How to Make Campbell’s Chicken Noodle Soup on the Stove – A Step-by-Step Guide

Soup with chicken noodles is a classic comfort food that makes you think of home and your childhood. And when you’re sick, nothing beats a hot bowl of Campbell’s Chicken Noodle Soup. But did you know that this popular canned soup is easy to turn into a home-cooked meal on the stove?

With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can transform Campbell’s into a warm, nourishing soup using your stove. Read on for our complete guide to making chicken noodle soup the old-fashioned way.

Getting Started: Equipment and Ingredients

Making Campbell’s Chicken Noodle Soup on the stove is simple, but you’ll need a few key items:

• One can of Campbell’s Chicken Noodle Soup (10.75 oz)
• Water or chicken broth
• A medium saucepan with a lid
• A spoon or ladle for stirring

That’s all you need for the basic recipe. But if you want to customize and enhance the flavor consider adding any of the following

• Fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or chives
• Lemon juice or hot sauce
• Diced cooked chicken or turkey
• Diced vegetables like celery, carrots, or onion

Now that your ingredients are ready, let’s get cooking!

Step 1: Empty the Can into a Saucepan

First, put the whole can of Campbell’s Chicken Noodle Soup into a medium-sized saucepan. Make sure that all the noodles and liquid are in the pan.

Step 2: Add Water or Broth

Next, add water or chicken broth. The soup can be thinned and stretched with water, or you can use broth for a richer flavor. Here are a few options:

• One can of water (using the empty soup can as a measuring cup). This maintains the classic flavor.

• Two cans of water. This makes the soup go farther and creates a thinner consistency.

• One can of chicken broth. For a more robust chicken flavor. Use low-sodium if you want to reduce the saltiness

Step 3: Heat and Stir

Now comes the fun part! Place the pan on the stove over medium heat. As it heats up, stir the soup frequently with a spoon or ladle. This helps prevent scorching on the bottom of the pan.

Step 4: Bring it to a Simmer

Keep heating and stirring until the soup comes up to a gentle simmer. You’ll see small bubbles breaking the surface. Lower the heat if it starts bubbling too vigorously. The soup should not boil, as this can make the noodles mushy.

Step 5: Simmer and Stir Occasionally

Once the soup starts to simmer, let it keep simmering for 5 to 10 minutes, stirring every now and then. This lets the flavors mix and the noodles cook all the way through.

Step 6: Add any Extra Ingredients

Now is the time to make your Campbell’s chicken noodle soup your own! Add any extras you want, like cooked chicken, vegetables, or fresh herbs. Simmer for 2-3 minutes more to let the flavors meld.

Step 7: Adjust Seasoning and Serve

Before serving, taste and adjust the seasoning if desired. You may wish to add more salt, pepper, herbs, or a squeeze of lemon. Finally, ladle the steaming soup into bowls and enjoy this homemade comfort food!

Tips for Customizing Your Stovetop Soup

The basic stovetop method makes classic Campbell’s Chicken Noodle Soup. But you can also tweak it to your preferences:

• Use chicken broth instead of water for more flavor
• Add milk or cream for a creamy, chowder-like texture
• Stir in sour cream or yogurt at the end for tang
• Toss in extra veggies like diced carrots, celery, onion, peas, or corn
• Sprinkle with parsley, dill, rosemary, or other herbs
• Stir in cooked rice or small pasta for variety
• Swap out the noodles for cubes of cooked potato
• Add hot sauce, lemon juice, or vinegar for some zing
• Stir in shredded rotisserie chicken or turkey for extra protein

So get creative and make this cherished soup your own! The possibilities are endless.

FAQs About Making Campbell’s Chicken Noodle Soup on the Stove

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about making Campbell’s soup on the stovetop:

Can I use milk instead of water?

Milk can curdle or separate when heated in acidic soups. Water is the best choice for a smooth consistency. If you want creaminess, add milk at the very end after turning off the heat.

What if I accidentally let it boil?

Reduce heat immediately to stop the boiling. The noodles may get too soft, but the soup is still usable! Just avoid vigorous stirring which can further break down the noodles.

How long does homemade Campbell’s soup last in the fridge?

It will keep for 3-4 days in an airtight container. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

Can I prepare Campbell’s soup in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?

Yes! Combine ingredients, cover, and cook on low for 4-6 hours in a slow cooker. For Instant Pot, cook on high pressure for 5 minutes then quick release.

Why is my soup too salty?

The canned soup is high in sodium, so adding water or milk can help dilute it. Also try adding diced potato – it will absorb some of the saltiness.

What are some substitutions for the noodles?

Try diced potatoes, cooked rice, small pasta, orzo, alphabet noodles, pearled barley, or soft bread cubes instead of the standard noodles.

How can I adjust the thickness?

For a thinner soup, add more water or broth. For a thicker, heartier soup, mix in some milk or cream. You can also thicken it by blending in a little flour after cooking.

Enjoy Your Homemade Campbell’s Chicken Noodle Soup!

Now you’re all set to make your own stove-simmered version of this comforting classic. Simple, inexpensive, and wonderfully satisfying. Stay cozy with this homemade soup on chilly days or when you’re feeling under the weather. It also makes a great quick meal any day of the week thanks to the shortcut of starting with a trusty can of Campbell’s.