This warm and cozy Parmesan Chicken Noodle Soup is just what you need on a chilly day! It’s filled with tender chicken, hearty noodles, and a sprinkle of tasty Parmesan cheese.
One sip of this soup and you’ll feel all the hugs! I love making it when I want something quick and comforting. Plus, the Parmesan makes everything extra cheesy and yummy! 🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil or Butter: Both options work well for sautéing. I often choose olive oil for a lighter taste but butter gives a lovely rich flavor. If dairy-free, you can use coconut oil or vegan butter instead!
Onion: A medium yellow onion is great for sweetness, but you could use shallots for a milder taste or even green onions as a fresh alternative.
Chicken: I love using rotisserie chicken for convenience, but leftover grilled chicken or even canned chicken can do the trick. For a vegetarian version, swap in tofu or extra vegetables.
Pasta: Rotini is fun for this soup, but egg noodles add great texture too. You can use gluten-free pasta if needed, just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan has the best flavor! If you’re out, consider Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option. Just sprinkle a bit on top for added flavor!
How Do I Get Perfectly Tender Vegetables in My Soup?
The key to tender vegetables is to sauté them first! This helps them release their natural flavors and soften. Here’s how to do it right:
- Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat before adding the vegetables.
- Add diced onions, carrots, and celery. Stir them together.
- Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened but not mushy.
- Add garlic last, cooking for just another minute to keep its flavor strong.
By following these steps, you’ll have a delicious soup base that’s packed with flavor!
How to Make Parmesan Chicken Noodle Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 6 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
- 2 cups water
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 8 ounces rotini pasta or egg noodles
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Parmesan Chicken Noodle Soup takes around 15 minutes of prep time and about 20-30 minutes to cook. In total, you’re looking at about 45 minutes to enjoy a warm bowl of comfort!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
Start by heating the olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Once it’s hot, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté these together for about 5-7 minutes until the veggies begin to soften and the onion becomes translucent.
2. Add Garlic:
Next, incorporate the minced garlic into the pot and stir it in. Cook for an additional minute until the garlic becomes fragrant. You’ll love the wonderful aroma filling your kitchen!
3. Pour in Broth and Seasoning:
Now, pour in the chicken broth and water, and add the dried thyme, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil to get everything bubbling nicely.
4. Cook the Pasta:
Once boiling, add the rotini pasta or egg noodles to the pot. Cook according to the package instructions until the pasta is al dente, which usually takes around 7-9 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
5. Add Chicken & Simmer:
Lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Toss in the shredded or diced cooked chicken, stirring well to combine everything in the soup. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes until the chicken is heated through and everything is harmonious!
6. Stir in Parmesan and Parsley:
Remove the pot from heat, and now stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley. Take a moment to taste and adjust the seasoning with extra salt and pepper if desired. This is where the magic happens!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Ladle the steaming soup into bowls. For a little extra touch, sprinkle some additional Parmesan and parsley on top. Serve it warm alongside some crusty bread or biscuits, and enjoy the cozy comfort of your homemade Parmesan Chicken Noodle Soup!
Can I Use Rotisserie Chicken for This Soup?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut and adds wonderful flavor. Just shred or chop the chicken, and add it in as indicated in the recipe—no need to cook it separately!
What if I Don’t Have Chicken Broth?
No problem! You can use water instead, but I recommend adding a bouillon cube or a teaspoon of chicken or vegetable base to enhance the flavor. Alternatively, vegetable broth works well for a lighter, vegetarian option.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warm. If the soup thickens too much after refrigeration, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up when reheating.
What Can I Substitute for Pasta?
If you need a gluten-free option, any gluten-free pasta works great! You could also use a spiralized veggie like zucchini noodles or even omit the pasta entirely and load up on extra vegetables for a lighter soup.
