Name: Chicken Pasta Soup: Delicious Hearty Comfort
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped; 2 shallots, minced; 3 medium carrots, peeled and diced; 3 stalks celery, diced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 bay leaves; 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped, plus more for garnish; 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, plus more for garnish; 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or leftover turkey works great); 3/4 cup Acini di Pepe pasta; Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; Optional: Fresh parsley, for garnish

Jump to Recipe

Chicken pasta soup has a way of warming you from the inside out. I remember coming home from school on a crisp autumn day, the kind where you can smell the leaves burning, and my mom would have a pot of this simmering on the stove. The aroma of savory chicken and herbs filled the entire house, and just one spoonful felt like a hug. This easy chicken pasta soup recipe is my go-to when I need a bowl of pure comfort, a true comfort food chicken pasta soup that brings back all those cozy memories. It’s simple, delicious, and perfect for any night of the week. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Pasta Soup

This recipe is a winner for so many reasons. It’s the perfect blend of comforting flavors and simple preparation.

Taste: It’s incredibly savory and satisfying, a true taste of home.
Prep Time: With only 15 minutes of prep, you can get a delicious meal on the table fast.
Health Benefits: Packed with lean protein and vegetables, it’s a nutritious choice.
Budget-Friendly: Uses common pantry staples and leftover chicken, making it easy on your wallet.
Family-Friendly: Kids adore this version of chicken noodle soup with pasta.
Hearty Meal: It’s a truly hearty chicken pasta soup that will fill you up.
Versatile: Easily adaptable with your favorite veggies or different pasta shapes.

Ingredients for Chicken Pasta Soup

Gathering these simple chicken pasta soup ingredients is the first step to a delicious meal. This recipe focuses on fresh, flavorful components to create a wonderfully savory broth.

2 tablespoons olive oil – for sautéing the aromatics
1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped – the base of our flavor
2 shallots, minced – adds a subtle sweetness
3 medium carrots, peeled and diced – for color and a touch of sweetness
3 stalks celery, diced – brings a fresh, crisp note to the broth
4 cloves garlic, minced – essential for that classic soup aroma
2 bay leaves – infuses the broth with a subtle herbal depth
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped, plus more for garnish – aromatic and earthy
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, plus more for garnish – bright and fragrant
8 cups low-sodium chicken broth – the foundation for our savory chicken and pasta broth
2 cups cooked shredded chicken – rotisserie or leftover turkey works great for convenience
3/4 cup Acini di Pepe pasta – these tiny pasta shapes cook quickly and are perfect for soup
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste – to season perfectly
Optional: Fresh parsley, for garnish – adds a pop of color and freshness

How to Make Chicken Pasta Soup

This quick chicken pasta soup recipe comes together in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight meal. Follow these simple steps for a delicious, homemade soup.

Step 1: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat. Add the 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped, 2 shallots, minced, 3 medium carrots, peeled and diced, and 3 stalks celery, diced. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5–6 minutes until the vegetables have softened and the onions are translucent. The aroma starting to build is fantastic!
Step 2: Stir in the 4 cloves garlic, minced, and sauté for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Step 3: Add the aromatics: 2 bay leaves, 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped, and 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves. Stir everything together to coat the softened vegetables and release their fragrant oils.
Step 4: Pour in the 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes. This allows all those wonderful flavors to meld together beautifully.
Step 5: Stir in the 2 cups cooked shredded chicken and the 3/4 cup Acini di Pepe pasta. This is where the soup really starts to come together, transforming into a hearty meal.
Step 6: Cook uncovered for 8–10 minutes, or until the Acini di Pepe pasta is tender. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot. This is the simplest part of this simple chicken pasta soup recipe, and it’s almost ready to enjoy!
Step 7: Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
Step 8: Remove the bay leaves before serving. Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with extra fresh rosemary, thyme, and optional fresh parsley for a beautiful finish. Enjoy your delicious homemade chicken pasta soup!

Pro Tips for the Best Chicken Pasta Soup

Want to elevate your homemade soup game? These tips guarantee a delicious bowl every time.

Use rotisserie chicken for a shortcut to tender, flavorful chicken.
Don’t overcook the pasta; it will continue to soften in the hot broth.
If you prefer a thicker soup, mash some of the cooked vegetables against the side of the pot before adding the pasta.
For extra depth, consider adding a splash of white wine after sautéing the garlic.

What’s the secret to perfect Chicken Pasta Soup?

The secret lies in building flavor layers. Start by properly sautéing your mirepoix (onions, carrots, celery) until softened to release their sweetness, and don’t shy away from fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme to create a truly savory chicken pasta soup. For more on building flavor in cooking, check out these tips on flavor building.

Can I make Chicken Pasta Soup ahead of time?

Yes! This soup is perfect for meal prep. You can chop all your vegetables and shred your chicken up to 2 days in advance and store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Cook the pasta just before serving to prevent it from becoming mushy.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Chicken Pasta Soup?

A common mistake is overcooking the pasta, which can lead to a mushy texture. Also, be sure to remove the bay leaves before serving, as they aren’t meant to be eaten. Finally, taste and adjust seasoning at the end for the best flavor. Learn more about proper seasoning techniques.

Best Ways to Serve Chicken Pasta Soup

This comforting soup is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of sides, making it an ideal choice for any meal. It’s the perfect centerpiece for a cozy chicken pasta soup for dinner.

Crusty Bread: Serve with a warm, crusty baguette or sourdough bread for dipping into that delicious broth. It’s a classic pairing that’s hard to beat, especially on a brisk evening.
Side Salad: A light, fresh green salad with a simple vinaigrette offers a nice contrast to the hearty soup. This makes for a complete and balanced meal, perfect for chicken pasta soup for cold weather.
Grilled Cheese: For a truly comforting duo, pair a steaming bowl of this soup with a melty grilled cheese sandwich. It’s a childhood favorite that never disappoints.

Chicken Pasta Soup: Delicious Hearty Comfort - Chicken Pasta Soup - additional detail

Nutrition Facts for Chicken Pasta Soup

This homemade chicken pasta soup is a nutritious and satisfying meal. Here are the estimated nutritional values per serving:

Calories: 280 kcal
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Protein: 25g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 450mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used. For more information on understanding nutritional labels, you can refer to resources like the FDA’s guidelines.

How to Store and Reheat Chicken Pasta Soup

This delicious soup is perfect for making ahead, and knowing the best way to store chicken pasta soup ensures it stays just as tasty. Once cooled completely, ladle the soup into airtight containers. For refrigerator storage, it will keep well for 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags, ensuring it’s properly sealed to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

When you’re ready to reheat, thaw frozen soup overnight in the refrigerator. Gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the pasta seems a bit dry or has absorbed too much liquid, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it up and restore the perfect consistency. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Pasta Soup

What is chicken pasta soup?

Chicken pasta soup is a hearty and comforting soup made with chicken, pasta, and a flavorful broth, often including vegetables and herbs. It’s a classic dish known for its warming qualities, making it perfect for chilly days or when you need a simple, satisfying meal. This particular recipe features tender shredded chicken and tiny Acini di Pepe pasta in a savory chicken and pasta broth.

Why is chicken pasta soup good?

This soup is good because it’s incredibly nourishing and satisfying. It combines lean protein from the chicken, carbohydrates from the pasta for energy, and vitamins from the vegetables. It’s often considered a comfort food because of its warm, savory flavors and the ease with which it can be prepared, making it a go-to for many people seeking a feel-good meal. Discover more about the benefits of comfort food.

How to make chicken pasta soup?

To make chicken pasta soup, you typically start by sautéing aromatics like onions, carrots, and celery in olive oil until softened. Then, garlic and herbs are added, followed by chicken broth. Cooked shredded chicken and pasta are added to the simmering broth and cooked until the pasta is tender. It’s a straightforward process that results in a delicious, homemade soup. For a quick chicken pasta soup, use pre-cooked chicken.

Can I add more vegetables to this chicken pasta soup?

Absolutely! This recipe is very adaptable. You can easily add other vegetables like peas, corn, spinach, or kale. For a heartier meal, consider adding diced potatoes or sweet potatoes. Adding extra vegetables is a great way to boost the nutritional content and add more flavor and texture to your soup.

Variations of Chicken Pasta Soup You Can Try

This basic chicken pasta soup recipe is fantastic on its own, but it’s also a wonderful canvas for your creativity! Don’t hesitate to experiment with these delicious variations to suit your taste or dietary needs.

Creamy Chicken Pasta Soup: For a richer, more decadent experience, stir in about 1/2 cup of heavy cream or evaporated milk during the last 5 minutes of cooking. You can also add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with a little cold water to thicken the broth for a delightful creamy chicken pasta soup.
Chicken Pasta Soup with Vegetables: Boost the nutritional punch and flavor by adding extra veggies. Frozen peas, corn, or chopped spinach can be added in the last few minutes of cooking. For a heartier chicken pasta soup with vegetables, try diced zucchini, bell peppers, or even sweet potatoes added along with the carrots and celery.
Lemon Herb Chicken Pasta Soup: Brighten up the flavor profile by stirring in the zest and juice of one lemon just before serving. This adds a lovely tang that complements the herbs beautifully.
Spicy Chicken Pasta Soup: If you enjoy a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the garlic and herbs, or top your finished soup with a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce.