Chicken Pasta Soup J Alexander’s Recipe

When you’re craving a warm, hearty meal that feels like a cozy hug, Chicken Pasta Soup is a go-to comfort dish. If you’re familiar with J. Alexander’s, the upscale restaurant known for its vibrant and flavorful dishes, then you’re already a fan of their Chicken Pasta Soup. It’s one of those meals that combines simplicity with richness, offering just the right balance of creamy, savory, and comforting flavors.

This recipe is perfect for any time of year, whether you’re fighting off a cold or just looking for something to warm you up on a chilly evening. What’s great about this soup is that it’s easy to make, filling, and adaptable to your tastes. Ready to bring a little bit of J. Alexander’s into your kitchen? Let’s break down everything you need to know to whip up this soul-satisfying soup.

Chicken Pasta Soup J Alexander’s Recipe

J. Alexander’s Chicken Pasta Soup is the epitome of comfort food with a sophisticated twist. The restaurant version is creamy, with a light yet rich broth, tender pieces of chicken, and pasta that’s just the right amount of al dente. What makes it stand out is the blend of fresh vegetables and the seasoning, which gives it depth without overwhelming the dish.

Here’s a breakdown of how you can recreate this restaurant favorite right in your own kitchen.

Ingredients Needed

To make this delightful Chicken Pasta Soup, you’ll need a variety of ingredients. While it’s not overly complicated, each component adds something special to the final dish. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:

• Chicken Breast (boneless, skinless): This forms the protein base of the soup. Chicken breast is lean and cooks quickly, making it perfect for a soup.
• Pasta (preferably small types like rotini or elbow macaroni): Small pasta shapes hold up well in soup, absorbing the broth without becoming too soggy.
• Carrots: These add a touch of sweetness and a pop of color.
• Celery: Provides crunch and depth to the flavor profile.
• Onion: A great base flavor that helps enhance the richness of the broth.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic will give the soup an aromatic boost.
• Chicken Broth (or stock): This is the backbone of your soup’s flavor.
• Heavy Cream: For a luscious, creamy texture. Don’t skimp on this; it’s what makes the soup rich and comforting.
• Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a savory note that perfectly complements the chicken and pasta.

• Herbs & Seasonings

  • Bay Leaves
  • Thyme
  • Parsley (optional, for garnish)
  • Salt & Pepper (to taste)

Cooking Instructions

Now that you’ve got your ingredients ready, it’s time to bring everything together in a rich, flavorful soup. Here’s how to do it:

1. Prepare The Chicken

   • Start by cooking your chicken breasts. You can either poach them in water or broth for extra flavor or sauté them in a bit of olive oil. If you want to add a deeper flavor, season the chicken with salt, pepper, and herbs before cooking.
   • Once cooked, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces and set aside.

2. Prepare The Vegetables

   • Dice your onion, carrots, and celery. You want these to be relatively small pieces so they cook quickly and evenly.
   • Mince the garlic finely so it can infuse the soup with a delicious aroma.

3. Cook The Pasta

   • In a separate pot, bring water to a boil and cook your pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside. You can also cook the pasta directly in the soup later on, but cooking it separately prevents it from becoming too mushy.

4. Sauté The Vegetables

   • In a large pot, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions, carrots, and celery, cooking them until they soften (about 5-7 minutes).
   • Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

5. Create The Broth

   • Add your chicken broth to the vegetables and bring the mixture to a simmer. Once it’s simmering, add in your seasonings-bay leaves, thyme, salt, and pepper.
   • Let this simmer for about 10-15 minutes so the flavors can meld.

6. Finish The Soup

   • Stir in the shredded chicken, heavy cream, and cooked pasta. Let the soup simmer for another 5-10 minutes, allowing all the flavors to combine and the pasta to soak up the broth.
   • Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

7. Serve

   • Ladle the soup into bowls and top with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. You can also garnish with fresh parsley for color and freshness.

Ingredient Insights

Each ingredient in this Chicken Pasta Soup plays a specific role in creating a balanced, satisfying dish. Here’s a deeper look into the importance of each:

• Chicken Breast: This lean protein is mild in flavor, allowing the seasoning and broth to shine through. It absorbs the flavors from the soup, making it incredibly tender and juicy.
• Pasta: Small pasta shapes like rotini or elbow macaroni are great because they hold their shape and texture in soup. Their hollow structure helps trap the broth, ensuring every spoonful is full of flavor.
• Carrots & Celery: These vegetables not only add flavor but texture as well. The carrots provide sweetness, while the celery adds a satisfying crunch and subtle herbal note.
• Garlic & Onion: These two ingredients are the base of many soups because they create a deep, aromatic foundation that enhances the entire dish.
• Heavy Cream: This is the key to the soup’s luxurious, creamy texture. It balances the savory flavors and makes the broth velvety smooth.
• Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan isn’t just a garnish-it melts into the soup and adds a nutty, salty layer of flavor that elevates the dish to the next level.

Expert Tips

Here are some pro tips for making the best version of Chicken Pasta Soup:

• Cook Pasta Separately: Cooking the pasta separately from the soup prevents it from becoming overly soft and absorbing too much liquid. If you cook it directly in the soup, you’ll end up with soggy pasta and less broth.
• Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs like thyme and parsley can elevate the soup’s flavor profile. Don’t skip the thyme-it adds a subtle earthiness that complements the chicken perfectly.
• Shred Chicken While Hot: Shredding the chicken right after cooking makes it easier to pull apart, and it absorbs more of the flavors from the broth.
• Adjust the Consistency: If the soup is too thick, you can always add more chicken broth or a little water. If it’s too thin, simmer it a bit longer to reduce the liquid and concentrate the flavors.

Recipe Variations

This Chicken Pasta Soup is versatile, so you can tweak the recipe to suit your tastes:

• Add More Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini, peas, or spinach for a more nutritious, colorful soup.
• Different Pasta Shapes: If you don’t have rotini or elbow macaroni, any small pasta will work-try mini shells, farfalle, or even ditalini.
• Make it Spicy: For a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño when sautéing the vegetables.
• Add Bacon: For a smoky twist, crumble some cooked bacon into the soup right before serving.
• Use Rotisserie Chicken: If you’re short on time, rotisserie chicken is an excellent shortcut. Just shred the chicken and add it to the soup in the final stages of cooking.

Final Words

Whether you’re looking for a meal to share with family or a dish that’s easy to whip up after a busy day, Chicken Pasta Soup is a reliable and tasty choice. The combination of tender chicken, creamy broth, and pasta creates a perfect harmony of flavors, and with J. Alexander’s recipe as your guide, it’s a simple yet impressive dish to make at home.