This cozy Parmesan Chicken Noodle Soup is like a warm hug in a bowl! It’s packed with tender chicken, tasty noodles, and a sprinkle of cheese for a rich flavor.
Honestly, who doesn’t love a bowl of soup that warms your heart and fills your belly? I like to enjoy mine with some crispy bread on the side—perfect for dipping!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil or Butter: Both add richness to the soup. I often switch to butter for a slightly richer flavor. If you’re dairy-free, use vegetable oil or a plant-based butter alternative.
Chicken Broth: Homemade broth is great if you have time, but store-bought low-sodium broth keeps it tasty without too much salt. You can substitute with vegetable broth if you want to keep it lighter.
Egg Noodles: Egg noodles are classic for soup, but you could use any pasta like fusilli or even gluten-free pasta if needed. Just watch the cooking time as it may vary.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated cheese melts better and gives a creamy, rich flavor. If you’re out of Parmesan, Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano are good swaps.
Heavy Cream: It adds a rich creaminess. If you’re looking for a lighter option, half-and-half or whole milk can work as a substitute.
How Do I Achieve the Best Flavor in My Soup?
To get maximum flavor in your Parmesan Chicken Noodle Soup, it’s essential to sauté your vegetables properly. This builds a strong flavor base! Here’s how:
- Heat your pot on medium heat before adding olive oil or butter.
- Sauté the onions first until they’re translucent, then add celery and carrots—this allows each vegetable to soften perfectly.
- Always stir in garlic at the end to prevent burning; it cooks quickly and gives great flavor!
Don’t rush the simmering part either. Letting the chicken and herbs cook together for about 10 minutes allows flavors to meld beautifully!
Delicious Parmesan Chicken Noodle Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Base Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Soup Components:
- 6 cups chicken broth (preferably low sodium)
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works well)
- 2 cups egg noodles or curly pasta
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley (plus extra fresh parsley for garnish)
Seasoning:
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional: Fresh lemon juice (1 tablespoon) to brighten the soup
How Much Time Will You Need?
This comforting Parmesan Chicken Noodle Soup takes about 30 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend around 10 minutes prepping the ingredients and then about 20 minutes cooking everything together. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or when you need a little comfort food!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Start with Sautéing the Vegetables:
In a large pot, place the olive oil or butter and heat it over medium heat until it’s melted. Add the diced onion, celery, and carrots to the pot. Sauté these veggies for about 5-7 minutes until they’re softened and fragrant.
2. Add the Flavor-Building Ingredients:
Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for another minute. This will fill your kitchen with a lovely aroma!
3. Time for the Broth:
Pour in the chicken broth and bring everything to a boil. Once it’s bubbling nicely, add in the shredded chicken, dried thyme, and dried parsley. Lower the heat to a simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes. This helps the flavors mingle beautifully!
4. Noodles Go In:
Add the egg noodles and cook following the package instructions (usually 6-8 minutes), until they’re tender. Stir occasionally so they don’t stick together.
5. Create Creaminess:
Once your noodles are all set, reduce the heat to medium-low. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and the heavy cream. Let it mix until the cheese has melted and the soup is wonderfully creamy.
6. Final Seasoning:
Season the soup with salt and black pepper according to your taste. If you want a little extra zing, squeeze in some fresh lemon juice.
7. Enjoy Your Delicious Soup:
Ladle the warm soup into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Serve it hot, and enjoy your hearty, cheesy Parmesan Chicken Noodle Soup! Great with some crusty bread!
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While egg noodles are traditional, you can easily substitute them with any type of pasta you prefer, such as rotini, ditalini, or even gluten-free pasta. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for the specific pasta you’re using.
Can I Make This Soup Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the soup up to the point of adding the noodles. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, reheat it on the stovetop and add the noodles, cooking them fresh in the soup.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave. If the soup thickens too much in the fridge, you can add a splash of broth or water when reheating to reach your desired consistency.
What If I Don’t Have Rotisserie Chicken?
No problem! You can cook and shred fresh chicken breast or thighs instead. Simply boil or sauté the chicken until fully cooked, shred it, and then add it to the soup. You could also use leftover cooked chicken from another meal!
