Get ready to whip up some cozy vibes with this Quick & Easy Chicken Noodle Soup recipe! Packed full of flavour, enjoy the warmth of tender chicken and hearty vegetables in every spoonful of this classic homemade delight.

How do you make chicken noodle soup from scratch?

To make chicken noodle soup from scratch, start by sautéing onions, carrots, celery, and garlic in a pot. Add chopped chicken, cover with broth and sprinkle in lots of dried herbs for flavour. Once the chicken is cooked, stir in your favourite noodles and cook until tender. This soup can be ready in as little as 30 minutes, making it the perfect quick and cozy meal for your next dinner. Serve with a slice of fresh sourdough bread to take it up a notch too!

What are the best noodles to use in chicken noodle soup?

The best noodles for chicken noodle soup depend on personal preference and the texture you’re aiming for in the soup. However, there are a few popular choices that are commonly used:

Egg Noodles: Traditional egg noodles are a classic choice for chicken noodle soup. They are thick and hearty, providing a satisfying chewiness. Wide egg noodles are particularly popular, as they hold up well in the broth without getting too soft.
Spaghetti or Linguine: Broken pieces of spaghetti or linguine can be used for a more delicate texture. They’re thinner than egg noodles and can give the soup a lighter feel.
Ditalini or Orzo: These small pasta shapes are great for a more evenly distributed noodle experience. They are especially good for children or for soups with lots of vegetables and less broth.
Rotini: This is a personal favourite of mine. The spiral shape of rotini pasta catches the broth along with small pieces of chicken and vegetables, making for a flavourful bite every time. Its firm texture also holds up well in the soup without getting mushy.

The key is to choose a noodle that you enjoy and that will hold up well in the broth without becoming too mushy. Make sure you keep in mind the cooking time of the noodle you choose and add them to the soup accordingly to avoid overcooking.

What are some tips for enhancing the flavour of chicken noodle soup?

Enhancing the flavour of chicken noodle soup can be achieved with a few simple tips:

Use Homemade or High-Quality Broth: Start with a rich, homemade broth or choose a high-quality store-bought option for a flavourful base. I like using a mixture of both chicken and vegetable broth for added flavour.
Sauté Vegetables: Sauté onions, carrots, and celery before adding to the soup to enhance their sweetness and flavour.
Herbs & Spices: Incorporate lots of herbs and spices like parsley, thyme, Italian seasoning blend, bay leaves and red pepper flakes.
Extra Savory Touches: Consider adding a dash of Worcestershire sauce for additional depth and savouriness.
Simmer Slowly: Let the soup simmer gently for a while to meld the flavours together.
Use Good Quality Noodles: Opt for high-quality noodles as they can absorb the flavour of the broth without becoming mushy.

Can Chicken Noodle Soup help Cold & Flu symptoms?

Ah, chicken noodle soup soup – the classic go-to for sniffles and sneezes, and for good reason. This hot soup helps clear nasal congestion and the steam can soothe a sore throat. The broth is easy on the stomach, can aid digestion, and help replenish essential electrolytes. Some studies even suggest ingredients featured in this tasty soup can reduce inflammation, providing relief from cold and flu symptoms.

Close up of Chicken Noodle Soup in bowl, full of broth, noodles, chicken, carrots and celery

Quick & Easy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

Ingredients

1 onion, diced
1 tbsp olive oil, or butter
2 carrots, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 stalks celery, diced
2 breasts chicken, chopped into 1 inch pieces
4 cups chicken broth
2 cups vegetable broth
1 tbsp Italian Seasoning Blend
1 tsp dried parsley
3 bay leaves
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
2 cups dried noodles, I used rotini
Salt and pepper (to taste)
Red pepper flakes (optional, to taste)
1/4 cup cream, half & half or whipping (optional)

Instructions

Add diced onion to a large pot, along with 1 tbsp of olive oil or butter. Sauté over medium heat for 5 minutes.
Add diced celery, carrots and garlic to the pot, along with chopped chicken breast. Continue cooking for another 5 minutes, stirring often to prevent sticking.
Now pour in both chicken and vegetable broths. Add Italian Seasoning Blend, dried parsley, bay leaves and Worcestershire sauce. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for another 10 minutes.
Add noodles to the pot, along with salt, pepper and red pepper flakes, all to taste. (The amount of salt will really depend on the broths you used and how much sodium is already in them.)
Continue simmering until noodles are tender, usually about 10 minutes.
Mix in the optional cream and serve with a slice of buttered sourdough bread. Enjoy!

Close up of Chicken Noodle Soup in pot, full of broth, noodles, chicken, carrots and celery

How long does homemade chicken noodle soup last in the refrigerator?

Homemade chicken noodle soup typically lasts for about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. To ensure the best quality and food safety, make sure to store the soup in a closed airtight container and place in the fridge within 2 hours of cooking.

Can chicken noodle soup be frozen for later use?

Yes, chicken noodle soup can be frozen for later use. Freezing is a great way to extend the shelf life of your soup while maintaining its taste and nutritional value. Here are some tips for freezing and thawing chicken noodle soup:

Cool the Soup: Before freezing, allow the soup to cool completely. This can be done more quickly by placing the pot in a sink filled with ice water.
Portion the Soup: Freeze the soup in portion-sized containers or freezer bags. This makes it easier to thaw only what you need later.
Leave Space for Expansion: Liquids expand when frozen, so leave some space at the top of the container or bag to allow for this.
Freezing Duration: Chicken noodle soup can be frozen for up to 4-6 months. Beyond this, it’s still safe to eat but may lose some of its flavours and textures.
Thawing the Soup: The best way to thaw frozen soup is in the refrigerator overnight. You can also reheat the soup directly from the freezer by placing it in a pot over low heat and stirring frequently.

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