This warm and cozy Parmesan Chicken Noodle Soup is perfect for chilly days! With tender chicken, hearty noodles, and a sprinkle of cheesy goodness, it’s like a hug in a bowl.
Seriously, what could be better than a bowl of this soup? It warms you up and fills you up. I love to have it with some crunchy bread on the side—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: A great choice for sautéing as it adds flavor. You can use vegetable oil or butter if needed. Butter will add richness but watch the heat to prevent burning.
Onion and Garlic: Fresh onion and garlic bring depth to the soup. If you’re in a pinch, you can use garlic powder or onion powder as a substitute, though the flavor won’t be quite the same.
Carrots and Celery: These are classic soup veggies. Feel free to swap in other veggies like bell peppers or even frozen mixed vegetables if you’re short on fresh ingredients.
Chicken Broth: Homemade broth is fantastic but store-bought works just fine. If you want a lower-sodium option, look for low-sodium chicken broth, or dilute regular broth with some water.
Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is super convenient and tasty. You can also use leftover chicken, or for a lighter option, try cooked turkey. If you’re vegetarian, replace it with chickpeas or white beans!
Pasta: I love using rotini for its shape, but egg noodles are classic. You could also try whole wheat or gluten-free pasta if you prefer.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is best for melting. If you’re out, Pecorino Romano works well, or nutritional yeast can be a good dairy-free substitute for a cheesy flavor.
How Do I Achieve Tender Noodles in My Soup?
The key to tender noodles lies in timing. You don’t want to overcook them, as they will continue to soften in the hot broth. Follow these tips:
- Only add the noodles when the soup is boiling to ensure they cook evenly.
- Stir occasionally so they don’t stick together.
- Check for doneness at the lower end of the cooking time (around 8 minutes) to maintain a good texture.
You can take a noodle out and taste it! If it’s firm but not hard, it’s perfect. Remember that they’ll soak up some broth as they sit, so it’s okay if they’re a tad less cooked when you serve.
Parmesan Chicken Noodle Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Base Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 8 cups chicken broth (preferably low sodium)
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works well)
- 2 cups uncooked rotini or egg noodles
Seasonings and Garnish:
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, finely chopped for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Parmesan Chicken Noodle Soup takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 15 minutes to cook. In total, you’ll spend about 30 minutes making this comforting meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables start to soften and become fragrant.
2. Add the Broth:
Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. This will create a flavorful base for your soup.
3. Season the Soup:
Once boiling, add the dried thyme, basil, oregano, along with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to combine everything nicely.
4. Incorporate the Chicken and Noodles:
Next, add the uncooked noodles and shredded chicken into the pot. Reduce the heat to medium-low. Let the soup simmer for about 8-10 minutes or until the noodles are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent the noodles from sticking.
5. Add the Parmesan:
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it’s melted and well incorporated into the soup. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if desired.
6. Serve and Garnish:
Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese, if you like. This adds a nice pop of flavor and color!
7. Enjoy:
Serve your comforting Parmesan Chicken Noodle Soup immediately. It’s perfect for chilly days or whenever you need a cozy meal!
Can I Use Leftover Roast Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover roast chicken is perfect for this soup. Just shred it and add it in when you incorporate the noodles. It saves time and adds great flavor!
What Can I Substitute for the Noodles?
If you prefer a different type of noodle, you can use whole wheat pasta, or gluten-free pasta. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as different noodles may have varying boiling times.
How to Store Leftover Soup?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The noodles will absorb some broth, so you might want to add a little extra broth when reheating to restore the soup’s texture!
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Yes! To make it vegetarian, simply replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth, use a plant-based alternative for the chicken (like chickpeas or tofu), and omit the added cheese, or use a vegan cheese substitute.
