There’s nothing quite like the aroma of simmering chicken noodle soup filling your kitchen on a chilly evening. This timeless comfort food has been warming hearts and healing souls for generations, bringing families together around the dinner table. Whether you’re fighting off a cold or simply craving the ultimate comfort meal, this old-fashioned chicken noodle soup delivers all the cozy goodness you remember from childhood.
Our simple chicken soup with noodles recipe combines tender chunks of chicken, perfectly cooked egg noodles, and fresh vegetables in a rich, golden broth that’s pure liquid comfort. This dinner recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile – you can easily customize it with your favorite vegetables or pasta shapes. Best of all, this noodle soup recipe comes together in just one pot, making cleanup a breeze while delivering maximum flavor in every spoonful.
Recipe Information
- Difficulty: Easy
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Servings: 6-8 people
- Cost: Affordable
- Category: Soup, Dinner Recipes, Comfort Food
Ingredients for Chicken Noodle Soup
For the Soup Base:
- 2 pounds bone-in chicken thighs (skin removed)
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 12 cups water
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 large onion, roughly chopped (for broth)
- 2 celery stalks, roughly chopped (for broth)
- 2 carrots, roughly chopped (for broth)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Final Soup:
- 8 oz wide egg noodles
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 3 medium carrots, sliced into rounds
- 3 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Equipment Required
- Large soup pot or Dutch oven (6-8 quarts)
- Medium saucepan
- Fine mesh strainer
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Wooden spoon
- Ladle
- Measuring cups and spoons
Recipe Preparation
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Broth
Place the chicken thighs and breasts in your large soup pot and cover with 12 cups of water. Add the roughly chopped onion, celery, carrots, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
Step 2: Strain and Shred the Chicken
Carefully remove all the chicken pieces from the pot and set aside to cool. Strain the broth through a fine mesh strainer to remove all the vegetables and bay leaves, then return the clear broth to the pot. Once the chicken is cool enough to handle, remove and discard any bones, then shred the meat into bite-sized pieces. Set the shredded chicken aside.
Step 3: Cook the Egg Noodles
In a separate medium saucepan, cook the wide egg noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside. Chef’s tip: Cooking the noodles separately prevents them from becoming mushy and keeps your soup looking fresh.
Step 4: Sauté the Vegetables
Heat olive oil in the pot with your strained broth over medium heat. Add the diced onion, sliced carrots, and chopped celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften and the onion becomes translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 5: Season the Soup
Add the dried thyme, parsley, and rosemary to the pot with the vegetables. Season with salt and pepper to taste, starting with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper, then adjusting as needed.
Step 6: Combine and Simmer
Return the shredded chicken to the pot and bring the soup to a gentle simmer. Allow it to cook for 10-15 minutes so all the flavors can meld together beautifully. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 7: Add Noodles and Serve
Just before serving, add the cooked egg noodles to the pot and stir gently to combine. Ladle the hot chicken noodle soup into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Serve immediately while piping hot.
Chef’s Tips and Variations
Professional Tips for Perfect Chicken Noodle Soup:
- Use bone-in chicken thighs for the richest flavor and most tender meat. The bones add incredible depth to your broth.
- Don’t overcook the noodles – they should be al dente since they’ll continue cooking slightly in the hot broth.
- Make the broth ahead – you can prepare and strain the chicken broth up to 2 days in advance for even better flavor development.
- Season gradually – taste your soup throughout the cooking process and adjust seasoning in small increments.
Delicious Variations:
Chicken Pasta Soup Variation: Replace egg noodles with small pasta shapes like ditalini, orzo, or small shells for a heartier pasta soup recipe.
Vegetable-Packed Version: Add diced potatoes, corn kernels, or green peas in the last 10 minutes of cooking for extra nutrition and color.
Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup: Stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream or half-and-half during the last 5 minutes for a rich, creamy variation.
Herb-Crusted Variation: Add fresh dill, sage, or tarragon for different flavor profiles that complement the classic chicken and noodles combination.
Storage and Reheating:
Store leftover soup in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in airtight containers. Note: The noodles will absorb more broth as the soup sits, so you may need to add extra chicken broth when reheating. For best results, store the noodles separately and add them when reheating individual portions.
This soup can be frozen for up to 3 months, but freeze it without the noodles – add fresh cooked noodles when reheating for the best texture.
Perfect Pairings:
This chicken noodle soup pairs wonderfully with warm dinner rolls, crusty bread, saltine crackers, or a simple green salad. For a complete comfort meal, serve alongside grilled cheese sandwiches or cornbread.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 285
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fat: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
The Science Behind Perfect Chicken Noodle Soup
Creating the perfect chicken noodle soup is both an art and a science. The key to exceptional soup noodle recipes lies in building layers of flavor, starting with a rich, homemade broth that serves as the foundation for your entire dish.
When making traditional noodle soup recipes, the type of chicken you choose makes a significant difference. Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs provide more flavor than boneless breasts because the bones release collagen and gelatin during cooking, creating a naturally rich and satisfying broth. This is why our old-fashioned chicken noodle soup recipe calls for a combination of both thighs and breasts.
The vegetables in your soup serve multiple purposes beyond just adding nutrition and flavor. Onions provide natural sweetness and depth, while celery adds a fresh, herbaceous note that’s essential to classic chicken soup. Carrots contribute natural sweetness and beautiful color, plus they hold their shape well during the longer cooking process.
Timing is crucial when preparing pasta soup recipes. Adding the noodles too early results in mushy, overcooked pasta that breaks apart and clouds your beautiful broth. By cooking the noodles separately and adding them just before serving, you maintain the perfect texture and presentation that makes this simple chicken soup with noodles truly exceptional.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this chicken noodle soup in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Place all the broth ingredients in your slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Remove and shred the chicken, strain the broth, then return both to the slow cooker with the sautéed vegetables. Cook the noodles separately and add just before serving for the best texture.
What’s the best type of noodles for chicken pasta soup?
Wide egg noodles are traditional and provide the perfect texture, but you can use any pasta shape you prefer. For pasta soup recipes, try ditalini, small shells, or orzo. Just remember to cook them separately to maintain the best texture and prevent your soup from becoming starchy.
How do I prevent my noodle soup recipes from becoming too thick?
The noodles will continue to absorb broth as your soup sits, especially overnight. Keep extra chicken broth on hand to thin the soup when reheating. For meal prep, store the noodles separately and add them to individual portions when serving.
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this simple chicken soup with noodles?
Yes! Using rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver. You’ll need about 3-4 cups of shredded rotisserie chicken. Since you won’t be making fresh broth, use high-quality store-bought chicken broth and simmer it with aromatics like onion, celery, and herbs for 20-30 minutes to enhance the flavor.
What makes this different from other soup noodle recipes?
Our recipe focuses on building deep flavor through proper technique – making fresh broth from scratch, sautéing vegetables to develop sweetness, and timing the noodle addition perfectly. These steps transform a simple soup into an exceptional comfort meal that rivals the best old-fashioned chicken noodle soup recipes.
Conclusion
This homemade chicken noodle soup recipe proves that the best dinner recipes are often the simplest ones, made with love and attention to detail. Whether you’re looking for comforting pasta soup recipes, traditional noodle soup recipes, or just want to master the art of simple chicken soup with noodles, this recipe delivers on all fronts.
The beauty of this old-fashioned chicken noodle soup lies not just in its incredible flavor, but in its versatility and the memories it creates. It’s equally perfect for a cozy family dinner, meal prep for the week ahead, or bringing comfort to someone who needs it most.
Have you tried this chicken noodle soup recipe? We’d love to hear about your experience! Leave a comment below sharing your results, any variations you tried, or questions you might have. Don’t forget to share this recipe with friends and family on social media – everyone deserves to know how to make perfect chicken noodle soup from scratch!
For more comforting soup recipes and dinner ideas, be sure to check out our other popular recipes on the blog. Happy cooking!
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