A bowl of chicken pasta soup is pure comfort in every bite — tender chicken, bite-sized pasta, savory broth, and vegetables all simmered together. It’s a cozy classic and a great alternative to chicken noodle soup if you want something heartier. 🍲🍗🍝
🍜 Easy Chicken Pasta Soup
📝 Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1 small onion, chopped
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2 carrots, sliced
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2 celery stalks, sliced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 lb chicken breast or thighs (or 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken)
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6–7 cups chicken broth
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1 tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning
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1 cup small pasta (like ditalini, elbow, or orzo)
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Salt & black pepper, to taste
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Optional: fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Sauté vegetables:
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook 5–7 minutes, until softened. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
2. Add chicken & broth:
Place raw chicken in the pot, then pour in broth. Add thyme and some salt and pepper.
3. Simmer:
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 20–25 minutes, or until chicken is fully cooked.
→ If using cooked chicken, skip this step and add it later.
4. Shred chicken:
Remove chicken, shred it with two forks, then return it to the pot.
5. Add pasta:
Stir in the pasta and simmer until al dente (about 8–10 minutes depending on the type). Stir occasionally so it doesn’t stick.
6. Finish & serve:
Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with chopped parsley or a splash of lemon juice if desired.
🔁 Variations
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Creamy version: Stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream or a splash of milk at the end.
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Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne.
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Veggie boost: Toss in spinach or peas at the end.
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Gluten-free: Use GF pasta or rice.
Would you like a slow cooker or Instant Pot version too?
