Image Source: Kritchai Chaibangyang from Getty Images
A warm, protein-packed soup that’s perfect for this winter.
When the weather cools down, nothing beats a warm bowl of homemade soup. This chicken and sweet corn soup with noodles is the ultimate winter comfort meal, combining tender chicken, sweet corn and pasta in a creamy, satisfying broth that’s ready in just one pot.
Why you’ll love this recipe
This soup combines several key food groups in one bowl:
- Lean chicken provides protein to help keep you feeling satisfied.
- Sweet corn adds natural sweetness, fibre and texture.
- Pasta provides carbohydrates for sustained energy.
- Leafy greens like kale or spinach add colour, vitamins and extra nutrients.
- Milk and cheese create a creamy finish while contributing calcium.
Image Source: Nagi Maehashi from Recipetineats.com
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 350-400g chicken breast, cut in half horizontally to form two thin steaks
- Salt and black pepper
- ½ onion, finely diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 400g can sweet corn, drained (or 2 cups frozen or fresh corn)
- 400g can of creamed corn
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken stock
- 3 cups milk (full cream, reduced fat or dairy-free)
- 1½ cups broken angel hair pasta (or another small pasta such as orzo or ditalini)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or other melting cheese
- 3 packed cups kale leaves or baby spinach
Optional to serve:
- Sliced spring onion or chopped parsley
- Extra shredded cheese
Method
- Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
- Heat the oil in a large pot over high heat. Sear the chicken for about 1½ minutes on each side until lightly golden, then remove.
- In the same pot, cook the onion and garlic for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the creamed corn, corn, chicken stock, milk, salt and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- While the soup heats, dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Add the chicken and pasta to the soup. Cook according to the pasta’s cooking time (around 3 minutes for angel hair).
- Stir through the cheese until melted.
- Add the kale or spinach and cook for 20-30 seconds until wilted.
- Serve immediately with fresh herbs and extra cheese, if desired.
Tips for the best soup
A few simple techniques make all the difference:
- Sear the chicken first. Browning the chicken builds flavour in the pot and makes it easier to dice once partially cooked.
- Cook the pasta in the soup. The pasta releases starch as it cooks, naturally thickening the broth.
- Add leafy greens at the end. Kale or spinach only needs a few seconds to wilt, helping it stay vibrant and fresh.
Image Source: Kritchai Chaibangyang from Getty Images
Key Takeaway
This is an easy one-pot meal that combines comfort with balanced nutrition; simple to customise, freezer-friendly (if you store the pasta separately), and ideal for busy weeknights or meal prep.
Your Wellbeing, Your Way
Eating well during winter doesn’t have to mean spending hours in the kitchen. Simple, nourishing meals like this make it easy to enjoy comfort food that’s packed with wholesome ingredients. With WHEREFIT, you can find ideas that make eating well feel achievable all season long.