Ingredients
2 tbsp olive oil
1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken (breasts, thighs, or rotisserie)
2 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
2 medium carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
1 medium onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, diced
3 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 tbsp tomato paste (optional)
6 cups chicken broth
2 cups small pasta (e.g., shells)
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups fresh spinach
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add chicken seasoned with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Brown on all sides.
- Add carrots, celery, onions, sun-dried tomatoes, and garlic. Cook until vegetables are softened, about 3–4 minutes.
- Stir in flour (and tomato paste if using), then whisk in chicken broth, scraping the bottom to deglaze.
- Bring to a simmer, add pasta, remaining seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cover and cook for about 20 minutes until pasta is al dente and chicken is cooked through.
- Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, and spinach. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes until spinach is wilted.
- Adjust seasoning to taste and serve hot.
Notes
- For gluten-free, use GF pasta and substitute flour with cornstarch slurry.
- Rotisserie chicken can be used; add at the end to prevent overcooking.
- Cook pasta separately to avoid mushiness, especially if freezing.
- To freeze, omit cream and add after reheating.
- Try adding mozzarella or red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tuscan-Inspired
- Diet: Halal
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 65mg