Creamy Chicken Pasta Soup: A Quick & Comforting Dish

This creamy chicken and pasta soup is perfectly crafted for those evenings when time is of the essence, yet the craving for a warm, deeply satisfying meal remains strong. This delightful dish effortlessly comes together without any lengthy waits or complex steps, ensuring you can enjoy a nourishing dinner from start to finish in just 30 minutes. The harmonious blend of tender chicken, delicate small pasta, and a velvety smooth broth infused with aromatic herbs makes this a truly comforting classic, simple to prepare and an absolute joy to savour.

Quick Overview

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Difficulty: Easy
• Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp (30ml) extra virgin olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 medium carrot, finely chopped
• 1 stick of celery, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 8.8 oz (250g) chicken breast, cut into 0.6-inch (1.5cm) cubes
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 2 tbsp (0.88 oz/25g) plain flour
• 24.6 fl oz (700ml) hot chicken stock
• 10.6 fl oz (300ml) whole milk
• 5.3 oz (150g) small pasta (e.g., ditalini, small shells)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Freshly chopped parsley, to garnish (optional)

Method

1. In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over a medium heat. Add the onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have softened.
2. Stir in the cubed chicken, garlic, and dried thyme. Cook for approximately 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the chicken is browned on all sides and no longer pink in the middle.
3. Sprinkle the plain flour over the vegetables and chicken, stirring for 1 minute to create a roux. This will help to thicken the soup.
4. Gradually pour in the hot chicken stock and whole milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat.
5. Add the small pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes, or according to package instructions, until the pasta is al dente and the soup has thickened.
6. Taste and adjust for salt and pepper. If the soup becomes too thick, you can add a little more hot stock or milk to achieve your desired consistency.
7. Serve the soup hot, garnishing with freshly chopped parsley if desired.

Serving & Leftovers

Serve the soup immediately while hot. Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and gently reheated with a splash of extra stock or milk if needed.

Nutrition

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredients and portions.

One Last Thing

Incorporating recipes like this into your weekly routine means always having a dependable option for a healthy, delicious dinner, even when time is tight. It’s an effective way to ensure home-cooked meals remain a consistent part of your lifestyle, without adding extra stress to your busy day.