Quick 20-Minute Chicken Noodle Soup

Chicken noodle soup is a timeless comfort food, perfect for a chilly day or when you’re feeling under the weather. But who has hours to spend simmering stock? This recipe delivers all the warm, satisfying goodness of classic chicken noodle soup in just 20 minutes. It’s quick, easy, and relies on simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. Get ready to enjoy a bowl of delicious, homemade soup in no time!

Why This 20-Minute Chicken Noodle Soup Works

Traditional chicken noodle soup often involves making your own broth from scratch, which can be time-consuming. This recipe cleverly streamlines the process without sacrificing flavor. Here’s how:

• Pre-cooked Chicken: Using rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken drastically reduces prep time. The flavor is already there, and all you need to do is shred or dice it.
• Quality Broth: Opt for a high-quality chicken broth. This is the foundation of the soup, so choose a brand you trust for its rich flavor. Low-sodium varieties allow you to control the salt level.
• Quick-Cooking Noodles: Thin egg noodles or ditalini pasta cook quickly and evenly in the simmering broth, ensuring a perfectly textured soup.
• Simple Aromatics: A base of onion, carrot, and celery provides the classic aromatic foundation of chicken noodle soup. A touch of garlic elevates the flavor.
• Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or dill adds brightness and freshness to the finished soup.

The Ultimate 20-Minute Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

This recipe is designed for simplicity and speed, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small yellow onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 cups chicken broth (low-sodium recommended)
• 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded or diced
• 1 cup egg noodles or ditalini pasta
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions:

1. Sauté the Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

2. Add Broth and Chicken: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Add the shredded chicken, thyme, salt, and pepper.

3. Cook the Noodles: Stir in the egg noodles or ditalini pasta. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook until the noodles are tender, about 8-10 minutes, or according to package directions.

4. Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Stir in the fresh parsley (if using). Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Chicken Noodle Soup

• Broth is Key: Using a flavorful broth is crucial for a delicious soup. If you have homemade broth, use it! Otherwise, choose a high-quality store-bought brand.
• Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Nobody likes mushy noodles. Cook them until they are just tender, al dente. They will continue to cook slightly in the hot broth.
• Add Vegetables to Your Liking: Feel free to add other vegetables like peas, corn, or spinach. Add them towards the end of the cooking time so they don’t overcook.
• Spice it Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a subtle kick to your soup.
• Make it Creamy: For a creamier soup, stir in a splash of half-and-half or heavy cream at the end of the cooking time. Don’t boil the soup after adding cream.
• Storage and Reheating: Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. The noodles may absorb some of the broth upon standing, so you may need to add a little extra broth or water when reheating.
• Freezing: While the soup itself freezes well, the noodles can become mushy upon thawing. If you plan to freeze the soup, it’s best to cook the noodles separately and add them when reheating.

Variations and Adaptations

This recipe is a great starting point, and you can easily customize it to your liking.

• Lemon Chicken Noodle Soup: Add the juice and zest of one lemon for a bright and tangy flavor.
• Spicy Chicken Noodle Soup: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a spicy kick.
• Vegetarian Chicken Noodle Soup: Substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth and add chickpeas or white beans for protein. You can also use vegetarian “chicken” pieces.
• Gluten-Free Chicken Noodle Soup: Use gluten-free noodles or rice instead of egg noodles.
• Rotisserie Chicken Options: Utilize flavored rotisserie chickens for enhanced flavor profiles – lemon herb or garlic rotisserie chickens will make for delicious variants!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I use different types of noodles?

A: Yes, you can use any type of noodle you like, such as rotini, farfalle, or even ramen noodles. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package directions.

Q: Can I make this soup ahead of time?

A: While the soup is best served fresh, you can prepare the vegetables and chicken ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator and add them to the broth when you’re ready to cook the soup.

Q: Can I freeze this soup?

A: Yes, you can freeze this soup. However, the noodles may become mushy upon thawing. It’s best to cook the noodles separately and add them when reheating.

Q: How do I make the soup thicker?

A: To thicken the soup, you can whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the soup while it’s simmering. Cook for a few minutes until the soup thickens. Alternatively, you can use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup for a creamier texture.

Q: What can I add to make the soup more flavorful?

A: You can add a variety of ingredients to boost the flavor of your soup, such as bay leaves, garlic powder, onion powder, or a splash of Worcestershire sauce. A squeeze of lemon juice can also brighten up the flavor.

Q: Can I use leftover roasted chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?

A: Absolutely! Using leftover roasted chicken is a great way to use up leftovers and add flavor to your soup.

Q: Is it safe to put the soup in the refrigerator overnight?

A: Yes, it is safe to refrigerate the soup overnight, as long as it is stored in an airtight container and cooled down before refrigerating. Make sure to reheat it thoroughly before consuming.