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If you’re craving something that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, you’ve gotta try this Chicken Alfredo Soup with Broccoli Recipe. It’s the ultimate cozy comfort, blending tender rotisserie chicken, vibrant broccoli, and perfectly cooked pasta all swimming in a luscious, creamy Parmesan broth. Ready in just about 30 minutes, this one-pot wonder is perfect for busy weeknights when you want hearty flavor without all the fuss. Every spoonful offers a delightful balance of creamy richness and fresh vegetable brightness that will quickly turn this soup into a family favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Chicken Alfredo Soup with Broccoli Recipe lies in its simple, pantry-friendly ingredients. Each one plays a vital role: from the savory richness of butter and Parmesan to the fresh pop of broccoli and the comforting heartiness of rotisserie chicken and pasta.
- 3 tablespoons butter: Gives the soup a silky base and helps soften the onions perfectly.
- 1 cup diced yellow onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the broth.
- 6 cloves garlic, minced: Brings fragrant warmth and a hint of zing.
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that elevates the soup’s savory profile.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Boosts garlic flavor with an earthy undertone.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the onion’s natural sweetness.
- Dash of nutmeg: Adds a subtle, warming spice to balance the creaminess.
- 3 tablespoons flour: Thickens the soup to a luxurious consistency.
- 6 cups chicken stock: The flavorful liquid foundation that ties everything together.
- 1.5 cups half and half: Creates a creamy texture without overwhelming richness.
- 8 ounces short pasta (trotolle, rotini, penne): Provides satisfying bite and heartiness.
- 2 cups bite-size broccoli florets: Adds vibrant green color and fresh crunch.
- 4 ounces freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the broth, adding sharp, nutty flavor.
- 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken: Makes this soup hearty and protein-packed.
- 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar: Brightens the creamy broth with a touch of tang.
- Kosher salt and fresh cracked black pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors.
How to Make Chicken Alfredo Soup with Broccoli Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by melting butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Toss in the diced onions with a pinch of salt and pepper, letting them cook until they’re soft and fragrant, about four minutes. Adding the onions first builds a flavorful base that makes the whole soup sing.
Step 2: Build Flavor with Spices and Garlic
Next, add the minced garlic along with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and a dash of nutmeg. Stir continuously for about a minute until everything releases their wonderful aromas. This step layers the soup with a depth of flavor that truly sets it apart from your everyday soup.
Step 3: Make the Roux
Sprinkle in the flour and cook it in the butter and spices, stirring frequently for another minute. This little floury step creates the thick, silky texture we crave in a great Alfredo soup.
Step 4: Deglaze and Add Liquid
Pour a few splashes of chicken stock into the pot to deglaze, scraping up all the tasty browned bits stuck to the bottom. Then, stir in the rest of the chicken stock along with the half and half, bringing it all together into a creamy, flavorful broth.
Step 5: Cook Pasta and Broccoli
Add the pasta and broccoli florets to the pot. Bring the soup up to a gentle simmer over medium-high heat, then lower the heat to a gentle bubble. Let it cook for about 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is perfectly tender and the broccoli has softened just right.
Step 6: Finish with Chicken, Cheese, and Vinegar
Turn off the heat and immediately stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it melts smoothly. Then fold in the shredded rotisserie chicken and a splash of balsamic vinegar for a subtle tang. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and get ready for that first comforting spoonful.
How to Serve Chicken Alfredo Soup with Broccoli Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese makes the soup irresistible and adds extra cheesiness. You can also scatter some chopped fresh parsley or basil over the top for a fresh herbal note and vibrant color that makes the bowl even more inviting.
Side Dishes
This soup is hearty enough on its own, but pairing it with crusty garlic bread or a warm baguette makes the meal even more indulgent. A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette also balances the richness beautifully without competing for attention.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup in hollowed-out mini bread bowls or small cast iron skillets for individual portions. You can also add a swirl of extra cream or drizzle some good-quality olive oil on top for a restaurant-worthy touch that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (which is rare with this recipe!), cool the soup to room temperature and transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days without losing its flavor or texture.
Freezing
This Chicken Alfredo Soup with Broccoli Recipe freezes well, which is perfect for prepping ahead. Portion the soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion, and freeze for up to 2 months. Keep in mind that pasta can sometimes become a little softer after freezing, so you might prefer to undercook it slightly if planning to freeze.
Reheating
Reheat the soup gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring often to prevent the pasta from sticking, and add a splash of chicken stock or milk if it feels too thick. This will bring back the soup’s creamy smoothness without overcooking the pasta or broccoli.
FAQs
Can I use fresh chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! You can cook fresh chicken breasts or thighs, shred them, and add them just like the rotisserie chicken. Rotisserie chicken just saves time and adds extra flavor with minimum effort.
What pasta works best for this soup?
Short pasta shapes like trotolle, rotini, or penne are ideal because they hold up well in the soup and provide a nice chewy texture. Avoid very thin pastas that might get mushy during simmering.
Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Yes, swap the half and half for a dairy-free alternative like coconut milk or almond milk, and use a dairy-free cheese substitute. Keep in mind the flavor will shift slightly, but it will still be creamy and delicious.
How can I make the soup thicker?
If you prefer a thicker broth, simply add a little more flour or reduce the amount of chicken stock. You can also simmer the soup a bit longer to naturally thicken it.
Can I add other vegetables to this soup?
Definitely! Feel free to stir in diced carrots, peas, or mushrooms to add more color and nutrition to the soup. Just adjust cooking times so everything gets tender but not mushy.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Alfredo Soup with Broccoli Recipe is a shining example of simple ingredients coming together to create something truly special. It’s creamy, comforting, and packed with fresh flavors that make every spoonful count. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or looking to impress friends and family, this soup promises warmth and satisfaction in every bite. Give it a try and get ready to add a new favorite to your recipe collection!
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PrintChicken Alfredo Soup with Broccoli Recipe
This comforting Chicken Alfredo Soup with Broccoli is a creamy, one-pot meal featuring tender rotisserie chicken, pasta, fresh broccoli, and a rich Parmesan-infused broth. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a perfect quick dinner for busy weeknights that combines the classic flavors of Alfredo sauce with the heartiness of soup.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup diced yellow onion
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Dash nutmeg
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 6 cups chicken stock
- 1.5 cups half and half
- 8 ounces short pasta (like trotolle, rotini, penne)
- 2 cups bite size broccoli florets
- 4 ounces freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
- 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Fresh cracked black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Heat Butter and Sauté Onions: In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the diced yellow onions along with a couple pinches of salt and pepper. Cook for about 4 minutes, stirring frequently until the onions are softened and translucent.
- Add Garlic and Seasonings: Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and a dash of nutmeg. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring often to release the aromas and allow the spices to bloom.
- Create Roux with Flour: Sprinkle in the flour and cook, stirring frequently for another minute to eliminate the raw taste and start thickening the base of the soup.
- Deglaze the Pot: Add a few splashes of chicken stock to the pot to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom. This adds rich flavor to the soup base.
- Add Liquids, Pasta, and Broccoli: Pour in the remaining chicken stock, half and half, then add the pasta and bite-sized broccoli florets. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Simmer Until Cooked: Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-high heat. Once simmering, reduce heat to low and gently cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent pasta from sticking, until pasta is al dente and broccoli is tender.
- Incorporate Parmesan Cheese: Remove the pot from heat and quickly stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it melts smoothly into the creamy broth.
- Add Chicken and Vinegar: Stir in the shredded rotisserie chicken and balsamic vinegar, blending all the flavors together.
- Adjust Seasonings and Serve: Taste and add more salt and freshly cracked black pepper if needed. Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy your comforting chicken Alfredo soup!
Notes
- Cut the broccoli into uniform pieces about an inch or smaller to ensure even cooking and tenderness.
- Stir often once the pasta is added to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the creamiest texture and best flavor.
- If the soup gets too thick, add a splash of chicken stock or milk to thin it to your desired consistency.
