This chicken noodle soup is cozy and packed with flavor! It features tender chicken, soft noodles, and a sprinkle of parmesan to make it extra special.
I love how this soup warms me up on chilly days. Plus, it’s super easy to throw together—perfect for those busy evenings when comfort food is a must!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: This oil adds a nice flavor to sauté your vegetables. You can substitute it with butter or avocado oil if you prefer.
Chicken Broth: Low-sodium chicken broth is great for controlling salt levels. If you don’t have it, vegetable stock works well too! Homemade broth can enhance flavor if you have the time.
Cooked Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut! If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use shredded turkey or even canned chicken, but be sure to drain it well.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan gives the best flavor, but if you’re in a pinch, pre-grated can work. Nutritional yeast is a good dairy-free alternative that brings a cheesy taste.
How Can You Perfectly Sauté Vegetables for Your Soup?
Getting your veggies just right sets the foundation for flavor! Sautéing allows the vegetables to soften and develop their natural sweetness. Here’s how to do it:
- Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add your chopped onions, celery, and carrots, and cook for 5-7 minutes until they’re softened. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Don’t rush! Let them cook until they’re just tender but still colorful.
- Add garlic last to really bloom its flavor—just one minute is all you need!
This technique creates a wonderful base for your soup that enhances the overall taste. Enjoy those flavors!
Parmesan Chicken Noodle Soup
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 large carrots, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups chicken broth (preferably low sodium)
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
- 8 ounces egg noodles or pasta of choice
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: ½ cup heavy cream or whole milk for creaminess
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious soup takes about 15 minutes to prepare and an additional 20 minutes to cook. So, you’ll need roughly 35 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick and hearty meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, diced celery, and carrots. Sauté them for about 5-7 minutes until they soften. This should fill your kitchen with lovely aromas!
2. Add Garlic:
Now it’s time to add your minced garlic. Cook it for another minute until it becomes fragrant. Just be careful not to burn it!
3. Add Broth and Seasonings:
Pour in the chicken broth and add the dried thyme and oregano. Raise the heat a bit to bring the soup to a boil.
4. Cook the Noodles:
Once the soup is boiling, add in the noodles. Cook them according to the package instructions, usually around 6-8 minutes, until they are tender.
5. Stir in the Chicken:
Next, gently stir in the cooked chicken. Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes just to warm it through.
6. Incorporate Parmesan:
Reduce the heat and stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Mix it in until perfectly melted. If you’d like a creamier texture, you can add the heavy cream or milk at this point!
7. Season to Taste:
Give your soup a taste. If you think it needs it, season with salt and black pepper to your liking.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Pour the warm soup into bowls, and don’t forget to garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if you’d like. It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread. Enjoy your comforting bowl of soup!
This Parmesan Chicken Noodle Soup is a delightful mix of comforting flavors that’s perfect for any chilly day. Enjoy!
Can I Use Different Pasta?
Absolutely! While egg noodles are classic, you can substitute them with any pasta shape you prefer, such as fusilli, rotini, or even whole wheat pasta. Just keep an eye on the cooking time as it may vary depending on the type of pasta you choose!
How Can I Make This Soup Creamier?
If you want a creamier texture, simply stir in ½ cup of heavy cream or whole milk along with the Parmesan cheese. This will give the soup a rich and velvety finish. You can adjust the amount to your taste!
Can I Make This Soup in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the soup and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that the noodles may absorb some liquid while stored, so you might need to add a splash of broth or water when reheating to reach your desired consistency.
What’s the Best Way to 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 over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally for even heating.
