Cozy Chicken, Vegetable, and Pasta Soup (Easy and Comforting!)
When cooler weather hits or you’re just craving a bowl of comfort, few things satisfy like a hearty, nourishing Chicken, Vegetable, and Pasta Soup.
Packed with tender chicken, hearty vegetables, flavorful herbs, pasta, and a sprinkle of Parmesan, this soup is everything you love about homemade cooking — warm, hearty, and full of love.
Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or even freezing for later, this recipe is sure to become a regular in your kitchen.
Ingredients:
(Scale: 1x, 2x, 3x)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 1 cup cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 1 cup chopped kale or spinach
- ½ cup small pasta (such as ditalini or orzo)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
Add the diced onion, garlic, carrots, and celery.
Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and the onion becomes translucent.
Tip:
This step is essential — it builds the sweet, savory flavor base that makes this soup so comforting.
Step 2: Add the Seasonings and Broth
Sprinkle in:
- Dried oregano
- Dried basil
- Red pepper flakes (if using)
- Salt and black pepper
Stir well to coat the vegetables in the spices and let the seasonings toast for 30 seconds to release their full flavors.
Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes (including their juices).
Stir everything together, scraping the bottom of the pot if needed to deglaze.
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Step 3: Add the Beans and Chicken
Once the soup is simmering, add:
- Cannellini beans (drained and rinsed)
- Cooked, shredded chicken
Allow everything to simmer together for about 10 minutes.
This gives the flavors time to meld and ensures the chicken soaks up all the herby goodness.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta and Greens
Add the small pasta directly into the pot and cook according to package instructions (about 8–10 minutes) until tender.
Important:
If the soup thickens too much while the pasta cooks, you can always stir in a little extra broth or water.
When the pasta is nearly done, add the chopped kale or spinach.
Stir well and let the greens wilt into the soup — this only takes about 1 minute.
Step 5: Finish with Parmesan and Serve
Remove the pot from the heat.
Stir in ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese for a creamy, savory finish.
Ladle the hot soup into bowls, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and top with extra Parmesan if desired.
Serve immediately with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete, cozy meal.
Tips for the Best Chicken, Vegetable, and Pasta Soup:
- Use homemade broth if you have it — it adds an incredible depth of flavor.
- Swap proteins:
Use leftover turkey, rotisserie chicken, or even Italian sausage for a twist. - Change the greens:
Try Swiss chard, arugula, or even baby bok choy. - Add more veggies:
Zucchini, mushrooms, peas, or corn would be delicious. - Freeze friendly:
Freeze soup before adding pasta and greens for best results; add fresh when reheating.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, assuming 6 servings)
Nutrient | Amount |
---|---|
Calories | 320 kcal |
Total Fat | 12 g |
Saturated Fat | 4 g |
Cholesterol | 70 mg |
Sodium | 800 mg |
Carbohydrates | 24 g |
Fiber | 5 g |
Sugars | 4 g |
Protein | 25 g |
Vitamin A | 110% DV |
Vitamin C | 30% DV |
Calcium | 15% DV |
Iron | 20% DV |
(Nutrition facts are approximate and will vary based on exact ingredients.)
Why You’ll Love This Chicken, Vegetable, and Pasta Soup:
- Comforting, hearty, and full of flavor.
- Easy one-pot recipe.
- Packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins.
- Great for meal prep and freezer-friendly.
- Customizable with your favorite veggies and pasta types.
This cozy bowl of Chicken, Vegetable, and Pasta Soup is truly the definition of comfort food — satisfying, healthy, and guaranteed to warm you up from the inside