Creamy Chicken Alfredo Soup

Let me take you back to a chilly evening a few years ago when I decided to whip up my now-famous Creamy Chicken Alfredo Soup. It was one of those days where the wind was howling outside, and all I wanted was something warm and comforting to wrap my hands around. As the aroma of garlic and chicken filled the kitchen, my kids began to gather around, their eyes lighting up with anticipation. There's something magical about cooking in the colder months; it brings everyone closer, doesn't it? This soup has since become a staple in our home, a dish that warms both the body and soul.

This Creamy Chicken Alfredo Soup is rich, comforting, and perfect for those brisk fall and winter days. It's not just a meal; it's an experience that invites laughter and stories around the table. Whether you're having a quiet night in or hosting friends for game night, this soup is sure to please. And the best part? It's quick to make, uses simple ingredients, and will leave your family asking for seconds. So grab your apron, and let's dive into the world of creamy goodness!

Why You'll Love "Creamy Chicken Alfredo Soup"

This Creamy Chicken Alfredo Soup isn't just a dish; it's a hug in a bowl! Here's why this recipe is bound to become a favorite in your home:

• Quick prep time-ready in just 45 minutes!
• Made with simple, easy-to-find ingredients.
• Rich and creamy texture that everyone loves.
• Perfectly family-friendly-kids will be begging for more.
• Freezer-friendly, so you can enjoy it later.
• Versatile-add your favorite veggies for extra flavor!

Ingredients You'll Need

Before we get cooking, let's gather all the ingredients you'll need for this delightful Creamy Chicken Alfredo Soup. You'll find that most of these items are staples you might already have on hand. Here's what you'll need:

• 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced: This is the heart of your soup. Make sure they're sliced thin for quicker cooking.
• 1-2 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil: This will help brown the chicken and add flavor.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: A must for that rich, aromatic base.
• 1 tablespoon Kinder's Grilled Chicken Seasoning (or your favorite blend): This adds a lovely depth of flavor.
• 1 teaspoon Complete Seasoning: A great all-purpose seasoning to elevate your dish.
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika: This gives the soup a nice smoky touch.
• 1-2 tablespoon avocado oil (for searing): Perfect for sautéing those aromatics.
• ½ shallot, diced: Adds a sweet and mild onion flavor.
• 3-4 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic is essential for that punch of flavor.
• ½ stick unsalted butter: For creating a rich roux.
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour: This is your thickening agent.
• 5 cups chicken broth: The base of your soup; homemade is best, but store-bought works too!
• 3 cups heavy cream: This makes the soup wonderfully creamy.
• 1 block (8 oz) cream cheese, softened: Adds extra creaminess and richness.
• ½ lb pasta (any shape, broken into smaller pieces): Choose your family's favorite-this makes it hearty!
• 1 teaspoon onion powder: For that added layer of flavor.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that screams comfort food.
• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste): Season well; it brings everything together.
• ½ teaspoon black pepper: For just a hint of heat.
• 1 teaspoon fresh oregano, chopped: Fresh herbs elevate the flavor.
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped: A fresh finish!
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Essential for that cheesy goodness.
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese: For a gooey, melty topping.
• Extra parsley: For garnish, because we like to keep it pretty!

As you gather these ingredients, don't hesitate to play around with the spices or add in some veggies like spinach or mushrooms if you like! Cooking should be fun and flexible!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven

While this recipe doesn't require an oven, you might want to have your favorite bread ready to toast! Trust me, a nice crusty bread pairs perfectly with this soup, so get that prepped and ready on the side.

Cook the Chicken

1. In a large pot, heat 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil or avocado oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add the thinly sliced chicken breasts to the pot and season them with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 tablespoon of Kinder's Grilled Chicken Seasoning, 1 teaspoon of Complete Seasoning, and ½ teaspoon of smoked paprika.
3. Cook the chicken, stirring occasionally, until it's browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. You want it to be nice and golden!

Sauté Aromatics

1. Once the chicken is fully cooked, add 1-2 tablespoons of avocado oil, along with the diced shallot and minced garlic.
2. Sauté everything together until the shallots become translucent and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. The smell will have your family peeking around the corner!

Make the Roux

1. Next, stir in ½ stick of unsalted butter and ¼ cup of all-purpose flour. This is where you'll create a roux!
2. Cook this mixture for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly to combine and remove the raw flour taste. It should look a bit thick and golden.

Add Liquids

1. Slowly pour in 5 cups of chicken broth and 3 cups of heavy cream while stirring constantly. This helps avoid any lumps from the roux.
2. Keep stirring until everything is well mixed and starts to thicken slightly.

Combine Pasta and Cheese

1. Now, add in 1 block (8 oz) of softened cream cheese and ½ pound of broken pasta. Stir it all together until the cream cheese melts into the soup.
2. Next, mix in 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon of salt (or to taste), ½ teaspoon of black pepper, 1 teaspoon of fresh oregano, and 1 tablespoon of fresh parsley.
3. Cook this mixture until the pasta is tender, about 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on it; you want that pasta to be perfectly al dente!

Final Touches

1. Remove the pot from the heat and stir in ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese and ½ cup of shredded mozzarella cheese until they're melted and gooey.
2. Garnish with extra parsley before serving, because presentation matters! Trust me, it'll look just as amazing as it tastes.

Variations

Feeling adventurous? Here are some fun twists to make this Creamy Chicken Alfredo Soup even more exciting!

• Add Vegetables: Toss in some fresh spinach, mushrooms, or even broccoli for a nutritious boost!
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a bit of heat.
• Different Proteins: Swap the chicken for shrimp or cooked sausage for a delightful change.
• Herb Variations: Experiment with different fresh herbs, like basil or thyme, for a unique flavor profile.
• Cheese Swap: Try different cheese blends, like gouda or cheddar, for a twist on the classic taste.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving

When serving this Creamy Chicken Alfredo Soup, ladle it into warm bowls and sprinkle a bit of extra parsley on top for that pop of color. Pair it with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal that everyone will enjoy!

Storage

For leftovers, let the soup cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months, but be sure to thaw it in the fridge before reheating on the stove over low heat.

Helpful Notes

Here are some extra tips to make your Creamy Chicken Alfredo Soup even better:

• Feel free to substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version, but the soup may be less creamy.
• If you're looking to cut down on calories, you can use low-fat cream cheese and low-sodium chicken broth.
• Adding a splash of lemon juice at the end can brighten the flavors beautifully!
• For a gluten-free option, swap out the all-purpose flour for cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend.
• Don't hesitate to throw in some frozen peas or corn for added color and nutrition!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze "Creamy Chicken Alfredo Soup"?

Yes, you can freeze this soup! Just let it cool completely, then transfer it to airtight containers. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge before reheating.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

If you're looking for a lighter option, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk. Just keep in mind that the soup may not be as rich and creamy, but it will still be delicious!

How can I make it gluten-free?

To make this soup gluten-free, simply replace the all-purpose flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to use gluten-free pasta as well, and you'll have a fantastic gluten-free meal!

Final Thoughts

I hope you're as excited to try this Creamy Chicken Alfredo Soup as I am to share it! This recipe is all about comfort, warmth, and the joy of gathering around the dinner table with loved ones. Remember, cooking should be fun, so don't stress if things get a little messy along the way. Embrace the process, and you'll end up with a delicious meal that everyone will rave about. I'd love to hear how your soup turns out! So don't forget to share your experiences, tips, or any fun variations you come up with. Happy cooking!