When the weather turns cold, there’s nothing more comforting than a bowl of homemade soup. One of the best recipes you can make for your family is creamy chicken pasta soup. It’s warm, hearty, and packed with flavor.

The creamy texture combined with tender chicken, soft pasta, and simple vegetables makes this dish a complete meal in one pot.

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, lazy weekends, or whenever you crave something soothing and filling.

It’s easy to make, doesn’t need fancy ingredients, and tastes even better the next day. Let’s walk through how to make this delicious soup from scratch, with every step explained in detail.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chicken Pasta Soup

This creamy chicken pasta soup is the kind of recipe that quickly becomes a family favorite. Here’s why it stands out:

One-Pot Recipe: You cook everything in a single pot, which means fewer dishes to wash later.
Hearty and Filling: The pasta makes it satisfying, while the creamy broth keeps it rich and smooth.
Easy Ingredients: You’ll find everything at your local grocery store.
Perfect for Leftovers: The flavor deepens after a day, making it a great make-ahead meal.
Customizable: You can easily change up the vegetables or pasta type depending on what you have at home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This soup uses everyday kitchen ingredients. You might already have most of them in your pantry.

Main Ingredients:

2 tablespoons butter – for sautéing vegetables and adding richness.
1 tablespoon olive oil – helps prevent butter from burning.
1 medium onion, finely chopped – adds flavor and sweetness to the base.
2 garlic cloves, minced – gives a wonderful aroma and depth.
2 medium carrots, diced – for a touch of sweetness and color.
2 celery stalks, diced – adds crunch and balance.
1 teaspoon salt – to season as you go.
½ teaspoon black pepper – for mild spice.
1 teaspoon dried thyme – classic flavor that pairs perfectly with chicken.
½ teaspoon dried oregano – enhances the overall taste.
¼ teaspoon paprika (optional) – adds a gentle warmth.
6 cups chicken broth (or stock) – use homemade or store-bought low-sodium broth.
2 cups cooked shredded chicken – rotisserie chicken works great, or you can cook your own.
2 cups short pasta (like penne, rotini, or elbow) – these shapes hold up well in soup.
1½ cups milk – for creaminess.
1 cup heavy cream – gives the soup its silky texture.
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese – for extra flavor and body.
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour – helps thicken the soup slightly.
Fresh parsley (for garnish) – adds color and freshness.

How to Prepare Creamy Chicken Pasta Soup

Let’s go step-by-step so your soup turns out perfectly every time.

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Before you start cooking, chop all your vegetables and measure your ingredients. This makes the cooking process smooth and enjoyable. If you’re using leftover chicken, shred it now. If you’re starting with raw chicken, you can quickly boil or bake it ahead of time.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, melt butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and the onion becomes translucent.

This step is important, it builds the foundation of flavor. Cooking the vegetables slowly helps release their natural sweetness, which enhances the soup later.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Seasonings

Add minced garlic to the pot and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly so it doesn’t burn. Then, sprinkle in salt, pepper, thyme, oregano, and paprika (if using). Stir well to coat the vegetables with the seasonings. The aroma at this point will fill your kitchen with warmth.

Step 4: Add the Flour

Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed mixture and stir for about 1 minute. This will form a light roux that thickens the soup later. Be careful not to brown the flour too much—just cook it enough to remove the raw taste.

Step 5: Pour in the Chicken Broth

Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Continue stirring until the flour dissolves completely and the mixture looks smooth. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring it to a gentle boil.

Step 6: Add the Pasta

Once the broth is boiling, add the uncooked pasta. Stir well and let it cook uncovered for about 10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender but not mushy. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

As the pasta cooks, it releases starch into the broth, naturally thickening the soup even more.

Step 7: Add Chicken and Cream

Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the shredded chicken, milk, and heavy cream. Let the soup simmer gently for 5–7 minutes. Do not let it boil after adding the cream, or it might curdle.

The soup should start to look creamy and rich at this stage. Taste it and adjust salt or pepper if needed.

Step 8: Add Parmesan Cheese

Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese and stir until melted. The cheese adds extra depth and a savory kick that ties everything together. If the soup feels too thick, you can thin it out with a bit more broth or milk.

Step 9: Serve Hot

Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve warm. You can also sprinkle a little more Parmesan on top for a finishing touch.

Tips for the Best Creamy Chicken Pasta Soup

Use leftover chicken: Rotisserie chicken makes this recipe quick and easy.
Don’t overcook the pasta: It will continue to soften in the hot soup, so stop cooking when it’s just tender.
Warm the milk and cream: Bringing them to room temperature before adding prevents curdling.
Add veggies of your choice: Peas, corn, spinach, or mushrooms can all be added for variety.
Make it lighter: Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or just use milk for a lighter version.
For extra protein: Add white beans or chickpeas along with the chicken.
Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The soup will thicken as it cools; add a splash of broth or milk when reheating.
Freezing: This soup freezes well before adding the pasta. If you plan to freeze it, cook and add the pasta only when reheating later.

How to Cook Chicken for the Soup

If you don’t have pre-cooked chicken, here are a few quick methods:

Boiled Chicken:

Place 2 boneless chicken breasts in a pot.
Cover with water or broth, add a pinch of salt and pepper.
Simmer for 12–15 minutes until fully cooked.
Shred the chicken with two forks.

Baked Chicken:

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Rub chicken breasts with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, depending on size.
Let it rest for a few minutes before shredding.

Pan-Seared Chicken:

Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
Season chicken with salt and pepper.
Cook for 6–7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
Cool slightly and shred.

Variations to Try

The beauty of creamy chicken pasta soup is that it’s flexible. You can adjust it based on your mood, ingredients, or dietary preferences.

1. Chicken and Spinach Pasta Soup

Add 2 cups of fresh spinach at the end of cooking. Stir until wilted for a nutritious twist.

2. Chicken Mushroom Pasta Soup

Add 1 cup of sliced mushrooms when sautéing the onions. They bring a deep, earthy flavor.

3. Spicy Chicken Pasta Soup

Add ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne for a spicy version.

4. Chicken Broccoli Pasta Soup

Add small broccoli florets during the last 5 minutes of cooking for added texture and nutrients.

5. Cheesy Chicken Pasta Soup

Increase the Parmesan to 1 cup or stir in some shredded cheddar for a cheesier, thicker soup.

6. Gluten-Free Option

Use gluten-free pasta and a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.

7. Dairy-Free Option

Replace milk and cream with unsweetened coconut milk or oat milk for a creamy texture without dairy.

What to Serve With Creamy Chicken Pasta Soup

This soup is a meal by itself, but pairing it with a side makes it even better.

Garlic Bread: Crunchy and buttery, it’s perfect for dipping.
Simple Green Salad: A light salad balances the richness of the soup.
Roasted Vegetables: Adds color and texture to your meal.
Crackers or Breadsticks: Great for kids and easy to serve.
Grilled Cheese Sandwich: Perfect for a cozy dinner on a cold evening.

Making It Ahead

You can easily make this soup ahead of time. Follow these steps:

Cook the soup up to the point before adding the pasta.
Store it in the fridge for up to 2 days.
When ready to serve, reheat the soup and add freshly cooked pasta.
Add cream and cheese just before serving for the best texture.

This method keeps the pasta from getting soggy and helps maintain the perfect creamy consistency.

The Secret to the Creamiest Texture

The secret behind that smooth, rich, creamy texture is the combination of flour, milk, cream, and Parmesan cheese. The flour forms a base that slightly thickens the broth, while the milk and cream add body. Parmesan gives it that luxurious, silky finish.

To make sure the soup stays creamy:

Don’t boil after adding dairy.
Stir gently to prevent sticking.
Add the cheese slowly and stir until it melts completely.

Storing and Reheating

Refrigerating:

Store in a covered container for up to 3 days. When reheating, the soup might be thicker, so add a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen it.

Freezing:

Freeze the soup before adding pasta. Pasta tends to absorb liquid and turn mushy when frozen. Reheat the base and add freshly cooked pasta when serving.

Reheating Tips:

Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Avoid boiling to keep the creamy texture smooth.

Nutritional Information (Approximate per Serving)

Calories: 420 kcal
Protein: 28 g
Fat: 22 g
Carbohydrates: 28 g
Fiber: 2 g
Calcium: 190 mg
Iron: 1.2 mg

These values may vary depending on your ingredients and portion sizes, but it’s a balanced, wholesome meal packed with nutrients.

Why This Soup Works Every Time

This creamy chicken pasta soup works so well because of how the flavors come together. The vegetables provide a gentle sweetness, the chicken adds heartiness, and the pasta gives body.

The creamy base ties everything into a comforting blend of flavors that’s both simple and satisfying.

It’s also incredibly versatile, you can serve it as a full dinner, a lunch meal, or even a make-ahead freezer soup for busy days. The combination of protein, carbohydrates, and vegetables makes it a complete dish in itself.

A Note on Pasta Choices

Different pasta types can slightly change the texture and look of your soup. Here are some that work best:

Rotini or Fusilli: Their spiral shape holds the creamy sauce well.
Elbow Macaroni: Classic shape, perfect for kids.
Penne: Sturdy and holds up beautifully in reheating.
Ditalini or Small Shells: Great for bite-sized portions and even cooking.

Avoid long pastas like spaghetti or linguine, they tend to clump and don’t suit creamy soups as well.

Bringing It All Together

When you make this creamy chicken pasta soup, your kitchen fills with the scent of butter, herbs, and warm broth. It’s a meal that feels like a hug in a bowl—simple, cozy, and deeply satisfying.

Every spoonful gives you tender chicken, soft vegetables, and pasta covered in a creamy, flavorful broth. You can make it for dinner and enjoy the leftovers for lunch. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll turn to again and again because it always brings comfort, warmth, and joy to the table.

Final Thoughts

Homemade creamy chicken pasta soup is the perfect mix of comfort and nourishment. It’s easy enough for weeknights but feels special enough for family gatherings. The best part is that it uses simple ingredients to create something that tastes rich and comforting.

Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just want something cozy for yourself, this soup never disappoints. Once you make it, you’ll see why it’s a timeless favorite in so many homes.