Hearty Creamy Ditalini Soup for Chilly Nights

When the temperature drops and evenings feel extra chilly, nothing hits the spot quite like a warm, creamy bowl of soup. Enter the Hearty Creamy Ditalini Soup—a comforting blend of tender chicken, diced vegetables, bite-sized ditalini pasta, and a rich, savory broth finished with cream and Parmesan. It’s the kind of soup that warms you from the inside out, perfect for weeknight dinners, family meals, or simply curling up with a blanket and a bowl of pure comfort.

Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just beginning your soup-making journey, this recipe is approachable, flavorful, and guaranteed to become a staple during the colder months.

Why This Soup Is Special

Unlike ordinary chicken noodle soup, this creamy ditalini version is packed with flavor and texture. The small, tube-shaped pasta absorbs the creamy broth perfectly, while the combination of carrots, celery, and onion creates a classic aromatic base that elevates the chicken. The finishing touch of Parmesan cheese adds richness, while fresh herbs lend brightness and a pop of color.

This soup is hearty enough to serve as a main course yet light enough that it won’t weigh you down. It’s versatile, crowd-pleasing, and perfect for meal prep or serving at a cozy dinner gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comfort Food at Its Best: Creamy, warm, and satisfying, ideal for cold nights.
• Quick and Easy: Ready in just 45 minutes from start to finish.
• Crowd-Friendly: Serves 6 generously, making it perfect for family dinners.
• Flavorful: Garlic, Parmesan, and fresh herbs create layers of taste.
• Versatile: Swap pasta types, add vegetables, or use different proteins.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Perfect for prepping and reheating during the week.

Ingredients Breakdown

This recipe serves 6 people. Ingredients are grouped by component for clarity.

Soup Base & Vegetables:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced

Protein:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, diced

Liquids & Pasta:

• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup ditalini pasta
• 1 cup heavy cream

Finishing Touches:

• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley or basil, chopped, for garnish

Serving Size: 1 generous bowl per person

Tools & Equipment Needed

To make this creamy soup perfectly, gather the following kitchen tools:

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board
• Ladle for serving
• Grater for Parmesan cheese

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sauté the Aromatics

Heat olive oil and butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery and sauté for 5–7 minutes until softened and fragrant. These vegetables form the base of the soup, creating a depth of flavor.

2. Add Garlic

Add minced garlic to the pot and cook for an additional minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Garlic adds a subtle aromatic kick that enhances the richness of the soup.

3. Cook the Chicken

Add diced chicken to the pot. Season with salt and black pepper and cook until lightly browned, stirring occasionally. Browning the chicken slightly ensures it develops flavor and texture before simmering.

4. Add Broth and Simmer

Pour in 6 cups of chicken broth, bringing the soup to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 15–20 minutes. This allows the chicken to cook fully and the vegetables to soften further, blending their flavors into the broth.

5. Cook the Ditalini Pasta

Add 1 cup ditalini pasta to the pot. Cook uncovered for 8–10 minutes or until the pasta is al dente, absorbing the flavorful broth but retaining a slight chew.

6. Add Cream and Cheese

Reduce the heat and stir in 1 cup heavy cream, simmering gently for 3–5 minutes until the soup becomes rich and creamy. Turn off the heat and stir in ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, which melts into the soup, adding a savory, slightly nutty flavor.

7. Taste and Adjust

Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with additional salt and black pepper if necessary. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color and freshness.

8. Serve

Ladle the soup into bowls and serve immediately. Pair with warm bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

Tips & Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas and use vegetable broth.
• Pasta Swap: If ditalini isn’t available, use small pasta like elbow macaroni or orzo.
• Extra Vegetables: Add peas, corn, or spinach for added nutrition and color.
• Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream or unsweetened almond milk and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
• Flavor Boost: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or smoked paprika for warmth.

Flavor Profile & Pairings

This soup has a rich, creamy, and savory flavor with tender chicken, soft yet firm pasta, and subtle sweetness from carrots. The Parmesan and heavy cream create a velvety texture, while fresh herbs add brightness.

Side Pairings:

• Garlic bread or crusty baguette
• Caesar or mixed green salad
• Roasted root vegetables for extra comfort

Nutritional Overview (Estimated per serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	420 kcal
Protein	30 g
Carbohydrates	32 g
Fats	18 g
Fiber	3 g

Dietary Notes:

• Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free pasta.
• Nut-free and soy-free.
• Halal-friendly if using halal-certified chicken.

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

• Prepare Ingredients: Dice vegetables and chicken in advance for faster cooking.
• Cook in Advance: Soup can be stored in the fridge for 3–4 days. Reheat gently to avoid curdling the cream.
• Freeze for Later: Freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Add fresh cream when reheating to maintain richness.

FAQs

Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?
Yes! Thighs add more flavor and tenderness, making the soup extra hearty.

Q2: How do I prevent the cream from curdling?
Stir the cream in off the heat or simmer on very low heat to prevent separation.

Q3: Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Absolutely. Sauté aromatics and chicken first, then transfer to a slow cooker with broth and pasta. Add cream and cheese at the end.

Q4: Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Yes. Use coconut cream or unsweetened almond milk and substitute Parmesan with nutritional yeast.

Q5: How thick should the soup be?
It should be creamy but pourable. Adjust thickness by adding more broth if needed.

Cooking Timeline (at a Glance)

Task	Time
Prep ingredients	10 minutes
Sauté aromatics	6–8 minutes
Cook chicken	5–6 minutes
Simmer with broth	15–20 minutes
Cook pasta	8–10 minutes
Add cream & cheese	3–5 minutes
Total Time	45 minutes

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a slice of toasted garlic bread for dipping.
• Top with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a professional presentation.
• For a heartier meal, add a side of roasted vegetables or a green salad.

Recipe Variations

1. Vegetable Lovers: Add peas, zucchini, or spinach for extra nutrients.
2. Spicy Creamy Soup: Add crushed red pepper flakes or smoked paprika.
3. Cheesy Boost: Stir in extra Parmesan or a handful of shredded mozzarella.
4. Protein Swap: Use shredded rotisserie chicken or turkey instead of raw chicken.

Ingredient Spotlight

Ditalini Pasta: Tiny tube-shaped pasta that holds the creamy soup perfectly and cooks quickly. Store in a cool, dry place.

Parmesan Cheese: Adds a nutty, salty flavor that enhances creaminess. Use freshly grated for best results.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Brown chicken lightly for deeper flavor.
• Don’t overcook pasta; it will continue cooking slightly in residual heat.
• Use fresh herbs for garnish to brighten flavors.
• Stir cream slowly and off high heat to avoid curdling.

Storage & Freezing Guide

• Soup: Refrigerate up to 4 days in airtight containers.
• Freezing: Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers. Add cream when reheating to maintain texture.
• Pasta: For longer storage, cook pasta separately to prevent sogginess, then combine when serving.

Expanded Conclusion

This Hearty Creamy Ditalini Soup is the ultimate comfort food for chilly nights. Its combination of tender chicken, fresh vegetables, creamy broth, and bite-sized pasta makes it a warming, satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare yet impressive in flavor. Whether you’re cooking for family, entertaining guests, or enjoying a quiet night at home, this soup will quickly become a favorite.

Warm up your evenings with a bowl, enjoy every spoonful, and don’t forget to share this cozy recipe with your loved ones. Once you try it, it will likely become your go-to comfort meal whenever the temperatures drop.

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