What is Creamy Chicken Enchilada Pasta Soup
Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup is a hybrid comfort recipe that combines the bold flavors of chicken enchiladas with the heartiness of a pasta soup. It delivers the spice and depth of enchilada sauce while using pasta to create a filling, satisfying texture. This easy chicken recipe works especially well as a weeknight dinner because it brings everything together in one pot. Families love it because it feels indulgent without being complicated, and it’s familiar enough to please picky eaters while still exciting.
Why this recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner
This recipe is designed for busy schedules and minimal cleanup. Everything cooks in one pot, which makes it ideal for a quick weeknight dinner when time and energy are limited. The chicken cooks directly in the broth, which keeps it tender and flavorful without extra steps. Because the pasta cooks in the same pot, the Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup naturally thickens and develops depth. It’s an easy chicken recipe that delivers maximum comfort with minimal effort.
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Creamy Mexican Street Corn Chicken Soup
Family dinner appeal and crowd-pleasing flavor
Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup is a strong family dinner option because it balances bold flavor with approachability. The enchilada sauce adds warmth without overwhelming heat, and the creamy finish keeps everything mellow and comforting. Kids enjoy the pasta and cheese, while adults appreciate the layered spices and richness. It’s the kind of dish that disappears quickly at the table and often leads to requests for seconds.
Pro Tip 💡 :
“This Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup freezes best without pasta; add fresh pasta when reheating if freezing.”
Meal prep and leftovers made simple
This Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup is excellent for meal prep because it stores and reheats beautifully. The flavors deepen overnight, making leftovers even more satisfying the next day. Because the pasta absorbs liquid as it rests, adding a splash of broth when reheating brings it back to the perfect consistency. This makes it a reliable healthy dinner option for lunches or busy nights when cooking from scratch isn’t possible.
How pasta transforms this enchilada soup
Adding pasta turns this from a traditional Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup into a complete, fork-and-spoon meal. As the pasta cooks, it releases starch that thickens the broth, creating a creamy, cohesive texture. Each bite delivers chicken, pasta, beans, and sauce together, which makes the dish feel more filling and comforting than a standard soup. This texture is especially appealing during colder months and for comfort-food cravings.
Pro Tip 💡 :
“If the soup thickens too much after resting, stir in warm chicken broth when reheating.”
Can this recipe fit into a healthy dinner routine
Despite its creamy texture, this recipe can still fit into a healthy dinner plan. Chicken provides lean protein, while beans and corn add fiber and balance. Using moderate amounts of cheese and cream keeps the Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup rich without being heavy. You can also lighten it by using reduced-fat dairy or adding extra vegetables. It’s a flexible easy chicken recipe that adapts to different nutrition goals.
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Teriyaki Chicken Skillet
Customization options for different tastes
This Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup is easy to customize based on preference. You can increase heat with jalapeños, swap black beans for pinto beans, or use rotisserie chicken to save time. Toppings allow everyone to personalize their bowl, which increases its appeal for family dinner settings. These options help keep the recipe exciting even when made regularly.
Why this soup becomes a repeat favorite
Recipes that succeed long-term combine comfort, ease, and flavor, and this Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup checks all three boxes. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner, hearty enough for meal prep, and flavorful enough to feel special. Because it’s reliable and adaptable, it often becomes part of a regular rotation rather than a one-time meal. That repeat value is what makes it a standout easy chicken recipe.
PrintRecipe: Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup
- Total Time: 40 Minutes
- Yield: 6 Servings 1x
Description
This Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup is a one-pot comfort meal made for busy weeknights. It blends tender chicken, enchilada sauce, pasta, beans, and cheese into a rich, satisfying soup that feels indulgent yet practical. Perfect for family dinner, meal prep, and anyone craving bold flavor with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- Olive oil 1 tablespoon
- Yellow onion finely chopped 1 medium
- Garlic cloves minced 4
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs 1½ lb
- Chili powder 1½ teaspoons
- Ground cumin 1 teaspoon
- Smoked paprika 1 teaspoon
- Dried oregano ½ teaspoon
- Kosher salt 1 teaspoon
- Black pepper ½ teaspoon
- Low-sodium chicken broth 4 cups
- Red enchilada sauce 2 cups
- Fire-roasted diced tomatoes 1 can
- Short pasta (rotini, shells, or elbows) 8 oz
- Black beans drained and rinsed 1 can
- Corn kernels drained 1½ cups
- Heavy cream ½ cup
- Shredded cheddar or Mexican-blend cheese 1½ cups
- Fresh lime juice 2 tablespoons
- Optional toppings
Sour cream or Greek yogurt - Fresh cilantro
- Avocado slices
- Tortilla strips
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and cook 3–4 minutes until softened.
- Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add chicken breasts or thighs and sprinkle with chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
- Stir briefly to coat the chicken in spices.
- Pour in chicken broth, enchilada sauce, and fire-roasted diced tomatoes.
- Stir well and bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer.
- Cover and cook 15–20 minutes until chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Remove chicken, shred with two forks, and return to the pot.
- Stir in uncooked pasta, black beans, and corn.
- Simmer uncovered 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and soup thickens.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream and shredded cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Stir in fresh lime juice and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Ladle into bowls and finish with desired toppings.
Notes
- If the soup thickens too much after resting, stir in warm chicken broth when reheating.
- For a lighter version, reduce cheese slightly or use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- This soup freezes best without pasta; add fresh pasta when reheating if freezing.
- Prep Time: 10 Minutes
- Cook Time: 30 Minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Serving
- Calories: 420Kcal
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 32g
Keywords: Chicken Enchilada Pasta Soup