This Garlic Herb Chicken Noodle Soup is a warm and cozy dish packed with tender chicken, yummy noodles, and lots of flavorful herbs. Perfect for a chilly day!
Whenever I’m under the weather, this is my go-to soup. It feels like a big hug in a bowl! Plus, it’s super easy to make, so you can be back on your feet in no time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: I find olive oil gives a lovely flavor when sautéing. If you’re out, canola oil or butter works too. Butter will add a creamy richness!
Onion: A medium onion is perfect here, adding depth to the soup. If you’re not a fan of onions, feel free to skip or use shallots for a milder taste.
Garlic: Fresh garlic amps up the flavor. For convenience, you can substitute with garlic powder—about 1/2 teaspoon for every clove.
Carrots and Celery: These are classic soup veggies! If you don’t have them, try using frozen mixed vegetables or bell peppers. They’ll still taste great.
Chicken Broth: Chicken broth is key for flavor. You can use vegetable broth for a lighter version or make your own broth if time permits!
Noodles: I love rotini for its fun shape that holds the soup better. Any pasta would do—egg noodles, or even gluten-free options, if needed.
Herbs: Dried herbs work well, but fresh ones always add a bright taste. If you don’t have thyme, oregano can be a nice alternative.
How Do You Get the Best Flavor from Garlic?
Cooking garlic can be tricky—too little and it’s not flavorful, too much and it can taste bitter. To get it just right:
- Always add it after the onions have started to soften, as seen in step 2.
- Cook minced garlic for just about 1 minute until fragrant. Keep stirring to avoid burning.
- For roasting, you can wrap whole garlic in foil, drizzle with olive oil, and roast in the oven for a sweet, mellow flavor.
By following these tips, your Garlic Herb Chicken Noodle Soup will shine with delicious flavors and comforting warmth! Enjoy your cooking! 🍲
Garlic Herb Chicken Noodle Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium carrots, sliced
- 3 celery stalks, sliced
- 8 cups chicken broth (preferably low sodium)
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
- 1 1/2 cups rotini or egg noodles (or any preferred pasta)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley (or 2 tablespoons fresh, chopped)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Garlic Herb Chicken Noodle Soup will take about 10 minutes for preparation and around 30 minutes for cooking. So, in about 40 minutes, you can have a warm and comforting meal ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sautéing the Vegetables:
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s nice and hot, add the diced onion. Sauté it for about 3-4 minutes, or until it becomes soft and translucent. This forms a great base of flavor for your soup!
2. Adding Garlic:
Next, add the minced garlic to the pot. Cook it for another minute until it’s fragrant, stirring occasionally. Be careful not to let it burn, as that can turn the flavor bitter.
3. Cooking the Carrots and Celery:
Now stir in the sliced carrots and celery. Cook everything together for about 5 minutes, just until the veggies start to soften a bit.
4. Pouring in the Broth:
Pour in the chicken broth and add the dried thyme, parsley, and rosemary. Bring this mixture to a boil. You’ll start to smell the wonderful aromas filling your kitchen!
5. Simmering the Soup:
Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook for about 10 minutes. This will give the flavors a chance to meld together and allow the vegetables to soften more.
6. Adding Chicken and Noodles:
Now it’s time to stir in the shredded cooked chicken and the rotini noodles. Let the soup simmer for another 8-10 minutes or until the noodles are tender. It’ll be looking so cozy and inviting!
7. Seasoning:
Give your soup a taste and add salt and pepper as needed. Adjust the seasonings to your liking for a perfect flavor.
8. Serving It Up:
Serve the soup hot, garnished with some freshly chopped parsley on top for a lovely touch of flavor and color. Enjoy your hearty, flavorful Garlic Herb Chicken Noodle Soup!
Can I Use Cooked Rotisserie Chicken?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver. Just shred or chop the chicken as needed and add it during Step 6 of the recipe. It will enhance the flavor while keeping your prep easy!
What If I Don’t Have Chicken Broth?
No worries! You can substitute with vegetable broth or even water in a pinch. If using water, consider adding a couple of bouillon cubes or seasoning to enhance the flavor of your soup.
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Yes, you can! Simply omit the chicken and use vegetable broth along with your favorite vegetables. Adding chickpeas or white beans can also provide protein and make it heartier!
How Do I Store Leftover Soup?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the soup for up to 2 months. Just make sure to leave space in the container for expansion when freezing!
