Is there anything more comforting than a warm bowl of chicken noodle soup? It’s the ultimate remedy for a chilly day or a scratchy throat. But let’s be honest, we’ve all experienced the disappointment of diving into a bowl, only to find the pasta has turned into a gummy, mushy mess. This chicken noodle soup recipe solves that problem! I’m going to share my simple secret to perfectly cooked, tender pasta every single time. Get ready for a bowl of chicken noodle soup bliss!
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Noodle Soup
This isn’t just any chicken noodle soup; it’s the best chicken noodle soup, and here’s why:
- Perfectly cooked pasta: No more mush! We’ll show you exactly how to achieve al dente perfection, even in soup.
- Flavorful broth: The broth is rich, savory, and deeply comforting, thanks to a combination of aromatics and a slow simmer.
- Easy to customize: This recipe is a fantastic base that you can easily adapt to your liking. Add more vegetables, different types of pasta, or even a touch of spice.
- Quick & easy to make: This comes together easily for the beginner home cook or those nights where you need something fast.
Gathering Your Ingredients for Chicken Noodle Soup
The key to any great soup is using quality ingredients. For this chicken noodle soup, we’re focusing on building a flavorful base and ensuring the pasta is cooked just right. Let’s break down the ingredients you’ll need. We’ll focus on building layers of flavour using fresh, high-quality components.
- Chicken Broth: The foundation of our soup! I recommend using a good quality chicken broth. You can even make your own for an even richer flavor.
- Olive Oil: This is our cooking fat, providing a base for sautéing our vegetables.
For our aromatic vegetables, which build a layered base of sweet and earthy flavor:
- Carrots: Chopped carrots add sweetness and a vibrant color to the soup.
- Celery: Celery provides a subtle, savory depth to the flavor profile.
- Onion: Chopped onion is essential for building a flavorful base. I prefer yellow onion for its mild sweetness.
- Garlic: Minced garlic adds a pungent aroma and enhances the overall flavor of the soup.
These herbs add depth and complexity. Feel free to experiment with your favorites! Some people like rosemary or marjoram.
- Dried Thyme: Thyme adds a warm, earthy note to the soup.
- Bay Leaf: A bay leaf infuses the broth with a subtle, herbaceous flavor. Remember to remove it before serving!
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped fresh parsley adds a bright, fresh finish to the soup.
The pasta is what makes this recipe special, so don’t skip it. The key to tender but not mushy pasta is to add it towards the end of the cooking process.
- Dry Farfalle Pasta (Bow-tie): Farfalle adds a fun shape and a satisfying bite.
- Dry Tortellini (Cheese or Chicken Filled): Cheese or chicken filled tortellini adds an extra layer of flavor and heartiness. I love the combination of shapes and textures!
And finally, a seasoning to enhance all the other flavors:
- Salt and Black Pepper: To taste. Adjust the seasoning to your liking.
Crafting Your Chicken Noodle Soup: Step-by-Step
Ready to make some delicious, never-mushy chicken noodle soup? Don’t worry, it’s easier than you think! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll be enjoying a comforting bowl in no time. The key to that perfectly cooked pasta is all in the timing, so pay close attention to that step!
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped carrots, celery, and onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have softened, about 5 to 7 minutes. This step is crucial for building the foundational flavors of the soup. You want the onions to become translucent and slightly sweet, and the carrots and celery to lose their raw edge.
- Bloom the Garlic and Thyme: Add the minced garlic and dried thyme to the pot and cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant. Cooking the garlic briefly in the hot oil releases its aroma and prevents it from becoming bitter. The thyme also blooms, releasing its essential oils and adding a deeper flavor to the soup.
- Simmer the Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and add the bay leaf. Bring the soup to a simmer, then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This low and slow simmer is what transforms the broth from simple chicken broth into a rich, flavorful elixir.
- Cook the Pasta Perfectly: This is the crucial step for perfect pasta! Increase the heat to bring the soup back to a gentle boil. Add the dry farfalle and tortellini pasta. Cook according to package directions, but check frequently. You want the pasta to be al dente, or just slightly underdone, when you turn off the heat, as it will continue to cook in the hot soup. This usually takes 8 to 10 minutes depending on the pasta. Begin tasting for doneness around 6 minutes to avoid overcooking. The goal is pasta that still has a slight bite to it.
- Season and Serve: Once the pasta is cooked to your liking, remove the bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Be sure to taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. Remember, you can always add more salt, but you can’t take it away!
- Finish with Freshness: Stir in the fresh chopped parsley just before serving. The fresh parsley adds a bright, vibrant flavor and a pop of color to the soup. Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips for Perfect Chicken Noodle Soup Every Time
Want to take your chicken noodle soup to the next level? Here are a few extra tips and tricks to ensure soup success:
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: I can’t stress this enough! Undercook it slightly, and it will finish cooking in the hot broth. This is the key to avoiding mushy pasta.
- Use High-Quality Broth: The better the broth, the better the soup. If you have the time, homemade chicken broth is the ultimate flavor booster.
- Add Vegetables to the Broth: For even more flavor, consider adding some vegetables like onion skins, carrot tops, or celery leaves to the broth while it simmers. Just be sure to strain them out before adding the pasta.
- Make it Ahead: The soup itself (without the pasta) can be made a day or two ahead of time. Just store it in the refrigerator and add the pasta when you’re ready to serve.
- Storage: Leftover chicken noodle soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pasta will continue to absorb liquid, so it may become a bit softer over time.
What to Serve With Chicken Noodle Soup
Chicken noodle soup is a delicious and satisfying meal on its own, but it’s even better when paired with the right accompaniments. Consider serving it with a simple side salad, like a classic green salad with a light vinaigrette. Or, for a heartier meal, try serving it with a grilled cheese sandwich. Looking for more side dish inspiration? You could try our golden vegetable rice pilaf. The fluffy rice is a great pairing with the soup.
Your Chicken Noodle Soup Questions Answered (FAQ)
Can I use different types of pasta?
Absolutely! While I love the combination of farfalle and tortellini, you can use any type of pasta you like. Egg noodles, ditalini, or even gluten-free pasta are all great options. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Can I add chicken to this recipe?
Yes, you can! If you want to add chicken, I recommend using cooked, shredded chicken. You can add it to the soup along with the pasta. Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut, or you can poach chicken breasts and shred them yourself.
Can I freeze chicken noodle soup?
Freezing chicken noodle soup is tricky because the pasta tends to get mushy when thawed. However, you can freeze the soup without the pasta. When you’re ready to serve, simply thaw the soup and cook the pasta separately.
How do I make this soup vegetarian?
To make this soup vegetarian, simply substitute vegetable broth for the chicken broth. You can also add more vegetables, such as mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach.
Why is my soup bland?
If your soup tastes bland, it’s likely missing salt. Don’t be afraid to season generously! You can also add a splash of lemon juice or a dash of hot sauce to brighten up the flavor. Another technique is to make sure to taste and adjust the salt as you go, versus waiting to season at the end of the cooking process. This helps the flavours fully develop.
Enjoy Your Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup!
There you have it – a foolproof recipe for chicken noodle soup with perfectly cooked pasta! This recipe is a hug in a bowl, perfect for any occasion. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a comforting and delicious meal. Don’t forget to leave a comment below and let me know how your soup turns out! And if you loved this recipe, be sure to share it with your friends and family!
Chicken Noodle Soup (No More Mushy Pasta!)
Ingredients
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup chopped carrots
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 cup dry farfalle pasta (bow-tie)
- 1 cup dry tortellini (cheese or chicken filled)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
Directions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add carrots celery and onion and cook until softened about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and dried thyme and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and add the bay leaf. Bring the soup to a simmer reduce heat and let it simmer gently for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- This is the crucial step for perfect pasta. Increase the heat to bring the soup back to a gentle boil. Add the dry farfalle and tortellini pasta. Cook according to package directions but check frequently. You want the pasta to be al dente or just slightly underdone when you turn off the heat as it will continue to cook in the hot soup. This usually takes 8 to 10 minutes depending on the pasta.
- Once pasta is cooked to your liking remove the bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Stir in fresh chopped parsley just before serving. Serve hot.