This cozy Garlic Herb Chicken Noodle Soup is full of tender chicken, fresh herbs, and warm noodles swimming in a savory broth. It’s like a big hug in a bowl!
Whenever I’m feeling under the weather, this soup is my go-to! Plus, it’s super easy to whip up, making it a perfect meal for busy days. Who else loves a one-pot wonder? 🤗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: This oil adds a nice richness to the soup. If you’re looking for alternatives, avocado oil or butter work well too. Just keep the heat in check, especially with butter, so it doesn’t burn!
Onion: A medium onion gives great flavor. You can swap it out for shallots, but keep in mind they are a bit sweeter. You can also use leeks for a milder taste.
Chicken Broth: Low-sodium broth is a great choice for controlling the salt level. If you’re vegetarian, vegetable broth is an excellent substitute, and it still works beautifully with the herbs!
Pasta: Rotini is fun because it holds onto the soup’s flavor well. If you don’t have rotini, any small pasta, like penne or bowties, will do just fine! Gluten-free pasta can also be used for a lighter option.
Herbs: Fresh herbs make a difference! If you have fresh parsley, thyme, and basil, they can replace the dried ones for a more vibrant flavor. No fresh herbs? Dried ones work too, just use less.
How Do I Cook the Perfect Vegetables for Soup?
Cooking the vegetables properly sets the base for a flavorful soup. Softening them in olive oil releases their natural sugars and deepens their flavor. Here’s how to do it:
- Heat the oil in your pot over medium heat.
- Add the onion, carrot, and celery, stirring occasionally.
- Cook until they are tender (about 5-7 minutes). This lets the vegetables meld into the broth.
This technique really brings out the veggies’ goodness and makes the soup comforting!
What’s the Best Way to Shred Chicken for the Soup?
Shredding chicken can be a breeze if you know a few tips! Here’s how to do it:
- Use cooked chicken – rotisserie chicken is perfect because it’s juicy and flavorful.
- After cooling slightly, use two forks to pull it apart into bite-sized pieces.
- For a quicker method, you can use a stand mixer with a paddle attachment to shred the chicken in seconds!
This will give your soup that hearty, shredded chicken goodness you love!
Garlic Herb Chicken Noodle Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 8 cups chicken broth (preferably low sodium)
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken breast
- 1 ½ cups rotini pasta (or other short pasta)
- 2 teaspoons dried parsley (or 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme)
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep, and then you’ll need about 20 minutes to cook everything up. Altogether, you’re looking at around 35-40 minutes from start to finish, making it a quick and easy meal for any day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, sliced carrots, and celery. Cook these veggies, stirring occasionally, until they are softened, which should take about 5-7 minutes. This step creates a flavorful base for your soup!
2. Add the Garlic:
Once the vegetables are soft, add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until it’s fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn, as that can make it taste bitter.
3. Make the Broth:
Now, pour in the 8 cups of chicken broth and bring everything to a boil. This will create a delicious, tasty broth full of flavor!
4. Season it Up:
When the soup is boiling, add in the dried parsley, thyme, basil, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to your taste. Stir everything well to combine the flavors.
5. Add the Chicken:
Reduce the heat to a simmer. Carefully add the shredded cooked chicken to the pot. Let it warm through while you prepare the pasta.
6. Cook the Pasta:
Add the rotini pasta to the soup and cook until tender, which should be about 8-10 minutes. Just give it a stir now and then so it doesn’t stick together!
7. Taste and Adjust:
Before serving, taste the soup and adjust seasonings with more salt and pepper if needed. Everyone’s taste is different, so make it perfect for you!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Remove the pot from heat. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish each bowl with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve hot with your favorite crackers or some nice crusty bread to dip. Enjoy your cozy meal!
This Garlic Herb Chicken Noodle Soup is full of comforting flavors and is sure to warm your heart, especially on a chilly day!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Absolutely! If you’re using frozen chicken, it’s best to thaw it first. You can thaw chicken in the fridge overnight or by placing it sealed in a plastic bag under cold running water. Once thawed, cook and shred it before adding it to the soup.
How Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit the shredded chicken. You can add more vegetables, like bell peppers or mushrooms, for extra flavor and texture!
Can I Prep This Soup Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the soup in advance! Just follow the recipe up to the point of adding the pasta. Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, reheat the soup and add the pasta, cooking it until tender.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Soup?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to freeze it, leave out the pasta as it doesn’t freeze well. Instead, add freshly cooked pasta when you reheat. Soup can be frozen for up to 3 months!
