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Creamy chicken alfredo soup with shredded chicken, shell pasta, parmesan cheese, spinach, and carrots served in a rustic ceramic bowl with garlic bread on the side.
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🍲 Creamy Chicken Alfredo Soup

This Creamy Chicken Alfredo Soup is silky, cozy, and packed with tender chicken, parmesan cheese, garlic, herbs, and pasta in a rich homemade alfredo broth. It has all the flavor of classic chicken alfredo pasta in a comforting soup form that stays creamy without becoming overly thick or heavy.
Course dinner, Main Course, Soup
Cuisine American, Italian-Inspired
Keyword alfredo soup recipe, cheesy chicken soup, chicken alfredo soup, chicken pasta soup, comfort food soup, creamy chicken soup, creamy pasta soup, easy dinner soup, homemade alfredo soup, parmesan chicken soup
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 6 servings
Calories 455kcal
Cost $14 for entire recipe

Equipment

  • Large Dutch oven or soup pot
  • wooden spoon
  • Whisk
  • Cheese grater
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Cutting board
  • Chef’s knife
  • Ladle

Ingredients

Soup Base

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small yellow onion finely diced
  • 1 small carrot finely diced
  • 1 celery stalk finely diced
  • 4 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt plus more to taste
  • Pinch crushed red pepper flakes optional
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

Broth and Pasta

  • 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 8 ounces dry pasta shells ditalini, or rotini

Alfredo Finish

  • 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream room temperature
  • 2 ounces full-fat cream cheese softened
  • 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon freshly grated mozzarella cheese
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 cup baby spinach optional

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the vegetables

  • Heat the butter and olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat.
  • Add the onion, carrot, and celery. Cook for 5–6 minutes until softened and translucent.
  • Add the garlic, Italian seasoning, black pepper, kosher salt, and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 2: Build the broth

  • Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir continuously for 1 minute to remove the raw flour flavor.
  • Slowly whisk in the chicken broth until completely smooth.
  • Bring the soup to a gentle simmer.

Step 3: Cook the pasta

  • Add the pasta and simmer uncovered for 8–10 minutes until just al dente, stirring occasionally.
  • Do not overcook the pasta since it will continue softening as the soup sits.

Step 4: Add the chicken and dairy

  • Reduce the heat to low.
  • Stir in the shredded chicken and heavy cream.
  • Add the softened cream cheese and stir gently until fully melted into the broth.

Step 5: Add the cheese

  • Gradually sprinkle in the parmesan cheese a little at a time while stirring constantly until smooth.
  • Stir in the mozzarella cheese.
  • Do not boil the soup after adding the cheese or the texture may become grainy.

Step 6: Finish and serve

  • Stir in the parsley and spinach if using.
  • Cook for 1–2 minutes until the spinach wilts.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  • Serve hot with extra parmesan cheese and crusty garlic bread.

Notes

Use Freshly Grated Parmesan

Freshly grated parmesan cheese melts much more smoothly into the soup than pre-shredded cheese. Pre-packaged shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can create a grainy or clumpy texture in creamy soups.

Keep the Heat Low After Adding Dairy

Once the heavy cream, cream cheese, and parmesan are added, keep the soup over low heat and avoid boiling. High heat can cause the dairy to separate and affect the smooth alfredo texture.

Slightly Undercook the Pasta

Cook the pasta just until al dente since it will continue softening in the hot broth as the soup sits. This helps prevent mushy pasta in leftovers.

Rotisserie Chicken Saves Time

Using rotisserie chicken makes this chicken alfredo soup faster and more flavorful. It also creates a richer overall broth with very little extra effort.

Adjust Thickness as Needed

The pasta naturally absorbs broth as the soup rests. For a thinner consistency, stir in extra warm chicken broth before serving or reheating leftovers.

Best Pasta Shapes for Alfredo Soup

Small pasta shapes like shells, ditalini, or rotini work best because they hold the creamy alfredo broth in every bite without overpowering the soup.

Add Vegetables for Extra Flavor

Broccoli, spinach, mushrooms, or peas pair wonderfully with the creamy parmesan broth and can easily make the soup even heartier.

Make It Extra Cheesy

For a richer alfredo flavor, sprinkle extra freshly grated parmesan cheese over each serving right before serving.