Crack Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

Looking for a hearty and comforting meal that’s bursting with flavor? Look no further than our Crack Chicken Noodle Soup! This recipe combines tender chicken, savory bacon, and creamy cheese with classic soup ingredients for a dish that will warm you from the inside out. With its rich broth, wholesome veggies, and a hint of ranch seasoning, this soup is a family favorite that’s perfect for chilly days or anytime you’re craving a satisfying meal.

Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make in just a few simple steps. Get ready to enjoy a bowl of pure comfort with our Crack Chicken Noodle Soup!

Crack Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

Ingredients:

3 cups cooked shredded or chopped chicken breast

6 cups low-sodium chicken stock

8 oz. Thin Spaghetti or Angel Hair – uncooked

1 (10.5 oz.) can condensed cream of chicken soup

2 medium carrots, sliced

1/2 cup chopped celery

12 slices of thick-cut bacon cooked and crumbled

1 1/2 cups shredded mild cheddar cheese

1 (1 oz.) packet Ranch dressing mix

1 cup whole milk

3/4 cup cream cheese, softened

Instructions

Heat a little amount of vegetable oil in a medium skillet and add chopped bacon. Cook until done or slightly crispy (is fine too!) and set aside.

Combine diced chicken, carrots, celery, condensed soup, chicken stock, milk, cream cheese, ranch dressing mix, and bacon in a large pot. Take it to a boil stirring occasionally.

Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20 – 25 minutes.

Follow with pasta/spaghetti, grated cheese, and simmer until spaghetti is almost cooked.

When done, garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve with bread like ciabatta.

Notes

Preparation of Bacon: Start by cooking the bacon until it’s crispy. This step adds a savory, smoky flavor to the soup and provides a crunchy texture.

Combining Ingredients: In a large pot, combine the cooked chicken, sliced carrots, chopped celery, condensed cream of chicken soup, low-sodium chicken stock, milk, softened cream cheese, ranch dressing mix, and the cooked and crumbled bacon. This combination of ingredients creates a rich and flavorful base for the soup.

Boiling and Simmering: Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking and distribution of flavors. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer gently. This allows all the ingredients to meld together and develop their flavors over time.

Adding Pasta: Add the uncooked thin spaghetti or angel hair pasta to the simmering soup. This pasta will cook directly in the broth, absorbing its flavor and becoming tender. Simmer until the pasta is almost cooked through, ensuring it retains a slight bite.

Finishing Touches: Once the pasta is nearly cooked, sprinkle in the shredded mild cheddar cheese. This adds creaminess and a cheesy flavor to the soup. Allow the cheese to melt into the broth, creating a luscious texture.

Garnish and Serve: Finish the soup by garnishing it with freshly chopped parsley. This adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish. Serve the soup hot, accompanied by crusty bread like ciabatta for a satisfying meal.

Nutrition Information:

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use pre-cooked chicken. Shredded or chopped cooked chicken breast works well, and it’s a great way to use leftovers.

What type of pasta is best for this soup?

Thin spaghetti or angel hair pasta is recommended, but you can use other pasta types like fettuccine or egg noodles if you prefer.

Is there a suitable alternative for the condensed cream of chicken soup?

If you want to avoid using condensed soup, you can make a homemade cream of chicken soup or use a condensed cream of mushroom soup as a substitute.

Can I use turkey bacon or a turkey alternative for the bacon?

Yes, you can use turkey bacon or a turkey alternative for a lighter version of this soup.

What are some good bread options to serve with this soup?

Ciabatta is an excellent choice to serve with this soup, but you can also enjoy it with crusty French bread, a baguette, or even garlic bread.

Can I use different types of pasta in this soup?

While thin spaghetti or angel hair pasta is recommended in the recipe, you can use other pasta types like egg noodles, fettuccine, or even small pasta shells based on your preference.

What can I substitute for cream of chicken soup if I prefer homemade?

If you prefer not to use canned soup, you can make your own cream of chicken soup by combining chicken broth, butter, flour, and seasonings.

There are various homemade recipes available online.

Is there a lighter version of this recipe?

You can make a lighter version by using turkey bacon, low-fat cream cheese, and reduced-fat cheddar cheese, which will reduce the calorie and fat content.

Can I make this soup in advance and reheat it?

Yes, you can make this soup in advance and reheat it. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and warm it up on the stove or in the microwave when you’re ready to enjoy.

What are some suitable garnishes other than parsley?

You can garnish this soup with a variety of toppings, such as chopped green onions, cilantro, grated Parmesan cheese, or a dollop of sour cream, to add extra flavor and texture.