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Creamy Chicken Pasta Soup with Carrot and Spinach – The Best Chicken Soup Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy, creamy, soul-warming chicken soup that tastes like comfort in every spoonful, you’ve found the perfect recipe. This Creamy Chicken Pasta Soup with Carrot and Spinach transforms simple ingredients into a rich, nourishing, and satisfying bowl of homemade goodness. Tender chicken, soft carrots, vibrant spinach, and perfectly cooked pasta come together in a velvety broth that feels hearty yet soothing. This recipe brings all the qualities people love in a traditional chicken soup — warmth, comfort, nourishment — but elevates it with a creamy finish and the addition of pasta for extra heartiness. Carrots add natural sweetness, spinach brings fresh color and nutrition, and the cream gives the broth a luxurious smoothness that feels indulgent without being heavy. Whether you're preparing a family dinner, warming up after a long day, or simply craving a comforting meal, this creamy chicken pasta soup delivers the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and coziness. It’s a complete meal in one bowl, beautifully simple and utterly delicious.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Chicken
  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cubed or shredded
Vegetables
  • 2 large carrots sliced
  • 3 cups fresh spinach
  • 1 medium onion diced
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
Broth & Cream
  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
Pasta
  • 2 cups small pasta such as shells, rotini, ditalini, or elbow macaroni
Oils & Fats
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp butter
Seasonings & Herbs
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp dried parsley
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • ¼ tsp red pepper flakes optional for a little heat
  • Cheese Optional but delicious
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan

Equipment

  • Large soup pot or Dutch oven
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Wooden spoon
  • Measuring cups & spoons
  • Ladle

Method
 

Step 1 — Cook the chicken
  1. Heat olive oil in a soup pot over medium heat.
  2. Add cubed chicken and season lightly with salt and pepper.
  3. Cook 5–6 minutes, until lightly browned.
  4. Remove and set aside.
Step 2 — Sauté the vegetables
  1. Add butter to the pot.
  2. Stir in onions and carrots.
  3. Cook 5–7 minutes until softened.
  4. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
Step 3 — Add broth and seasonings
  1. Pour in chicken broth.
  2. Add thyme, parsley, paprika, and red pepper flakes (if using).
  3. Stir well and bring to a simmer.
Step 4 — Return chicken to the pot
  1. Add cooked chicken back to the broth.
  2. Simmer 10 minutes to blend flavors.
Step 5 — Add pasta
  1. Stir in pasta.
  2. Cook 8–12 minutes, depending on pasta type, until tender.
Step 6 — Make it creamy
  1. Reduce heat to low.
  2. Pour in heavy cream, stirring gently to combine.
  3. Add grated Parmesan (if using) to promote creaminess.
Step 7 — Add spinach
  1. Stir in fresh spinach.
  2. Cook 1–2 minutes, until wilted and vibrant green.
Step 8 — Taste and adjust
  1. Add more salt, pepper, or herbs to your liking.
Step 9 — Serve warm
  1. Ladle into bowls and enjoy the rich, creamy, comforting flavors.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator
Store for 3–4 days.
Pasta absorbs broth — add extra broth when reheating.
Freezer
Freeze without pasta or cream.
Add pasta and cream after reheating.
Reheating
Heat gently on stovetop.
Add broth if too thick.
🥄 Variations
1. Extra Creamy Version
Add cream cheese or extra heavy cream.
2. Vegetable Boost
Add zucchini, peas, corn, or mushrooms.
3. Spicy Chicken Soup
Increase red pepper flakes or add cayenne.
4. Parmesan Lover’s
Add more Parmesan for a cheesy, silky broth.
5. High-Protein Option
Add white beans or extra chicken.
6. Gluten-Free
Use gluten-free pasta.
7. Light Version
Use milk instead of cream and reduce pasta.
8. Herb-Forward
Add fresh basil, rosemary, or thyme.
9. Rotisserie Shortcut
Use shredded rotisserie chicken.
10. Brothy Style
Add an extra cup or two of chicken broth.
❓ 10 FAQs
1. Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes — it saves time and works perfectly.
2. Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes — stir in 1 cup, thawed and drained.
3. What pasta works best?
Small shapes cook evenly and hold the creamy broth well.
4. Can I use milk instead of cream?
Yes — soup will be lighter.
5. How do I keep pasta from getting mushy?
Cook pasta separately and add when serving.
6. Can I make it dairy-free?
Use coconut milk and skip Parmesan.
7. Can kids eat this?
Absolutely — it’s mild, creamy, and comforting.
8. How do I thicken the soup?
Stir in cream cheese or mash some carrots.
9. Can I make it spicy?
Add red pepper flakes or chili oil.
10. Can I make it ahead?
Yes — store pasta separately for best results.
🏁 Conclusion
This Creamy Chicken Pasta Soup with Carrot and Spinach is the kind of recipe that warms your heart as much as your stomach. It brings together tender chicken, vibrant veggies, soft pasta, aromatic herbs, and a silky, creamy broth that feels like pure comfort. Every spoonful is hearty, nourishing, and deeply satisfying — perfect for weeknights, busy days, or cozy evenings at home.
It’s easy, flexible, family-friendly, and incredibly delicious. Once you make it, it will quickly become a staple in your soup collection.