This Garlic Herb Chicken Noodle Soup is warm and comforting, perfect for any day. It’s filled with tender chicken, fresh herbs, and hearty noodles in a rich broth.
You’ll love how the garlic gives it a yummy punch! I like to make a big pot so I can enjoy it all week—it’s just that good. Plus, it warms the soul on chilly days!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Garlic: Fresh garlic is key here for that wonderful flavor. If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can work, but fresh really shines in this recipe. I like to crush the cloves to release more oils!
Chicken Broth: Using low sodium chicken broth helps control the saltiness. If you’re vegetarian, vegetable broth can be used instead, keeping the soup just as tasty.
Pasta: I usually use rotini because it holds onto the soup well. If you prefer, you can swap it for egg noodles, fusilli, or even whole wheat pasta for a healthier twist.
Herbs: Fresh herbs add a bright flavor. If you can’t find fresh parsley, using a teaspoon of dried parsley will work too. Thyme and oregano could be substituted with Italian seasoning.
How Do I Cook Chicken Properly for Soup?
Cooking chicken for soup is all about getting that tender, juicy texture. Here’s a simple process:
- If using raw chicken, season it and sauté it in the olive oil until browned all over. Remove and shred it once cooled.
- If you’re using pre-cooked chicken (like rotisserie), just ensure it’s warmed through while simmering in the broth.
Always make sure to taste and season your broth as the chicken cooks to ensure all flavors meld perfectly!
Garlic Herb Chicken Noodle Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Soup Base:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 celery stalks, sliced
- 8 cups chicken broth (preferably low sodium)
- For the Chicken and Pasta:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 2 cups dry rotini pasta (or other short pasta like egg noodles)
- For Seasoning:
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried parsley (plus extra fresh parsley for garnish)
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: fresh parsley leaves for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This lovely Garlic Herb Chicken Noodle Soup takes about 15-20 minutes to prepare and around 20-25 minutes to cook. So, in total, you’re looking at about 40-45 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Aromatics:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and chopped onion. Sauté it all together for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and releases its wonderful aroma. You’ll know it’s ready when your kitchen smells delicious!
2. Add the Veggies:
Next, toss in the sliced carrots and celery. Cook these for an additional 5 minutes. This helps them start to soften and get that good flavor going in the pot.
3. Bring on the Broth:
Now it’s time to pour in the chicken broth. Turn up the heat and bring everything to a boil. This creates a wonderfully rich base for your soup.
4. Season It Up:
Once it’s boiling, add your dried thyme, parsley, oregano, and season with salt and pepper. Stir it all well to combine those flavors.
5. Add the Chicken:
Lower the heat to a simmer and carefully add the shredded cooked chicken. Let it simmer gently for about 10 minutes. This is when the flavors mingle beautifully, making your soup extra tasty!
6. Cook the Pasta:
Now, add the rotini pasta to the pot. Cook it according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until it’s tender. Stir occasionally to make sure the pasta doesn’t stick together.
7. Adjust Seasoning:
Taste your soup! This is the moment to check if it needs a little more salt and pepper. Adjust as you like—it should taste cozy and full of flavor!
8. Serve It Up:
Finally, ladle the warm, comforting soup into bowls. If you have fresh parsley, sprinkle it on top for a fresh touch. Serve it hot and enjoy every spoonful!
This soothing garlic herb chicken noodle soup is a delightful combination of tender chicken, hearty pasta, fresh herbs, and vegetable goodness in a flavorful broth. Perfect for a wholesome meal, this soup is sure to bring smiles to your table. Enjoy!
Can I Substitute Fresh Herbs for Dried Herbs?
Absolutely! If you have fresh herbs on hand, you can substitute them for dried herbs. Generally, use about three times the amount of fresh herbs compared to dried. So if the recipe calls for 1 tsp of dried thyme, use about 3 tsp of fresh thyme instead!
Can I Use Leftover Rotisserie Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, using leftover rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut! Just shred it and add it to the soup during the simmering step to warm it through. This saves time and adds great flavor!
How Can I Store Leftover Soup?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To freeze the soup, make sure it cools completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags. It will keep for up to 3 months. When reheating, you might want to add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up!
What If I Don’t Have Rotini Pasta?
No worries! You can use any short pasta you have at home, such as fusilli, penne, or even egg noodles. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as different pasta shapes may need varying amounts of time to cook.
