This Quick and Easy Chicken Noodle Soup is a comforting classic that combines tender chicken, hearty noodles, and a flavorful broth. Perfect for a quick meal, this recipe brings warmth and satisfaction to your table in just about 40 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Time-Efficient: Ready in approximately 40 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Simple Ingredients: Utilizes common pantry staples and leftover chicken, reducing the need for special shopping trips.
- Customizable: Easily adaptable to include your favorite vegetables or pasta types.
- Comforting Flavor: Delivers a rich, homemade taste reminiscent of traditional chicken noodle soup.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Butter
- Chopped onion
- Chopped celery
- Chicken broth
- Vegetable broth
- Cooked chicken breast, chopped
- Egg noodles
- Sliced carrots
- Dried basil
- Dried oregano
- Salt and ground black pepper to taste
Directions
- Sauté Vegetables: Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and celery; cook until tender, approximately 5 minutes.
- Add Broths and Chicken: Pour in chicken broth and vegetable broth. Stir in chopped cooked chicken.
- Incorporate Noodles and Carrots: Add egg noodles and sliced carrots to the pot. Season with dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and ground black pepper.
- Cook the Soup: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the noodles are tender.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields approximately 6 servings.
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes.
- Cook Time: 30 minutes.
- Total Time: 40 minutes.
Variations
- Noodle Alternatives: Substitute egg noodles with rotini, fusilli, or gluten-free pasta to suit dietary preferences.
- Vegetable Additions: Enhance the nutritional value by adding peas, corn, spinach, or kale during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Herb Enhancements: Fresh herbs like thyme, parsley, or dill can be added for extra flavor.
- Creamy Version: For a creamier texture, stir in a cup of heavy cream or whole milk during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the soup (preferably without noodles, as they can become mushy) in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through. If frozen, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
FAQs
What type of noodles work best in chicken noodle soup?
Egg noodles are traditional, but rotini, fusilli, or even gluten-free pasta can be used based on preference.
Can I use raw chicken instead of cooked chicken?
Yes, add raw chicken pieces to the broth and simmer until fully cooked before adding the noodles and vegetables.
How can I make this soup gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and ensure the broths used are certified gluten-free.
Is it okay to add other vegetables?
Absolutely, feel free to add vegetables like peas, corn, spinach, or kale to enhance flavor and nutrition.
How do I prevent the noodles from becoming mushy?
Cook the noodles until just tender and avoid prolonged simmering. For best results, add the noodles during the last part of cooking.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, combine all ingredients except the noodles in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Add the noodles during the last 30 minutes.
What can I use instead of vegetable broth?
You can use additional chicken broth or water with a bouillon cube as a substitute.
How can I add more flavor to the broth?
Incorporate herbs like thyme, rosemary, or bay leaves during cooking, and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
Can I freeze the soup with noodles?
It’s best to freeze the soup without noodles, as they can become mushy upon reheating. Add freshly cooked noodles when serving.
What accompaniments go well with chicken noodle soup?
Crusty bread, biscuits, or a simple side salad pair well with chicken noodle soup.
Conclusion
This Quick and Easy Chicken Noodle Soup offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures, making it a perfect meal for any occasion. Its simplicity and versatility allow for customization to suit individual tastes, ensuring it becomes a cherished recipe in your household.
Print
Quick and Easy Chicken Noodle Soup
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup, Comfort Food
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Warm up with this Quick and Easy Chicken Noodle Soup, a comforting classic made with tender chicken, hearty noodles, and a flavorful broth. Ready in just 40 minutes, this simple yet satisfying soup is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family meals.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, chopped
- 2 cups egg noodles
- 2 carrots, sliced
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and celery; cook for about 5 minutes until tender.
- Add Broths & Chicken: Pour in chicken broth and vegetable broth. Stir in chopped cooked chicken.
- Incorporate Noodles & Carrots: Add egg noodles and sliced carrots. Season with basil, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
- Simmer: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 20 minutes, or until noodles are tender.
- Serve: Ladle into bowls and enjoy warm!
Notes
For a Creamy Version: Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream or whole milk in the last 5 minutes.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure broths are gluten-free.
Storage: Refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze (without noodles) for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat; if frozen, thaw overnight first.
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