This Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup recipe is wonderfully quick and easy, made from scratch with pantry staples. It’s classic comfort food in a bowl and like a warm hug from your grandma. Perfect on a chilly night, when you don’t feel good, or just want something delicious!.
Aside from chocolate chip cookies and pot roast, is there anything more comforting than chicken noodle soup? This homemade chicken noodle soup recipe is my go-to when a family member is sick, I need something quick and easy for dinner, or I just want to curl up with a warm bowl of love.
Using things you already have in your pantry, this easy chicken soup is great when you need something quick and tasty. Just because it’s quick and easy, though, doesn’t mean it skimps on flavor. It’s the absolute perfect blend of simple ingredients, delivering on both taste and texture. It’s got the perfect ratio of chicken to noodles to broth. It’s so good!!.
Chicken noodle soup is a classic comforting dish that is popular worldwide. The noodles are a key component that can make or break this beloved soup. With so many types of noodles available it can be difficult to choose the right one for your chicken noodle soup. This article will explore the most common noodles used in chicken noodle soup and provide tips on selecting the best noodle for your bowl.
The Traditional Choice: Egg Noodles
Egg noodles have been used in chicken noodle soup for a long time. Ribbon-cut egg noodles are the classic choice, but small squares or mini star shapes also work well. Egg noodles taste rich and eggy, which goes well with the savory chicken broth. They stay in great shape and texture when they’re boiled.
Homemade egg noodles are ideal if you have the time. They only need flour, eggs, salt, and water, which are all very simple things. It takes some work to knead the dough, but fresh egg noodles have the best taste and texture. Store-bought egg noodles are the next best option. Pick a good brand that is made with only flour and eggs.
On average, egg noodles were referenced 6 times in the provided sources. With their timeless flavor and texture, egg noodles remain the gold standard noodle for chicken noodle soup.
Alternative Noodle Options
While egg noodles may be the classic choice, they’re not the only noodle that works well in chicken noodle soup. Here are some other great options:
Pasta
You can use orzo, mini farfalle, ditalini, tubetti, and mini elbow macaroni instead of the big pasta shapes. They fit well on a soup spoon because they are small. These noodles stay together well when they’re boiled and have a nice texture. Their taste is pretty neutral, which lets the chicken broth shine.
In the provided sources, pasta was referenced 2 times as an alternative to egg noodles. Feel free to substitute pasta in place of egg noodles, keeping portion sizes the same.
Rice Noodles
In chicken noodle soup, both wide and thin rice noodles work great. Their mild flavor absorbs the flavorful broth. Don’t cook rice noodles for too long, or they will get mushy. After cooking, rinse them in cold water to stop the cooking process. Noodles that are thin look like vermicelli, while noodles that are wide have more substance.
Rice noodles were not directly referenced in the provided sources. However, they make an excellent gluten-free, low-carb swap for traditional noodles.
Zoodles
For a lighter, lower-carb option, use spiralized zucchini noodles or “zoodles” in your chicken noodle soup. They add nutrients and have a pleasant crunch. Zoodles don’t hold up quite as well as traditional noodles, so add them at the very end to avoid overcooking.
Zoodles were not referenced in the provided sources, but provide a creative way to lighten up this soup.
Tips for Cooking Noodles
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For al dente texture, boil noodles 1 minute less than the package directs since they will continue to cook in the hot soup.
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Undercook noodles slightly if you will be reheating leftovers to prevent overcooking.
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If using egg or wheat noodles, salt the boiling water generously before adding noodles. This seasons them throughout.
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For gluten-free diets, rice noodles, pasta, or zoodles are the best bets. Always check labels to be sure.
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Start with about 1/2 cup uncooked noodles per bowl of soup. Adjust to your preferred noodle-to-broth ratio.
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If using pasta or Asian noodles, rinse with cold water after cooking to remove excess starch and stop the cooking process.
The Best Noodles for Your Soup
While egg noodles are the tried and true choice, don’t be afraid to experiment with other noodle varieties in your chicken noodle soup. Each offers its own unique texture and flavor. Consider making a big batch of chicken broth and cooking several types of noodles to test out. Then enjoy a different noodle in your bowl of soup each day of the week! With so many excellent options to choose from, you really can’t go wrong.
Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
- ▢ 2 tablespoons butter
- ▢ 1 medium sweet onion, , diced small
- ▢ 2 stalks celery, , diced small
- ▢ 2 medium carrots, , peeled and sliced
- ▢ 2 cloves garlic, , minced
- ▢ 1 & 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, , divided
- ▢ 48 ounces low-sodium chicken broth
- ▢ 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
- ▢ 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- ▢ 2 & 1/4 cups dried egg noodles
- ▢ 1/2 pound (about 1 cup) cooked, seasoned chicken breast shred or chopped
- In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the onion, celery, carrots, and 1/4 teaspoon of the salt. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring every now and then, until the vegetables are soft. Add in the garlic and cook until fragrant, 30-60 seconds.
- Add the broth, pepper, Italian seasoning, and the last 1 Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and let it cook slowly for 10 minutes.
- Add the noodles and cook, stirring every now and then, for about 8 to 10 minutes, until they are soft.
- Stir in the chicken and heat through.
- Ladle into bowls and enjoy!
Nutritional information given is an automatic calculation and can vary based on the exact products you use and any changes you make to the recipe. If these numbers are very important to you, I would recommend calculating them yourself.
What Goes with Chicken Noodle Soup?
To me, this soup is substantial all on its own, but sometimes I’ll serve it with popovers or focaccia. You can also top it with a few oyster crackers.
How To Make Easy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe – Natasha’s Kitchen
FAQ
What kind of pasta is best for chicken noodle soup?
Best Noodles for Soup: Egg Noodles Egg noodles and soup just belong together. There’s nothing like coming inside, shucking off your cold layers, and ladling up a steaming bowl of chicken noodle soup. Filling, hearty ribbons soak up all the broth’s flavor while adding a rich egg note.
What kind of noodles do you put in chicken soup?
Best Noodles to Use: I prefer wide egg noodles in chicken soup, but any homestyle egg noodles work. It’s also possible to use elbow macaroni or fettuccine (crack it up so it fits on a soup spoon). If using a smaller pasta, reduce amount to 2-3 cups. A few readers have even used tortellini!.
What are the best noodles for homemade soup?
The best noodles for soupRice noodles. Fast-cooking rice noodles are generally made from rice flour and water and are a favorite in soups, salads and stir-fries. Ramen noodles. Winter Chicken Ramen. Orzo. Egg noodles. Acini de pepe.
What kind of noodles do they use in Campbell’s chicken noodle soup?
Tender egg noodles and diced chicken in a rich chicken stock seasoned with garlic.