There’s something about a bowl of warm soup that instantly feels like a hug, and This Creamy Chicken Soup Is a Winter Must for anyone craving comfort on chilly days. With tender shredded chicken, silky pasta shells, and a luscious, cheesy broth brightened by sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach, this soup hits all the right notes. It’s the kind of dish that invites you to slow down, savor each spoonful, and come back for seconds. If you want a cozy meal that’s both rich and fresh, this soup will quickly become your go-to recipe whenever the temperature dips.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create the perfect balance of creamy, savory, and bright flavors in this soup, you’ll rely on a few simple but carefully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a special role in building the rich texture and layered taste that makes This Creamy Chicken Soup Is a Winter Must so memorable.
- Olive oil: creates a flavorful base for sautéing and adds subtle fruitiness.
- Yellow onion: provides natural sweetness that deepens the soup’s flavor foundation.
- Garlic: infuses the broth with a fresh, aromatic punch.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: bring a sweet, tangy complexity that brightens the creamy broth.
- Tomato paste: enriches the color and adds umami depth.
- Chicken broth: the hearty body of the soup, low-sodium for perfect seasoning control.
- Salt and black pepper: essential seasonings to balance and enhance every flavor.
- Italian seasoning: a fragrant blend that gives herbal warmth.
- Crushed red pepper: adds a gentle heat, perfectly adjustable to your taste.
- Gluten-free shell pasta: shells cradle the creamy broth, creating perfect bites every time.
- Shredded cooked chicken: tender protein that makes this soup satisfyingly substantial.
- Fresh baby spinach: brightens the soup and adds a lovely fresh color and texture.
- Half & half: ensures a silky, smooth creaminess without overwhelming richness.
- Boursin cheese: melts into the broth for a rich, herby, and slightly tangy flavor boost.
- Parmesan cheese: freshly grated for a nutty, salty finish, added in two stages for best melting and topping.
How to Make This Creamy Chicken Soup Is a Winter Must
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
Start the magic by heating olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Toss in finely diced yellow onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion turns soft and translucent and the kitchen fills with that irresistible garlicky aroma. This step lays down a flavor-packed foundation that makes the whole soup shine.
Step 2: Build Tomato Base
Next, stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and tomato paste. Cook them together for a couple of minutes so the tomato paste caramelizes slightly, unlocking deeper, richer notes that add an unexpected tang and sweetness to the creamy broth.
Step 3: Add Broth and Seasonings
Pour in the chicken broth and season with salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes. Let this mixture come to a gentle boil to marry all the spices and flavors, creating a savory, comforting soup base you’ll want to dive into right away.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
Add the gluten-free shell pasta directly into the boiling broth and let it cook until just al dente. This timing ensures the pasta will soak up the creamy flavors without becoming mushy when you add the final ingredients.
Step 5: Add Chicken, Greens, and Creamy Cheeses
Lower the heat and stir in shredded cooked chicken, chopped fresh spinach, half & half, Boursin cheese, and half of the Parmesan. Keep stirring gently until all the cheese melts and the soup transforms into a luxuriously creamy delight, with the spinach adding a fresh pop of color and nutrition.
Step 6: Final Touches
Serve your soup piping hot, garnished with the remaining Parmesan and any optional extras like red pepper flakes or fresh herbs such as parsley or basil. These little details not only enhance flavor but also give an inviting, beautiful presentation.
How to Serve This Creamy Chicken Soup Is a Winter Must
Garnishes
The garnish is what makes this dish feel special. A sprinkling of freshly grated Parmesan adds salty richness on top, while a pinch of red pepper flakes offers a subtle kick if you like heat. Fresh herbs like parsley or basil provide brightness and a pop of green, making each bowl look as good as it tastes.
Side Dishes
Since this soup is hearty and creamy, light and crisp sides work beautifully alongside it. Try serving it with a simple green salad tossed in a lemon vinaigrette or some crunchy garlic bread for dipping. Both will complement the rich broth and add texture contrast to the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Transform your serving style by ladling this soup into hollowed-out bread bowls for a rustic touch, or serve it in pretty mugs for a casual yet cozy feel. You can also layer it with a sprinkle of extra cheese and broil for a minute for a melty, golden crust on top—perfect for impressing guests or special family dinners.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Creamy Chicken Soup Is a Winter Must tastes just as incredible the next day. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making the soup even more comforting when reheated.
Freezing
While the creamy texture is beautiful fresh, you can freeze the soup if needed. For best results, freeze without the pasta and spinach to avoid sogginess. When ready to enjoy, thaw, then add fresh spinach and cooked pasta during reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the cheese from sticking or separating. Add a splash of chicken broth or half & half to refresh the creaminess if needed before serving.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Fresh spinach is recommended because it holds better texture and color in the soup. Frozen spinach tends to release extra water and may make the broth less creamy.
What can I substitute for Boursin cheese?
If you can’t find Boursin, cream cheese mixed with herbs or a soft goat cheese can bring a similar creamy, herby flavor.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Using gluten-free pasta makes this recipe safe for gluten-sensitive diets. Always double-check your broth and cheeses to ensure there are no hidden gluten ingredients.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth and omit the chicken. You can add hearty vegetables or beans to keep it filling and satisfying.
How spicy is this soup?
The crushed red pepper adds gentle warmth, which you can adjust or omit entirely according to your spice preference.
Final Thoughts
I truly encourage you to try this recipe because This Creamy Chicken Soup Is a Winter Must for anyone needing a delicious, comforting meal. Its wonderful blend of creamy, savory, and fresh ingredients makes each spoonful a little celebration. Whether you’re curling up on a cold night or feeding a crowd, this soup will warm both your heart and your belly. Enjoy every cozy bite!
PrintThis Creamy Chicken Soup Is a Winter Must
This Creamy Chicken Soup is a comforting and flavorful winter meal featuring tender chicken, gluten-free pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, and a rich, creamy broth enhanced with Boursin and Parmesan cheeses. Perfectly seasoned with Italian herbs and a hint of heat, this soup is easy to prepare on the stovetop, making it an ideal cozy dish for chilly days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Flavor Enhancers
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes in olive oil, drained and chopped
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 7 cups chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
- 2 teaspoons salt, more to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper (adjust to taste)
Main Ingredients
- 12 oz gluten-free shell pasta
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie recommended)
- 3 cups fresh baby spinach, chopped
Creamy Elements
- ¾ cup half & half
- 1 package Boursin cheese (about 4 oz)
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, divided
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and minced garlic, cooking for 3 to 4 minutes until the onion softens and the mixture becomes fragrant.
- Add Tomato Components: Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and tomato paste. Cook together for 1 to 2 minutes to deepen flavors and allow the tomato paste to caramelize slightly.
- Simmer Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and season with salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper. Bring the soup to a gentle boil to meld the flavors.
- Cook Pasta: Add the gluten-free shell pasta directly into the boiling broth. Cook until just al dente, noting it will soften further when the creamy ingredients are added.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the shredded cooked chicken, chopped spinach, half & half, Boursin cheese, and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the cheeses melt and the soup becomes creamy.
- Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and top each serving with the remaining Parmesan cheese, additional red pepper flakes if desired, and fresh herbs like parsley or basil for a colorful, flavorful finish.
Notes
- Using rotisserie chicken can save time and add extra flavor.
- Choose low-sodium chicken broth to better control the saltiness of the soup.
- Adjust crushed red pepper to manage the spiciness according to personal preference.
- Fresh baby spinach is recommended over frozen to maintain texture and flavor.
- This soup pairs well with crusty gluten-free bread or a simple green salad.