Chicken Alfredo Soup
Chicken Alfredo Soup is a creamy, comforting dish that combines the rich, velvety texture of classic Alfredo sauce with the heartiness of chicken and vegetables. This soup is a twist on the beloved Italian pasta dish, turning it into a warm and satisfying bowl of goodness.
Perfect for chilly evenings or when you’re craving something indulgent yet cozy, this soup offers the best of both worlds: the creamy richness of Alfredo sauce with the wholesome flavors of chicken, garlic, and herbs.
The beauty of Chicken Alfredo Soup lies in its simplicity and versatility. The base is a deliciously creamy blend of milk, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese, with the addition of sautéed chicken, vegetables like carrots and celery, and a hint of garlic for depth.
The soup can be easily adapted to your preferences, with optional add-ins like spinach, mushrooms, or herbs, depending on what you have on hand. Paired with crusty bread or a side salad, it makes a perfect meal that is sure to please anyone who loves the creamy flavors of Alfredo pasta.
Ingredients:
For the soup base:
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
3 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
4 cups chicken broth (low-sodium)
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (adjust to taste)
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional, adds a warm depth of flavor)
For the pasta (optional but recommended):
1 cup uncooked small pasta (like rotini, ditalini, or elbow macaroni)
Salt, for the pasta water
For garnish (optional):
Fresh parsley, chopped
Extra grated Parmesan cheese
How to Make:
Prepare the Chicken:
If you haven’t cooked the chicken yet, begin by cooking it. You can either roast or pan-sear the chicken breasts. To pan-sear, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and a pinch of garlic powder. Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and no longer pink in the center. Let it rest for a few minutes, then shred or dice it into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
Sauté the Vegetables:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and the onions are translucent.
Add the Chicken and Broth:
Once the vegetables are ready, add the cooked chicken to the pot. Stir well to combine. Then, pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Make the Creamy Alfredo Base:
After the soup has simmered, stir in the milk and heavy cream. Let the soup come back to a gentle simmer, but do not bring it to a full boil. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, dried basil, oregano, salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using). Continue stirring until the cheese has melted and the soup has thickened slightly.
Cook the Pasta:
If you’re adding pasta to your soup, cook it separately while the soup simmers. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and add it to the soup once it’s cooked.
Finish the Soup:
Once the soup has thickened to your desired consistency, taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. If the soup is too thick, you can add a bit more chicken broth or milk to reach your preferred consistency.
Serve:
Ladle the Chicken Alfredo Soup into bowls. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and extra grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve immediately with a side of warm bread or a simple salad.
Chef’s Note:
Chicken: If you’re short on time, using rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut for this recipe. It provides a delicious, smoky flavor and saves you the step of cooking and shredding the chicken. You can also substitute the chicken with turkey for a different flavor.
Creaminess: The combination of milk, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese creates a rich and creamy base, but if you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute the heavy cream with more milk or even use half-and-half. However, using the full-fat cream provides the signature Alfredo richness that makes this soup so comforting.
Pasta: While adding pasta to this soup is optional, it can help turn the soup into a more filling meal. Any small pasta shape works well, but rotini, ditalini, or elbow macaroni are particularly good choices. Be sure not to overcook the pasta, as it will continue to soften in the soup as it sits.
Add-ins: You can personalize this soup by adding vegetables like spinach, kale, or mushrooms for extra texture and nutrition. Adding a handful of spinach right before serving adds a pop of color and freshness to the creamy soup. For extra flavor, consider adding a dash of garlic powder, onion powder, or even a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for some heat.
Storage: Leftovers of Chicken Alfredo Soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. However, if you’ve added pasta, it may absorb some of the broth as it sits, so you may need to add a bit of milk or broth when reheating to bring it back to the right consistency. The soup can also be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Be aware that the creaminess may change slightly after freezing, but it will still be delicious.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 450 kcal
Protein: 30 g
Fat: 25 g
Saturated Fat: 13 g
Carbohydrates: 25 g
Fiber: 3 g
Sugars: 6 g
Cholesterol: 80 mg
Sodium: 700 mg
Potassium: 600 mg
Vitamin A: 80% DV
Vitamin C: 15% DV
Calcium: 35% DV
Iron: 10% DV
Conclusion:
Chicken Alfredo Soup is the perfect way to enjoy the creamy, rich flavors of Alfredo pasta in a comforting soup form. With tender chicken, vegetables, and a luscious cream base, it’s a dish that is guaranteed to please everyone at the table. This soup is versatile, easy to make, and can be customized with your favorite ingredients. Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, Chicken Alfredo Soup offers a warm, hearty meal that brings the best of creamy comfort to your bowl.