This Chicken Noodle Soup is warm and comforting, packed with tender chicken, hearty noodles, and colorful veggies like carrots and peas. Perfect for chilly days!
I love how this soup warms me up from the inside and makes the whole house smell amazing. Serve it with some crusty bread for a cozy meal that hits the spot every time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil or Butter: Both work well for sautéing veggies. I often use olive oil for a lighter flavor, but butter adds a nice richness. Feel free to use any cooking oil you prefer!
Vegetables: Onions, celery, and carrots are classic here, but you can add others like bell peppers or green beans. If you’re vegetarian, replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and skip the chicken!
Chicken Broth: Homemade broth is rich in flavor, but a low-sodium store-bought option works just fine. You can even use vegetable broth or water with bouillon for a lighter soup if needed.
Egg Noodles: Traditional egg noodles are great, but feel free to use whole wheat, gluten-free options, or any pasta you have on hand. Just adjust the cooking time based on the pasta type.
How Do I Make Sure My Vegetables Are Perfectly Tender?
The key is to sauté them just right. Begin by cooking your onions, carrots, and celery until they’re soft but still firm—about 5-7 minutes. This step deepens their flavor and avoids a mushy texture later. Don’t rush it; take your time!
- Heat your oil or butter over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion, celery, and carrots. Stir often.
- Once softened, add garlic for just a minute to keep it from burning.
Delicious Chicken Noodle Soup with Vegetables
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 medium carrots, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups chicken broth (homemade or low sodium store-bought)
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
- 2 cups egg noodles or wide egg pasta noodles
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Chicken Noodle Soup takes about 15 minutes of prep time and around 30 minutes of cooking time. In total, you’re looking at about 45 minutes from start to finish. Just enough time to make a comforting meal for you and your loved ones!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a large pot, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Once hot, add the finely chopped onion, sliced celery, and carrots. Cook these ingredients, stirring occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes until they become tender. This adds a nice depth of flavor to your soup.
2. Add Garlic:
Next, add in the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute. Keep stirring to make sure the garlic doesn’t burn; you just want it to become fragrant!
3. Combine Broth and Seasoning:
Pour in the chicken broth, and then add the bay leaves and dried thyme. Bring this mixture to a boil, which will enhance all those lovely flavors together.
4. Simmer the Veggies:
Once boiling, turn down the heat to let it simmer. Cook uncovered for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften but not get mushy—just perfect!
5. Add Noodles and Chicken:
Now it’s time to add the egg noodles and the shredded chicken into the pot. Let them cook until the noodles are tender, about 6-8 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally to keep everything from sticking together.
6. Final Seasoning:
After the noodles are cooked, be sure to remove those bay leaves. Season the soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste for that perfect seasoning!
7. Add Fresh Parsley:
Stir in the chopped fresh parsley for a burst of freshness. Then, turn off the heat and get ready to enjoy!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Ladle the warm soup into bowls. If you’d like, sprinkle some extra parsley on top for garnish. Serve hot and enjoy this comforting bowl of chicken noodle soup!
This soup is perfect for chilly days or whenever you need a little comfort in a bowl. Enjoy!
Can I Use Rotisserie Chicken Instead of Cooking My Own?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver. Simply shred the meat and add it to the soup during the last few minutes of cooking to heat it through. This will give your soup a delicious flavor without the extra cooking time.
How Can I Make This Soup Thicker?
If you prefer a thicker soup, you can add a slurry of cornstarch and water. Mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water, then stir this mixture into the soup during the last few minutes of cooking. Allow it to simmer until thickened to your liking.
Can I Freeze Leftover Soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well! Store it in airtight containers or freezer bags, leaving space for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and warm on the stove, adding a bit of broth if it seems too thick.
What Vegetables Can I Add or Substitute?
You can definitely customize the vegetables! Feel free to add peas, green beans, or corn for variety. If you want to use up leftover vegetables, this is the perfect soup for that—just make sure to cut them into small, uniform pieces for even cooking.