Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Soup
Indulge in the rich, creamy flavors of our Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Soup, an expertly crafted dish that combines tender pieces of chicken, vibrant broccoli, and a decadent Alfredo sauce made from scratch. Inspired by a beloved recipe from Dairy Keen in Heber City, Utah, this soup is ideal for cozy family dinners or entertaining guests. Each spoonful is filled with comforting textures and tastes that will warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds. Perfect for chilly evenings, this soup delivers both nutrition and flavor in every bowl, making it a dish you'll love to make and share over and over again.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
chopped onion
1/4 cup (chopped)
garlic cloves
3 large (minced)
butter
3/4 cup (melted)
flour
3/4 cup (all-purpose)
low sodium chicken broth
4 cups (liquid)
half-and-half cream
1 quart (liquid)
freshly-grated parmesan cheese
1 1/2 cups (freshly grated)
water
2 cups (for boiling broccoli)
broccoli
1 bunch (tops only, cut into bite-sized pieces)
boneless chicken breasts
3 cups (cooked and diced)
white pepper
1 1/4 teaspoons (ground)
salt
1 1/4 teaspoons (to taste)
nutmeg
1 dash (dash)
farfalle bow tie pasta
6 ounces (cooked according to package directions)
Instructions
1
In a heavy stockpot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
2
Sprinkle in the flour and stir continuously for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture becomes bubbly.
3
Gradually whisk in the low sodium chicken broth and half-and-half cream. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, for about 10 minutes, or until the mixture thickens to your desired consistency.
4
In a separate pan, bring the water to a boil and add the broccoli florets. Cook for 2-3 minutes until just tender but still vibrant in color. Do not drain the cooking water; set aside.
5
Once the soup base has thickened, reduce heat to low and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Cook until melted and fully incorporated.
6
Add the partially cooked broccoli along with its reserved cooking water, the diced cooked chicken, white pepper, salt, a dash of nutmeg, and cooked bow tie pasta into the stockpot. Stir well and heat through for another 5-7 minutes until everything is hot.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Soup?
It is a rich and decadent soup that combines tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and a scratch-made Alfredo sauce, inspired by a recipe from Dairy Keen in Heber City, Utah.
What inspired this specific soup recipe?
This recipe was inspired by a beloved dish from Dairy Keen located in Heber City, Utah.
How do I start the cooking process?
Begin by melting 3/4 cup of butter in a heavy stockpot over medium heat and sautéing onion and garlic.
How long should I sauté the onion and garlic?
Sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic for 2-3 minutes until they are softened and fragrant.
What creates the thickening base for the soup?
A roux made from butter and 3/4 cup of all-purpose flour creates the thickening base.
How long do I cook the flour mixture?
Stir the flour and butter mixture continuously for about 2-3 minutes until it becomes bubbly.
What liquids are added to the soup base?
Gradually whisk in 4 cups of low sodium chicken broth and 1 quart of half-and-half cream.
How long does it take for the soup base to thicken?
It takes about 10 minutes of frequent stirring for the mixture to reach the desired consistency.
How should the broccoli be prepared?
Boil the broccoli tops in 2 cups of water for 2-3 minutes until tender but still vibrant green.
Should I drain the broccoli water?
No, do not drain the cooking water; it is reserved and added back into the soup for extra flavor.
When do I add the Parmesan cheese?
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese once the soup base has thickened and the heat has been reduced to low.
What kind of chicken is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 3 cups of boneless chicken breasts that have been previously cooked and diced.
What type of pasta is recommended?
Use 6 ounces of farfalle (bow tie) pasta, cooked according to package directions.
What spices provide the signature flavor?
The soup is seasoned with white pepper, salt, and a dash of nutmeg.
Why is white pepper used instead of black pepper?
White pepper provides a subtle heat and a clean aesthetic that blends perfectly into creamy white soups.
How much garlic is used in this recipe?
The recipe requires 3 large garlic cloves, minced.
Is the Parmesan cheese fresh or canned?
The recipe specifically calls for 1 1/2 cups of freshly-grated Parmesan cheese for the best texture and flavor.
How long do I heat the soup after all ingredients are combined?
Stir everything well and heat through for another 5-7 minutes until the soup is hot.
Can I use regular chicken broth?
Yes, though low sodium chicken broth is recommended to better control the saltiness of the dish.
What is the final texture of this soup?
The final texture is creamy, hearty, and thick, filled with pasta, chicken, and broccoli.
Is there a specific way to add the liquids?
Yes, you should whisk them in gradually to ensure the roux incorporates smoothly without lumps.
What is the role of nutmeg in this soup?
A dash of nutmeg adds a warm, professional depth of flavor common in classic Alfredo and Béchamel sauces.
How much butter is in this recipe?
This recipe uses 3/4 cup of butter.
How many ingredients are in this recipe in total?
There are 14 ingredients used to make this soup.
What tags describe this meal?
Tags include soup, chicken, broccoli, alfredo, comfort food, creamy, hearty, and family meal.
Is this soup suitable for cold weather?
Yes, it is described as perfect for chilly evenings and ideal for warming the heart.
Can I substitute the half-and-half?
While half-and-half provides the creamy texture, you could use heavy cream for more richness or whole milk for a lighter version.
Should I cook the pasta in the soup?
The instructions recommend adding pasta that has already been cooked according to package directions.
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, but adjust the boiling time to ensure it does not become too mushy before adding it to the soup.
What is the recommended serving style?
It is best served hot in a bowl, making it a great dish for family dinners or entertaining guests.