Easy One-Pot Chicken Noodle Soup

Chicken noodle soup is a classic comfort food, perfect for chilly days or when you’re feeling under the weather. But who wants to spend hours slaving over a hot stove? This easy one-pot chicken noodle soup recipe delivers all the flavor and satisfaction of traditional recipes, without all the fuss. Clean up is a breeze, and the results are a hearty, delicious meal that the whole family will love.

Why One-Pot Chicken Noodle Soup is a Game Changer

The beauty of a one-pot recipe lies in its simplicity. Instead of dirtying multiple pots and pans, everything cooks together in a single vessel. This not only saves time on cleanup but also allows the flavors to meld together beautifully as the ingredients simmer. The chicken becomes incredibly tender, the vegetables release their sweetness, and the broth becomes rich and flavorful. This recipe is also endlessly adaptable; you can easily customize it with your favorite vegetables, herbs, and spices.

Benefits of Making Soup in One Pot

• Simplified Cleanup: Fewer dishes mean less time spent washing up and more time relaxing or enjoying your meal.
• Enhanced Flavor: Cooking everything together allows the flavors to meld and deepen, resulting in a more complex and satisfying soup.
• Time-Saving: One-pot cooking significantly reduces the overall cooking time, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe to your preferences by adding different vegetables, herbs, and spices.
• Cost-Effective: Using budget-friendly ingredients and minimizing food waste makes this a great option for feeding a family on a budget.

The Ultimate One-Pot Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

This recipe is designed to be both easy and flavorful. Feel free to adjust the ingredients to your liking.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 cups chicken broth
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 8 ounces egg noodles
• 1 cup frozen peas
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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 5-7 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 chicken breasts, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.

3. Simmer and Cook Chicken: Reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and cook until the chicken is cooked through, about 15-20 minutes.

4. Shred the Chicken: Remove the chicken breasts from the pot and shred them with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.

5. Cook the Noodles: Add the egg noodles to the pot and cook according to package directions, usually about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

6. Add Peas and Serve: Stir in the frozen peas and cook until heated through, about 2 minutes.

7. Garnish and Enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately.

Tips for Perfecting Your One-Pot Soup

• Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Add the noodles during the last 8-10 minutes of cooking to prevent them from becoming mushy.
• Use Quality Broth: The broth is the foundation of the soup, so using a high-quality broth will make a big difference in the flavor. You can use homemade or store-bought broth.
• Customize with Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables, such as mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Add a Touch of Acidity: A squeeze of lemon juice or a splash of apple cider vinegar can brighten up the flavor of the soup.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Variations to Spice Up Your Soup

One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. Here are some variations to try:

Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

For a richer, creamier soup, stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream or half-and-half during the last few minutes of cooking. Be careful not to boil the soup after adding the cream, as it may curdle.

Lemon Chicken Noodle Soup

Add the juice of one lemon to the soup during the last few minutes of cooking. This will brighten the flavor and add a refreshing tang.

Spicy Chicken Noodle Soup

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the soup for a spicy kick. You can also use a spicy sausage in place of the chicken.

Gluten-Free Chicken Noodle Soup

Use gluten-free noodles or skip the noodles altogether and add more vegetables.

Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

Substitute the egg noodles with wild rice for a heartier, more rustic soup. Be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly. Wild rice typically takes longer to cook than egg noodles. Add the rice when you add the broth, so it has enough time to cook fully.

Serving and Storing Your One-Pot Chicken Noodle Soup

This soup is best served hot and fresh. Garnish with fresh parsley, a dollop of sour cream, or a sprinkle of shredded cheese.

Perfect Pairings for Chicken Noodle Soup

• Crusty Bread: Serve with a side of crusty bread for dipping.
• Grilled Cheese Sandwich: A classic pairing that’s perfect for a comforting meal.
• Salad: A light salad complements the heartiness of the soup.

Storing Leftover Soup

Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The noodles may absorb some of the broth during storage, so you may need to add a little extra broth when reheating.

Freezing Chicken Noodle Soup

While chicken noodle soup can be frozen, the noodles may become mushy when thawed. For best results, freeze the soup without the noodles. When you’re ready to eat, thaw the soup and cook the noodles separately before adding them.

Common Questions About One-Pot Chicken Noodle Soup (FAQ)

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, you can use pre-cooked chicken, such as rotisserie chicken. Simply shred the chicken and add it to the soup during the last few minutes of cooking.

Can I use different types of noodles?

Yes, you can use different types of noodles, such as bow ties, ditalini, or macaroni. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package directions.

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can make this soup in a slow cooker. Combine all of the ingredients (except the noodles and peas) in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Add the noodles during the last 30 minutes of cooking and the peas during the last 10 minutes.

How can I thicken my chicken noodle soup?

To thicken the soup, you can whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and add it to the soup during the last few minutes of cooking. Alternatively, you can blend a portion of the soup with an immersion blender and return it to the pot.

Is chicken noodle soup good for a cold?

Chicken noodle soup is a comforting and hydrating meal that can help relieve some of the symptoms of a cold. The broth can help soothe a sore throat, and the warm temperature can help clear nasal congestion.