Easy Cowboy Soup
Chicken Alfredo Soup is a creamy, comforting dish that brings the beloved flavors of a classic Alfredo pasta into a hearty, warming soup. This easy-to-make recipe combines tender chicken, rich Parmesan cheese, and a smooth, velvety broth, making it the perfect choice for chilly days or when you’re craving something satisfying.
With just a few simple ingredients, you can enjoy a bowl of creamy goodness, complete with pasta and vegetables, that’s sure to please the whole family. It’s like a cozy hug in a bowl!
Why You’ll Love This Easy Cowboy Soup
People will love Chicken Alfredo Soup because it combines the creamy, indulgent flavors of classic Alfredo sauce with the comforting warmth of a soup.
The rich, velvety broth, made with chicken, cream, and Parmesan, is packed with savory goodness, while the tender chicken and pasta provide a hearty, satisfying meal.
The addition of peas gives the soup a slight burst of sweetness and texture.
It’s a cozy, filling dish that’s perfect for any time you want something rich and comforting, and it’s easy to prepare for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Key Ingredients:
Chicken Breast: Provides lean protein and a tender texture, making the soup hearty and satisfying.
Heavy Cream & Milk: Create the rich, velvety base for the soup, giving it that classic Alfredo sauce creaminess.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a nutty, savory depth to the soup, melting into the broth for extra richness.
Chicken Broth: Forms the flavorful foundation of the soup, enhancing the overall taste.
Pasta: Fettuccine or penne pasta soaks up the creamy broth, offering a comforting texture with each bite.
Frozen Peas: Add a pop of color and a slight sweetness, balancing the richness of the soup.
Garlic & Onion: Provide aromatic, savory undertones that elevate the flavor profile.
Easy Cowboy Soup
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, sliced
1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef
1 red pointed pepper
2 large garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 small jalapeño, finely chopped
1 tablespoon mild chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 can (14 oz / 400 g) diced tomatoes
1 can (14 oz / 400 g) taco mixed beans
1 can (14 oz / 400 g) green beans
1 can (7 oz / 200 g) sweetcorn
4 cups (1 liter) beef stock
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it becomes soft and translucent.
Add the ground beef to the pot and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned and fully cooked through.
Toss in the sliced red pepper, chopped garlic, and jalapeño. Continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the peppers begin to soften.
Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, and oregano, stirring to coat the meat and vegetables evenly with the spices.
Pour in the diced tomatoes, taco mixed beans, green beans, and sweetcorn. Stir well to combine everything.
Add the beef stock to the pot and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let the soup simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Serve hot, accompanied by crusty bread or tortilla chips for dipping.
Notes:
Adjusting the Creaminess: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can reduce the amount of broth or add a little more Parmesan cheese. For a lighter version, use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream.
Adding Vegetables: You can mix in other vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or carrots for added texture and flavor. Just add them along with the peas and let them cook until tender.
Pasta Type: While fettuccine or penne works best, you can substitute any type of pasta you prefer, just be sure to adjust the cooking time if using larger or smaller shapes.
Make-Ahead Tip: This soup can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. If it thickens too much upon reheating, add a bit more broth or milk to bring it back to the desired consistency.
Freezing: While the soup can be frozen, the pasta may become a bit softer after thawing. If you’re making it for freezing, consider storing the soup and pasta separately, then combining them when reheating.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 338Total Fat: 14gSaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 72mgSodium: 601mgCarbohydrates: 22gFiber: 5gSugar: 5gProtein: 31g
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make this soup less spicy?
Yes, you can adjust the spiciness to your preference.
If you want to make it milder, you can reduce or omit the jalapeño and use a milder chili powder.
Conversely, if you like it spicier, you can add more jalapeño or use a hotter chili powder.
What can I use as a substitute for beef?
If you prefer a vegetarian or lower-fat option, you can substitute the ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives like veggie crumbles or lentils.
This will give the soup a different flavor but still be delicious.
Can I use fresh vegetables instead of canned ones?
Absolutely! While canned vegetables are convenient, you can use fresh diced tomatoes, fresh green beans, and fresh corn kernels if you prefer.
Adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure they are tender.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
To reheat, you can use a microwave or stovetop.
If it thickens upon refrigeration, you can add a little more beef stock or water when reheating.
What are some good garnishes for this cowboy soup?
Popular garnishes include shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped fresh cilantro, diced avocado, or a squeeze of lime juice.
These toppings can add extra flavor and texture to your soup.
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Yes, you can substitute lean ground turkey for the ground beef if you prefer a lighter meat option. It will alter the flavor slightly but can still be delicious.
How can I make this soup vegetarian or vegan?
To make this soup vegetarian or vegan, you can replace the ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives or crumbled tofu.
Additionally, use vegetable stock instead of beef stock and check that all other ingredients are vegan-friendly.
What can I do to reduce the spiciness of the soup?
If you want to make the soup less spicy, you can omit the jalapeño or reduce the amount of chili powder used.
Adjust the spice level to your taste by tasting and adding seasonings gradually.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this soup ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for a day or two.
Reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave when you’re ready to serve.
Just keep in mind that the flavors may meld and intensify over time.
What are some creative garnishes for this cowboy soup?
Besides crusty bread or tortilla chips, you can garnish this soup with shredded cheese, diced avocado, chopped fresh cilantro, sour cream, or a squeeze of lime juice.
These toppings can add variety and flavor to your soup.