Chicken Soup A’la Ashley
Chicken Soup A’la Ashley is a cozy, creamy twist on classic chicken noodle soup.
With a flavorful blend of ranch seasoning, tender vegetables, and just the right amount of spice from Rotel, it’s hearty, comforting, and easy to whip up on a busy weeknight.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Comforting & Creamy: A rich, creamy base thanks to cream of chicken soup and cream cheese.
Loaded with Flavor: Ranch seasoning, spices, and Rotel add a bold kick.
Quick & Simple: Uses pre-cooked chicken and pantry staples to save time.
Family-Friendly: Mild enough for kids but customizable for spice-lovers.
One-Pot Meal: Fewer dishes and faster cleanup.
Key Ingredients
Red Onion, Celery, Carrots & Garlic – Classic aromatics that build a flavorful base.
Cooked Chicken – Use leftover rotisserie or any pre-cooked chicken for convenience.
Ranch Seasoning & Spices – Add a savory, herby kick.
Cream of Chicken Soup & Cream Cheese – Make the broth luxuriously creamy.
Rotel (Tomatoes + Green Chilies) – Brings gentle heat and acidity.
Angel Hair Pasta – Light pasta that cooks quickly in the broth.
Kitchen Tools & Timing
Large pot or Dutch oven
Mixing bowl
Whisk
Wooden spoon or ladle
Chicken soup A’la Ashley
Ingredients
1 red onion diced
2 stalks celery diced
Handful of shredded carrots
2 cloves minced garlic
1/2 Ib cooked chicken cubed
Paprika
Salt/pepper
Onion powder
Garlic powder
1/2 Tbs ranch seasoning
1 can cream of chicken soup
4 cups of chicken broth
1 can Rotel
1/4 cup cream cheese softened
1/4 Ib angel hair spaghetti broken in bite sized pieces
Instructions:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a splash of oil over medium heat.
Add the diced red onion, celery, shredded carrots, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and fragrant.
Stir in the cooked, cubed chicken along with paprika, salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and ranch seasoning. Cook for another 2 minutes to blend the flavors.
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the can of cream of chicken soup with one can’s worth of chicken broth. Whisk until smooth, then pour the mixture into the pot.
Add the remaining chicken broth and the can of Rotel (undrained). Stir well and bring everything to a gentle boil.
Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the softened cream cheese, stirring until it’s fully melted and incorporated into the soup.
Add the broken angel hair pasta. Simmer for about 7 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked to your liking.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve warm and enjoy!
Recipe Notes: Chicken Soup A’la Ashley
Use Cooked Chicken Only:
This recipe calls for pre-cooked chicken, which cuts down on cooking time. Rotisserie chicken or leftover roast chicken works perfectly.
Prep the Cream Soup Mixture Separately:
Whisking the cream of chicken soup with broth in a bowl before adding it to the pot ensures a smooth, lump-free base.
Control the Spice Level:
The Rotel adds a bit of spice. Use the mild version if you’re serving kids or prefer less heat, or swap with plain diced tomatoes.
Soften the Cream Cheese First:
Let the cream cheese sit at room temperature before adding it to the soup so it melts faster and blends smoothly without clumps.
Break the Pasta Small:
Breaking the angel hair spaghetti into short, bite-sized pieces makes the soup easier to eat and helps it cook quickly and evenly.
Don’t Overcook the Pasta:
Add pasta near the end and simmer only until al dente — angel hair cooks very fast and can become mushy if overcooked.
Adjust Thickness:
If the soup is too thick after adding cream cheese and pasta, you can stir in a little more broth or water to thin it out.
Flavor Boosters:
If you like bold flavor, consider adding a splash of hot sauce or a dash of smoked paprika for depth.
Nutrition Information
(Per Serving – Approx. 6 servings)
Calories: ~350 | Protein: ~22g | Carbohydrates: ~25g | Fat: ~18g | Fiber: ~2g | Sodium: ~900mg
Swaps and Variations
Protein Options: Swap chicken for turkey or canned white beans for a vegetarian twist.
No Cream Cheese? Use sour cream or heavy cream for a different creamy base.
Noodle Options: Use egg noodles, orzo, or even rice instead of angel hair.
Add More Veggies: Stir in spinach, corn, or peas for added nutrition.
How to Store Leftovers
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently.
Tip: The pasta may absorb liquid over time—add a splash of broth or water when reheating.
Food and Drink Pairings
Sides: Serve with crusty bread, cornbread, or a grilled cheese sandwich.
Drinks: Iced tea, lemonade, or a light white wine (like Pinot Grigio).
Dessert: Try with a slice of lemon pie or a warm cookie for a cozy finish.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is this soup spicy?
It has a mild kick from the Rotel. Use the “mild” variety or swap with diced tomatoes if you’re sensitive to spice.
Can I use uncooked chicken?
This recipe is designed for pre-cooked chicken. Using raw chicken would require a longer cook time and food safety adjustments.
What can I use instead of ranch seasoning?
Try a mix of dried parsley, dill, onion powder, and garlic powder, or omit for a milder flavor.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes! Store the soup without pasta, then add and cook the pasta fresh when reheating to avoid sogginess.
Is this freezer-friendly?
Yes, but freeze before adding pasta for best texture. Add pasta when reheating.
Do I need to soften the cream cheese before adding it?
Yes — softened cream cheese melts faster and blends more smoothly into the broth.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Add all ingredients except pasta and cream cheese to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4–5 hours, stir in cream cheese, then pasta in the last 20 minutes.
Can I double the recipe?
Definitely! Just use a large enough pot and adjust the pasta slightly if needed to avoid overcrowding.
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely — it’s a great shortcut and adds extra flavor.
How do I keep the pasta from getting mushy?
Add it last and cook just until tender. For leftovers, cook and store the pasta separately.