This warm and soothing garlic herb chicken noodle soup is just what you need on a chilly day! Loaded with tender chicken, fresh herbs, and hearty noodles, it’s pure comfort in a bowl.
Honestly, nothing beats that cozy feeling you get from a big spoonful of this soup. I always feel like a superhero after making it—saving the world, one warm bowl at a time! 🦸♂️
I love how quickly this dish comes together, perfect for busy nights. Just toss everything in a pot, let it simmer, and enjoy! It’s a hug in soup form for the whole family.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: A great choice for sautéing, but you can substitute with vegetable or canola oil. If you want a hint of nutty flavor, try avocado oil. I often grab whatever’s on hand!
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the best flavor, but you can use garlic powder in a pinch. Use about 1/4 teaspoon per clove. I love the aroma of fresh garlic cooking—it’s so welcoming!
Chicken Broth: While I recommend low-sodium broth to control saltiness, homemade broth adds a fantastic depth of flavor. When in doubt, use vegetable broth for a lighter option without chicken.
Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is super handy for this soup—just shred and toss it in! If you’re cooking chicken fresh, try poaching it first. It keeps the meat moist and tender.
Pasta: I love rotini for its shape that holds onto the broth, but you can swap it for egg noodles, shells, or any small pasta you have at home. Just watch the cooking time for different types.
How Can I Achieve the Best Flavor in My Chicken Noodle Soup?
Getting the rich, cozy flavor in your soup is easy with the right techniques. Start by sautéing the garlic and onion until they’re fragrant; this forms the flavor base. Next, add your veggies and let them soften. This step brings out their natural sweetness!
- Use medium heat to avoid burning the garlic—nobody wants bitter soup!
- Add chicken broth and bring everything to a boil before reducing to a simmer to concentrate the flavors.
- Allow the soup to simmer for at least 10 minutes—this helps all those delicious flavors meld together.
Finally, adjust seasoning before serving; it’s the simplest way to elevate your soup! A sprinkle of salt or a dash of pepper goes a long way.
Garlic Herb Chicken Noodle Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Soup:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 6 cups chicken broth (preferably low sodium)
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works well)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley (or 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 cups rotini pasta (or any small pasta shape)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 30 minutes to cook, making it a total of around 40 minutes from start to finish. You’ll have a comforting and delicious soup ready in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Aromatics:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and diced onion. Sauté these together for about 3-5 minutes until the onion is translucent and fragrant. This is where the magic begins!
2. Add the Veggies:
Next, stir in the sliced carrots and celery. Cook these for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want the vegetables to soften a bit, making sure they are vibrant and flavorful.
3. Make the Base:
Now, pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. This is when your kitchen starts smelling like a cozy restaurant! Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to a simmer.
4. Boost the Flavor:
Add the shredded chicken, dried thyme, parsley, basil, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper to the pot. Let the soup simmer for about 10 minutes. This helps all the flavors meld beautifully while the vegetables become tender.
5. Add the Pasta:
Time to make it hearty! Add the rotini pasta to the soup and cook until the pasta is al dente, which takes about 7-9 minutes (check your pasta package for precise timing). Stir occasionally to prevent sticking!
6. Final Touches:
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed with more salt and pepper if you like. Every palate is different, so make it your own. Ladle the delicious soup into bowls and finish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley!
Enjoy this warm, comforting garlic herb chicken noodle soup that’s perfect for any day! It’s sure to warm your heart and fill your belly.
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, but you need to thaw it first! The best method is to leave it in the fridge overnight. If you’re short on time, you can place the chicken in a sealed plastic bag and submerge it in cold water until thawed. Always ensure it’s fully cooked before shredding!
Can I Make This Soup Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the soup and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just keep in mind that leftover pasta can get soft; you might want to cook it separately and add it to the reheated soup when ready to serve!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the soup for up to 3 months. Just be sure to leave out the pasta if you plan to freeze; it’s best added fresh when you’re ready to eat!
Can I Customize the Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add other veggies like peas, green beans, or corn based on your preferences. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure all the vegetables are tender. The more colorful, the better!
