1 Ib chicken breast, diced or sliced
* 1 medium onion, finely chopped
* 4-5 cups chicken broth
* 1-2 carrots, sliced
* 1-2 cups frozen veggies (peas, corn, green beans, etc.)
*2-4 cloves garlic, minced
* ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
* ½ cup small pasta (rotini, shells, ditalini, whatever you've got)
* 3-4 oz cream cheese
* ¼-½ cup heavy cream or milk (or a mix)
* Olive oil or butter
* Salt & black pepper
* Italian seasoning or thyme + basil
* Paprika (smoked if you have it)
* Optional: red pepper flakes
1. Heat oil or butter over medium heat. Add onion + a pinch of salt. Cook 4-5 minutes until soft and slightly sweet.
2. Add garlic & sun-dried tomatoes Stir in garlic and tomatoes. Cook ~30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Chicken goes in (lightly seasoned) Add chicken, paprika, pepper, and herbs. Cook just until no longer pink on the outside.
4. Pour in chicken broth. Add carrots + frozen veggies.
Simmer 10-12 minutes.
5. Add rotini and cook until just tender.
6. Lower heat. Stir in cream cheese until melted.
Add milk/heavy cream slowly until it's the texture you love.
7. Add salt if needed. More herbs if you want cozy.
Red pepper flakes if you want warmth.
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If you love hearty and flavorful soups, this creamy chicken pasta soup is a fantastic dish to try, especially during colder months or when you crave something cozy and satisfying. The recipe’s use of sun-dried tomatoes adds a tangy depth that balances the creaminess from the cream cheese and heavy cream, creating a rich, velvety texture that’s truly comforting. One of my favorite tips when making this soup is to use a mix of frozen veggies like peas, corn, and green beans, which not only add vibrant color but also pack a range of nutrients. You can easily customize the soup by swapping the small pasta type, such as rotini, shells, or ditalini, depending on what you have on hand. This flexibility makes it an ideal recipe to clean out your pantry. To boost the flavor even more, I recommend using a smoked paprika if available. It lends a subtle smoky warmth that elevates the dish without overpowering it. Also, adding red pepper flakes at the end is a game-changer if you like a slight kick. The seasoning blend of thyme and basil or your preferred Italian herbs ties all the ingredients together beautifully. For those mindful of creaminess, start by adding heavy cream or milk gradually until you reach the perfect texture you enjoy. The combination of cream cheese and milk provides a luscious mouthfeel while keeping the soup light enough to feel nourishing rather than heavy. When cooking the chicken, make sure not to overcook it; just cook until no longer pink on the outside before adding the broth and veggies. This method helps the chicken remain juicy and tender throughout simmering. This recipe is not only simple but also allows for various personal touches, making it one of my all-time favorites to prepare for family or guests. Overall, this creamy chicken pasta soup is a comforting dish that showcases how combining pantry staples and fresh ingredients can result in a delightful meal. It’s perfect for beginners and seasoned cooks alike, and I hope it becomes one of your go-to recipes for a cozy dinner.
