Hearty Creamy Chicken Soup

Name: Hearty Creamy Chicken Soup
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4-6
Ingredients: 2 tbsp avocado oil; 3 celery stalks, chopped; 3 carrots, chopped; ½ large yellow onion, diced; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tsp dried thyme; 1 tsp dried parsley; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1 tsp sea salt (plus more to taste); 6 cups chicken stock; 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices; 2 bay leaves; 2 large chicken breasts (about 1 lb total), cut into 4 chunks each; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 1 cup raw cashews, soaked in hot water for 20–30 minutes; 1 cup water; ½ tbsp nutritional yeast; ½ tsp sea salt; ¼ tsp black pepper; 2 cups elbow pasta, cooked separately; Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Dairy-free

Cozy, Nourishing, and Dairy-Free

There’s nothing quite like a bowl of creamy chicken soup when you’re craving comfort food — but this version comes with a healthy twist. Instead of heavy cream, this recipe uses a homemade cashew cream that’s silky smooth, dairy-free, and loaded with nutrients. Paired with tender chicken, classic soup veggies, and elbow pasta, it’s the kind of recipe that feels indulgent while secretly being good for you.

This soup has quickly become a favorite in my kitchen because it checks all the boxes: hearty, satisfying, and simple enough to whip up on a weeknight. It’s one of those meals that feels cozy and nourishing at the same time. And because the pasta is added to the bowl instead of simmered in the pot, the leftovers stay just as delicious the next day.

If you’ve ever wanted a creamy chicken soup that you can feel great about serving your family — this one’s for you.

Why This Soup Is Healthy

Dairy-Free Creaminess → Cashew cream gives you that luscious texture without heavy cream, plus it adds healthy fats, plant protein, and magnesium.
Anti-Inflammatory Ingredients → Garlic, onion, carrots, and celery all contain antioxidants and natural compounds that support overall health.
Balanced Comfort Food → Lean protein from chicken, complex carbs from pasta, and healthy fats from cashews make this a filling, balanced meal.
Better Leftovers → By keeping the pasta separate until serving, the soup stays fresh and doesn’t turn mushy — making it perfect for meal prep.

Tips & Variations

Add a handful of spinach or kale at the end for extra greens.
Try gluten-free pasta, brown rice, or even zucchini noodles if you’d like a lighter twist.
Freeze the soup without pasta for up to 2 months. Just reheat and add fresh-cooked noodles.

👉 This Hearty Creamy Chicken Soup is proof that comfort food and healthy food can be the same thing. It’s the perfect recipe to cozy up with after a long day, and once you try that cashew cream, you’ll want to use it in everything.

Nutritional Disclaimer

Nutrition information is an estimate generated from a nutrition calculator. There may be errors here or variations based on ingredients you use.

I’m Shelley Loving, a home cook who healed through food. Now I share simple, delicious recipes and kitchen tips to help you cook with more confidence.

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