Creamy Shell Soup
Creamy Shell Soup features tender chicken, potatoes, and pasta in a rich, flavorful broth, perfect for comforting meals and family gatherings, with fresh herbs and seasonings.
Ingredients
- 4 cups water ⓘ
- 3 to 4 chicken pieces ⓘ
- 1 cup diced onions ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped celery ⓘ
- 1/4 cup minced parsley or 1 tablespoon dried parsley flakes ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper ⓘ
- 2 medium potatoes, diced ⓘ
- 4 to 5 green onions, chopped
- 3 chicken bouillon cubes ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon poultry seasoning ⓘ
- 4 cups milk ⓘ
- 2 cups medium shell macaroni, cooked and drained ⓘ
- 1/4 cup butter or margarine ⓘ
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour ⓘ
Instructions
- Simmer water, chicken pieces, diced onions, celery, minced parsley or dried parsley flakes, bay leaf, salt, and white pepper in a Dutch oven until chicken is tender. Remove bay leaf and discard.
- Remove chicken, let it cool, then skin and debone. Set aside.
- Add diced potatoes, chopped green onions, chicken bouillon cubes, seasoned salt, and poultry seasoning to the broth. Simmer for 15 minutes.
- Add milk, cooked and drained medium shell macaroni, and the prepared chicken to the broth. Return to a gentle simmer.
- In a separate pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and stir constantly until the mixture begins to brown.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the soup, stirring well to blend.
- Let the soup stand for 20 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Season to taste with additional salt, pepper, or herbs as desired.
- Garnish with ground nutmeg and chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using homemade chicken broth instead of water. If you're short on time, rotisserie chicken can be a great substitute for the raw chicken pieces. You can also adjust the thickness of the soup by varying the amount of flour added. If you prefer a lighter version, use low-fat milk instead of whole milk.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the creamy shell soup with crusty bread or a side salad, such as a Chicken Spinach Salad, for a complete meal. A sprinkle of fresh parsley and a dash of ground nutmeg enhance the presentation and flavor. This comforting soup is perfect for chilly evenings and pairs beautifully with a light dessert or fruit.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If the soup thickens too much, add a little extra milk or water to reach your desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Creamy Shell Soup contains roughly 2713 calories, with 46g protein, 334g carbohydrates, and 145g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (170% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (169% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2111mg per serving (92% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the soup a day ahead. Simply follow the recipe up to the point of adding the milk and macaroni, then cool and refrigerate. When ready to serve, reheat and add the milk and macaroni just before serving to prevent them from becoming mushy.
What can I use instead of shell macaroni?
If you don't have medium shell macaroni on hand, you can substitute it with other pasta shapes such as elbows or small penne. Adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you choose to ensure it is cooked al dente before adding it to the soup.
Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make a vegetarian version, replace the chicken and bouillon cubes with vegetable broth and add your choice of vegetables like carrots and peas. You can also include beans for added protein, making it a hearty meal without meat.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).