Description
A rich and creamy chicken soup featuring tender shredded chicken, sundried tomatoes, and small pasta, all simmered in a flavorful broth with Italian seasonings. Perfect for a comforting meal any day of the week.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 oz dry ditalini pasta (or other small pasta)
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 3 tbsp sundried tomato oil (from the jar)
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 medium carrots, chopped
- 3 celery stalks, chopped
- 8 garlic cloves, minced
- ⅓ cup chopped sundried tomatoes
Seasonings and Broth
- ¼ cup tomato paste
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp dry oregano
- ½ tsp dry basil
- 1 ¼ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Proteins and Dairy
- 3 cups shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works well)
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup freshly shredded parmesan cheese
Garnish
- Chopped fresh basil (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the ditalini pasta according to the package instructions, ensuring it’s al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside for later.
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat the sundried tomato oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, chopped carrots, and celery, sautéing for about 5 minutes until softened and fragrant. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds to release its aroma.
- Add Tomato Paste and Sundried Tomatoes: Stir in the tomato paste and unsalted butter. Once the butter has melted, mix well so the vegetables are evenly coated with the tomato base. Then add the chopped sundried tomatoes and sauté for another 2 to 3 minutes to deepen the flavor.
- Simmer the Broth and Seasonings: Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth along with Italian seasoning, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and allow it to simmer gently for 10 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Finish the Soup: Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the shredded chicken, heavy cream, freshly grated parmesan cheese, and the cooked pasta. Mix until the cheese is melted and everything is heated through evenly.
- Serve: Ladle the creamy soup into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh basil if desired. Enjoy warm for a cozy, comforting meal.
Notes
- Rotisserie chicken simplifies the preparation and adds delicious flavor.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to better control the seasoning.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a creamy plant-based alternative.
- Be sure to sauté the vegetables properly to develop a rich base flavor.
- This soup freezes well; store cooled leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
