Quick Chicken Pasta Soup
A hearty chicken pasta soup with tender chicken, flavorful tomatoes, and aromatic herbs, perfect for a quick, comforting meal suitable for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook chicken, onion, and garlic in olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Stir frequently until the chicken is cooked and the onion is tender, about 5 minutes.
- Add remaining ingredients, except pasta, to the pan. Bring to a boil.
- Stir in uncooked pasta.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer until the pasta is tender, about 12 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a quicker meal, consider using rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken breast. You can swap out the pasta for whole grain or gluten-free options to suit dietary preferences. Fresh herbs can be substituted for dried ones for enhanced flavor. If you like spice, add a dash of cayenne pepper or use a spicier picante sauce. This recipe is a great base for other variations like Turkey Lorraine.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Quick Chicken Pasta Soup with a side of crusty bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top enhances the flavor. For a heartier option, consider pairing it with Chicken-Sausage Supreme for a delightful dinner combination. A glass of white wine also complements the flavors beautifully.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the soup if it thickens. You can also microwave individual portions, covered, for about 2-3 minutes until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Quick Chicken Pasta Soup contains roughly 724 calories, with 18g protein, 69g carbohydrates, and 49g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (195% of the Daily Value), iron (102% of the Daily Value), and calcium (75% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 19g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 use frozen chicken instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breast, but be sure to cook it thoroughly. It may take a bit longer than fresh chicken, so check for doneness before adding the other ingredients. Just ensure to cube the chicken after thawing for even cooking.
What can I substitute for chicken broth?
If you don’t have chicken broth, vegetable broth or water with a bouillon cube can be good substitutes. Keep in mind that using vegetable broth may alter the flavor slightly, but it will still be delicious!
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge. However, if you plan to store it, consider cooking the pasta separately to prevent it from becoming mushy. Just add the cooked pasta when reheating.
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).