This Chicken Noodle Soup is warm, cozy, and packed with tasty vegetables! Perfect for chilly days, it’s made with tender chicken, soft noodles, and colorful carrots and peas.
I love how this soup makes the whole house smell amazing while it’s cooking. Plus, it’s like a hug in a bowl when you’re feeling under the weather. Who doesn’t love that?
It’s super easy to whip up, and you can add any veggies you have on hand. Perfect for using up that random half carrot sitting in the fridge!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive oil or butter: Either works well for sautéing. I prefer using olive oil for its health benefits, but butter adds a lovely richness. You can also use coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
Chicken broth: Homemade broth is amazing if you have it, but store-bought works too. For a lighter version, you can swap half with water or use low-sodium broth.
Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut. If you’re vegetarian or want a different flavor, chickpeas or tofu make fabulous substitutes.
Noodles: Egg noodles are traditional, but you can use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
Vegetables: Carrots and celery are classics, but you can throw in peas, green beans, or whatever you have available. I love adding diced bell peppers for extra color!
How Can I Make Sure My Vegetables Are Tender?
Cooking your vegetables just right is key for a soup like this. To ensure they are perfectly tender without being mushy, follow these steps:
- Start by sautéing the onion until soft, then add the garlic and hard vegetables like carrots and celery. This allows them to cook evenly.
- Keep the heat at medium to avoid browning the onions too quickly. You want all veggies to cook together when you add the broth.
- Simmer the carrots and celery in the broth until tender, around 10 minutes. Just check by piercing them with a fork!
Remember, you can always add quicker-cooking veggies like peas at the end, right before serving, so they stay vibrant and crisp!
Chicken Noodle Soup with Vegetables
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 stalks celery, sliced (optional)
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 2 cups egg noodles or wide noodles
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley (plus extra for garnish)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This chicken noodle soup takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 20 minutes to cook, making a total of about 35 minutes from start to finish. You’ll have a delicious, hearty meal in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Base:
Start by heating the olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Once it’s hot, add the diced onion. Sauté for about 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft and translucent. This step builds the base flavor for your soup!
2. Add Garlic and Vegetables:
Next, stir in the minced garlic and sliced carrots (and celery if you’re using it). Cook for another 2-3 minutes until it smells delightful and the vegetables start softening a bit.
3. Pour in the Broth:
Now, it’s time to add the chicken broth! Pour it in, and stir. Add the dried thyme and parsley too. Increase the heat to bring everything to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the carrots are tender.
4. Add Chicken:
After the vegetables are tender, add the shredded cooked chicken into the pot. Give it a good stir to combine everything evenly.
5. Noodles Time:
Now, add the noodles according to the package instructions, usually taking about 6-8 minutes to cook. Just keep an eye on them to make sure they don’t overcook!
6. Seasoning:
Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper according to your preference. Adjusting the seasoning really brings all those flavors together!
7. Serve & Garnish:
Once the noodles are cooked and everything is combined, spoon the soup into bowls. Top each bowl with some fresh chopped parsley for an extra touch of flavor and color!
8. Enjoy:
Serve your warm chicken noodle soup straight away! It’s perfect for warming your soul and making you feel cozy!
Can I Use Rotisserie Chicken in This Recipe?
Absolutely! Using shredded rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that saves time and adds extra flavor to your soup. Just make sure it’s cooked and shredded before adding it to the pot.
What Vegetables Can I Substitute or Add?
You can definitely customize the veggies! Besides carrots and celery, feel free to use peas, green beans, or bell peppers. Just make sure to add quicker-cooking vegetables towards the end to keep them vibrant and crisp!
How Do I Store Leftover Chicken Noodle Soup?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to heat evenly.
Can I Make This Soup Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! The flavors really meld together beautifully. You can prepare the soup in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just add the noodles when you reheat to keep them from getting too mushy!
