Chicken And Pasta Soup Recipe

There’s something comforting and soul-soothing about a bowl of homemade soup, especially when it’s packed with wholesome ingredients that create a harmonious balance of flavors and textures. Chicken and pasta soup is one of those go-to recipes that manage to hit all the right notes. Whether it’s a cold, rainy day or you’re simply craving a hearty, filling meal, this dish comes through like a cozy, flavorful hug. The tender chicken, the soft pasta, and the savory broth combine in such a way that each spoonful feels like a warm embrace.

What makes this soup even better is its versatility-it’s simple yet deeply satisfying, and you can easily adjust it based on what you have on hand. Plus, it’s quick and easy to make, so you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen to enjoy a satisfying meal. The ingredients are likely staples in your pantry, making it the perfect option for a last-minute, home-cooked meal. Ready to dive into the recipe? Let’s get started!

This recipe combines all the elements of comfort food-tender chicken, flavorful broth, and hearty pasta. It’s a meal in itself, yet light enough to be the perfect appetizer or starter to a larger spread. Each bite feels like nourishment for both the body and the soul.

Ingredients Needed

For this recipe, you’ll need:

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs – 1 to 1.5 pounds (you can also use rotisserie chicken for convenience)
Pasta – About 1 cup (short pasta shapes like elbow macaroni, orzo, or ditalini work best, but you can use whatever pasta you like)
Carrots – 2 medium, peeled and diced (add a nice sweetness and color)
Celery – 2 stalks, diced (adds that quintessential ’soup’ flavor)
Onion – 1 medium, chopped (offers a subtle depth to the flavor base)
Garlic – 3 cloves, minced (to give the soup a rich aromatic foundation)
Chicken broth – 6 cups (you can also use vegetable broth for a lighter, plant-based version)
Bay leaves – 2 (these lend a subtle, herby background flavor)
Thyme – 1 teaspoon dried (or 2 teaspoons fresh thyme)
Salt and pepper – To taste (don’t forget this essential seasoning!)
Olive oil – For sautéing
Optional garnish: Fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese

Cooking Instructions

Making this Chicken and Pasta Soup is as simple as it gets, but the flavors you’ll get from the ingredients and the process are anything but basic. Here’s how you can prepare it:

Prepare Your Chicken
- If using raw chicken breasts or thighs, season them lightly with salt and pepper. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Brown the chicken on both sides for about 4-5 minutes. You don’t need to cook it all the way through at this point-just get a good sear on it.
- Remove the chicken from the pot, set it aside, and let it rest for a few minutes before shredding it with two forks. If you’re using rotisserie chicken, you can skip this step.
Sauté The Vegetables
- In the same pot, add a bit more olive oil if needed, and sauté the chopped onion, carrots, and celery over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables start to soften and the onions turn translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
Build The Soup
- Pour in the chicken broth, add the shredded chicken (or rotisserie chicken), bay leaves, thyme, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Add The Pasta
- Add the pasta to the soup and cook until the pasta is al dente, typically around 8-10 minutes (depending on the type of pasta you’ve chosen).
- Be sure to stir occasionally so the pasta doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pot.
Final Touches
- Once the pasta is cooked, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Remove the bay leaves.
- If you want, sprinkle a handful of fresh parsley or some grated Parmesan on top to serve.

And voilà! You have a hearty, flavorful Chicken and Pasta Soup that’s ready to be enjoyed.

Ingredient Insights

Here’s a little extra info about why some of the ingredients in this soup work so well together:

Chicken: The protein adds richness and texture. If you’re using bone-in chicken, the bones also help infuse the broth with more depth and a silky mouthfeel. If you’re pressed for time, rotisserie chicken is a quick and flavorful shortcut.
Pasta: It absorbs the broth, making each bite satisfying and filling. Choose small pasta shapes for better texture integration with the soup, and be mindful not to overcook it, as pasta can get mushy if left too long in the broth.
Carrots & Celery: These two classic aromatics form the base of the soup. The sweetness of the carrots and the earthy crunch of the celery bring a nice balance to the savory flavors.
Chicken Broth: The star of the show when it comes to flavor. Use a good-quality broth (or even homemade, if you have it) for the richest taste. If you’re in a pinch, low-sodium broth allows you to control the saltiness.

Expert Tips

To elevate this recipe even further, here are some tips from the pros:

Make it ahead: Soups always taste better the next day! You can easily make this in advance, store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and reheat it for a quick meal.
Don’t overcook the pasta: Add the pasta in the final stages of cooking to avoid it turning into mush. If you plan to store leftovers, consider cooking the pasta separately and adding it when reheating, as pasta can soak up a lot of liquid over time.
Use fresh herbs: While dried thyme works perfectly, fresh herbs like rosemary or sage can give your soup a unique flavor. Add them towards the end of cooking to preserve their fragrance.
Boost flavor with Parmesan: Stirring in a handful of grated Parmesan at the end not only adds creaminess but also an extra layer of umami.

Recipe Variations

One of the beauties of Chicken and Pasta Soup is how flexible it is. Here are a few ways to make it your own:

Vegetable-loaded: Add more vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or peas for an extra burst of nutrients and flavor.
Creamy version: To make it creamy, stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half just before serving. This turns the soup into something more like a creamy chicken and pasta stew.
Spicy twist: For those who enjoy a little heat, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or some diced jalapeños to spice things up.
Gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure your broth is certified gluten-free to make this soup suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals.
Herb-infused: Try swapping thyme for a combination of basil, oregano, and rosemary for a different herby note.

Final Words

When it comes to comfort food, few dishes are as universally loved as a hearty chicken and pasta soup. It’s nourishing, satisfying, and deeply customizable, which makes it perfect for nearly any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping for the week, or just making a simple meal for yourself, this soup can adapt to whatever you need. Plus, it’s a great way to clean out your fridge and pantry by using up leftover chicken or vegetables.

Chicken And Pasta Soup Recipe