One Pot Creamy Chicken Soup – Quick, Cozy, and Delicious

When life gets hectic (and let’s be honest, when isn’t it?), this One Pot Creamy Chicken Soup comes to the rescue like a warm hug in a bowl. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you feel like you’ve got your act together—even if dinner was a last-minute decision.

In just 30 minutes, you’ll have a hearty, creamy, flavor-packed soup that checks all the boxes: tender shredded chicken, cozy ditalini pasta, colorful veggies, and an herby broth so comforting you’ll want to curl up on the couch with it. This One Pot Creamy Chicken Soup isn’t just easy—it’s soul-soothing, family-approved, and perfect for weeknights when you need something quick but crave something that tastes like love.

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What is One Pot Creamy Chicken Soup?

At its heart, One Pot Creamy Chicken Soup is a simple, homestyle dish that brings together everything we adore about comfort food in a single pot. It’s got a luxuriously creamy base (thanks to heavy cream), hearty chunks of rotisserie chicken, perfectly cooked ditalini pasta, and an aromatic blend of garlic, onion, and herbs that make your kitchen smell heavenly.

The “one pot” part isn’t just for show—it means fewer dishes, less mess, and more time to actually enjoy your meal. Think of it as the weekday hero that bridges the gap between homemade flavor and convenience. Plus, that little splash of balsamic vinegar at the end? It adds a subtle tang that brightens the creamy broth and makes every spoonful pop.

Reasons to Try One Pot Creamy Chicken Soup

There are a dozen reasons to love this One Pot Creamy Chicken Soup, but let’s stick to the big ones. First, it’s fast—ready in about half an hour, which makes it ideal for busy moms, professionals, or anyone juggling life. Second, it’s truly satisfying: the creamy broth and chewy pasta make it rich enough to be a full meal, yet it’s light enough to not weigh you down.

Third, it’s customizable—you can toss in spinach, mushrooms, or even leftover turkey. And finally, it’s family-friendly. Kids love it, picky eaters approve, and even the soup skeptics will ask for seconds. It’s also a great way to use up that rotisserie chicken sitting in your fridge before it becomes a science experiment.

Ingredients Needed to Make One Pot Creamy Chicken Soup

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup diced yellow onion
• 1 cup sliced carrots
• 1 cup sliced celery
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon ground sage
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 8 cups chicken stock (or broth)
• 2 cups uncooked ditalini pasta
• 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
• Kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper
• Sliced chives for garnish

Instructions to Make One Pot Creamy Chicken Soup

Let’s walk through this One Pot Creamy Chicken Soup step by step, so you can whip up a cozy, creamy bowl of comfort without breaking a sweat. This recipe keeps cleanup simple and your dinner delicious—all in one pot!

Step 1: Sauté the Veggies to Build the Flavor Base

Start this One Pot Creamy Chicken Soup step by step adventure by heating two tablespoons of butter in a large pot over medium heat. Once melted and sizzling, toss in your diced onion, sliced carrots, and celery. Add a pinch of kosher salt and a few cracks of black pepper to season them early. This is where the magic begins—those veggies are your flavor foundation. Let them cook for about 6 minutes, stirring every so often, until the onions turn translucent and your kitchen smells incredible. If you’ve ever made my Easy Chicken and Rice Soup, you’ll know that this simple step of sautéing the aromatics first makes a world of difference in taste.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Herbs for That Cozy Aroma

Next in our step by step guide, stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and ground sage. Garlic burns quickly, so only cook it for about a minute, stirring constantly. This quick sauté coaxes out that rich, herby aroma that makes your soup taste like it’s been simmering for hours. The Italian seasoning gives it that cozy, rustic vibe, while sage brings a comforting depth you’ll love. If you want to mix things up next time, check out my Fall Chicken and Pumpkin Stew—it uses similar warm spices for a cozy autumn twist.

Step 3: Thicken the Base with a Simple Roux

Now it’s time to give your One Pot Creamy Chicken Soup its signature creamy texture. Sprinkle the flour evenly over the sautéed veggies and stir constantly for about a minute. This creates a light roux that will naturally thicken your soup later. Don’t worry if it looks a little pasty at first—that’s exactly what you want. Pour in a splash or two of chicken stock and scrape up any golden bits stuck to the bottom.

Those bits (called fond) are pure flavor gold! Once the pot’s deglazed, slowly pour in the rest of the chicken stock. If you’re curious about thickening methods for creamy soups, check out our article on Easy Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup—it’s a great guide for mastering cream-based textures.

Step 4: Add Chicken and Pasta for Heartiness

In this step by step stage, add the shredded rotisserie chicken and uncooked ditalini pasta directly into the pot. Stir to combine, then season again with a pinch of salt and pepper. Increase the heat to medium-high and cover the pot to bring everything to a gentle simmer. Once it starts bubbling, lower the heat to a soft simmer and let it cook, covered, for about 5 minutes—or until the pasta is al dente. Stir every couple of minutes so the pasta doesn’t stick to the bottom.

The beauty of this step is that the pasta cooks right in the broth, soaking up all that savory flavor instead of water. For a fun pasta variation, check out my Cajun Chicken Orzo—it’s another creamy, one-pot winner that’s full of southern flair.

Step 5: Make It Creamy and Perfectly Balanced

Time to bring the creaminess to life. Pour in the heavy cream and stir gently to combine. Then add a teaspoon of balsamic vinegar—trust me, it might sound small, but it’s a game changer. That tiny splash adds just enough acidity to balance out the rich cream and savory chicken. Taste and adjust your seasoning; a little extra salt or pepper might be just what it needs. If you prefer a slightly lighter version, you can swap heavy cream for half-and-half, though it’ll be a bit less rich. Curious about creamy alternatives? My Creamy Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup uses milk and broth for a lighter—but still luscious—finish.

Step 6: Serve It Hot and Garnish Generously

The final One Pot Creamy Chicken Soup step by step move is all about presentation and that first comforting spoonful. Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle with fresh chives for color and a touch of brightness. If you’re feeling extra cozy, serve it with a side of crusty bread or a light salad. This soup thickens as it sits, so if you have leftovers, stir in a splash of broth when reheating to get that silky texture back. Want to make a full soup night out of it? Pair it with a side of Coconut Crusted Fish with Mango Salsa for a tropical-meets-comfort-food dinner that’s sure to impress.

What to Serve with One Pot Creamy Chicken Soup

This creamy soup pairs beautifully with buttery garlic bread, homemade biscuits, or even a fresh green salad. If you want to keep things light, try a side of roasted veggies like these Maple Dijon Roasted Carrots. Craving something heartier? A slice of Traditional Chunky Pepper Beef Pie would make an amazing companion for a cozy weekend dinner.

Key Tips for Making One Pot Creamy Chicken Soup

1. Salt as you go—it builds flavor at every step.
2. Don’t overcook the pasta—it should be just tender when you add the cream.
3. Don’t skip the vinegar—that little teaspoon balances the richness perfectly.
4. Keep stirring—pasta tends to settle and stick, so give it a gentle stir every few minutes.
5. Make it your own—throw in spinach, corn, or even diced potatoes if you like a chunkier soup.

Storage and Reheating Tips for One Pot Creamy Chicken Soup

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The soup will thicken as it cools, so add a splash of broth or cream when reheating. Warm it gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or reheat in the microwave in 45-second intervals, stirring between each. For longer storage, freeze without the pasta (it can get mushy) and add freshly cooked pasta when reheating.

FAQs

Can I use milk instead of cream? Yes, but it won’t be as rich. Half-and-half is a good compromise.
Can I make this ahead of time? Absolutely! Just keep the pasta separate and combine when reheating.
Can I freeze this soup? Yes, but for best texture, freeze before adding the cream and pasta.
What can I use instead of ditalini? Small shells or elbow macaroni work perfectly.

Final Thoughts

This One Pot Creamy Chicken Soup is everything you want in a cozy meal—simple, comforting, and unbelievably satisfying. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table, warms the belly, and soothes the soul. And if you loved this one, you’ll probably adore my Creamy Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup or the Chicken Pot Pie Pasta—both just as comforting and easy to make.

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