This Garlic Herb Chicken Noodle Soup is warm and comforting, packed with tender chicken, delicious noodles, and loads of flavor. The garlic and herbs make it extra special!
Honestly, it smells so good while cooking that you might just have to fight off hungry friends wanting a taste! I love to serve it with some crusty bread for a cozy meal.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: This gives the soup a lovely base flavor. If you’re looking for a lighter option, avocado oil works well too. For a different taste, try sesame oil, but use less, as it’s stronger.
Chicken Broth: I prefer low-sodium broth to control the saltiness. You can substitute vegetable broth for a lighter version or if you’re avoiding meat.
Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken is my go-to for convenience. You can also poach chicken breasts or use leftover turkey, which can be just as tasty!
Pasta: Rotini holds up well in soup, but you can easily swap it with egg noodles, or if you’re gluten-free, try brown rice or quinoa.
Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley brightens the soup! If you don’t have fresh, you can use more dried herbs, but remember they pack a stronger flavor.
How Can I Ensure My Vegetables are Perfectly Cooked?
The key to tender veggies in your soup is to sauté them first. Cooking them over medium heat allows their natural sugars to develop sweet flavors, making every bowl delicious.
- Start by heating olive oil, then add the onion first, cooking until it’s soft.
- Add garlic, carrots, and celery, allowing 5-6 minutes to soften and infuse the soup with flavors.
- Keep an eye on the heat; if it’s too high, the veggies can brown too quickly instead of softening. Stir them often for even cooking!
Garlic Herb Chicken Noodle Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Base Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
Soup Components:
- 6 cups chicken broth (preferably low sodium)
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie or poached chicken breasts)
Herbs and Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for a slight kick)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Pasta and Garnish:
- 2 cups rotini pasta (or any short pasta)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Garlic Herb Chicken Noodle Soup can be prepared in about 30 minutes. You’ll spend around 10 minutes chopping vegetables and getting everything ready, and then about 20 minutes cooking. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting lunch!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Base:
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it turns translucent and fragrant. This is where the soup begins to build flavor!
2. Add the Vegetables:
Next, toss in the minced garlic, sliced carrots, and diced celery. Cook these together for about 5-6 minutes until the vegetables start to soften. Keep stirring so nothing sticks to the bottom!
3. Bring to a Boil:
Pour in the chicken broth and increase the heat to bring the soup to a boil. The broth will add the necessary depth and warmth to the soup.
4. Mix in the Chicken and Herbs:
Once the broth is bubbling, stir in the shredded chicken along with the dried thyme, oregano, basil, and crushed red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat. Let the soup simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing all the flavors to blend beautifully.
5. Cook the Pasta:
Now it’s time to add the rotini pasta to the pot, cooking according to the package instructions—usually about 7-9 minutes—until it’s perfectly al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
6. Final Seasoning:
Before serving, taste your soup and add salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. Don’t skip this step, as it really brings the flavors to life!
7. Add Fresh Parsley:
Right before you serve, stir in the chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. It really elevates the whole dish!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Using a ladle, serve the soup into bowls. If desired, garnish with extra parsley on top for a nice presentation. Enjoy your warm, flavorful Garlic Herb Chicken Noodle Soup!
This soup is not only delicious but also nourishing—perfect for chilly days or whenever you need a little comfort food!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Absolutely! If using frozen chicken, be sure to thaw it completely before shredding. You can thaw it in the fridge overnight or place it in a sealed plastic bag and submerge it in cold water for a faster option.
Can I Make This Soup Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can make the soup ahead of time! Just cook it up to the point of adding the pasta, then let it cool and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, reheat and add the pasta for just a few minutes to cook it through.
What Should I Do with Leftovers?
Leftover soup can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for about 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the soup without the pasta for up to 3 months. Just reheat it on the stovetop, and then add fresh pasta when you’re ready to eat!
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Definitely! To make it vegetarian, simply replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit the chicken. You can add more veggies like mushrooms or chickpeas to enhance the flavor and texture!
