reheating. Portion the base into freezer-safe containers, and it’ll keep for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, just thaw, reheat, and stir in newly cooked pasta, spinach, and cheese for that fresh-from-the-pot taste.

Reheating

Warm your soup gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of extra broth or water to loosen it up as needed. Stir often to keep the dairy from scorching. If microwaving, use short bursts and stir frequently for even heating. This keeps all those creamy and dreamy Ingredients in perfect balance!

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken saves time and adds roasted flavor. Just shred it and add it toward the end, letting it heat through in the final minutes of cooking so it stays juicy. It’s a fantastic shortcut that doesn’t sacrifice any quality in your Ingredients.

How do I keep the pasta from turning mushy in leftovers?

The trick is to cook the pasta separately and add it just before serving. If you know you’ll have leftovers, save some of the just-cooked pasta aside and mix it into reheated soup bowls individually. This preserves the perfect bite and showcases all your other Ingredients at their best.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

You can use half and half, whole milk, coconut milk, or even a few ounces of softened cream cheese for a lighter texture. Each substitution will affect creaminess and flavor slightly, but the soup remains delicious so long as you use quality Ingredients.

Is there a gluten-free version of this soup?

Definitely! Simply swap regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free kind (remember to cook separately to avoid mushiness), and use a gluten-free flour blend or leave the flour out for a thinner soup. The core Ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so it’s an easy switch!

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes! Add all Ingredients except the pasta, cream, spinach, and cheese to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours. Then add cooked pasta, cream, spinach, and cheese, and stir until everything is hot and creamy. So easy and so satisfying!

Final Thoughts

No matter how you tweak it, this creamy chicken and spinach soup is pure magic thanks to the harmony of its Ingredients. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, give this bowl of comfort a try and let it become one of your new favorites, too!