Campbell’s Chicken Noodle Soup
Here’s a cozy and comforting recipe for homemade Chicken Noodle Soup, inspired by the classic Campbell’s favorite. This hearty dish is perfect for a chilly day, combining tender chunks of chicken, crisp vegetables, and flavorful broth with pasta for a satisfying meal.
With a rich blend of olive oil, butter, and aromatic ingredients, this soup is not only delicious but also easy to make, offering a warm embrace in every bowl. Whether you’re looking for a nourishing lunch or a simple dinner, this recipe will surely become a staple in your kitchen.
Campbell’s Chicken Noodle Soup
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 large or 2 medium carrots, peeled then sliced
1 stalk celery, sliced
1 shallot or 1/2 small onion, chopped
Pinch of fine sea salt and pepper
2 cloves garlic, minced
64 ounces chicken broth, plus more for reheating
1 chicken breast, chopped into bite-sized pieces (I used pre-made rotisserie chicken breast)
8 ounces spaghetti, broken into pieces (or any short-cut pasta)
Instructions:
Step 1
Heat olive oil and butter in a large pot over medium heat.
Step 2
Add carrots, celery, shallot, and season with salt and pepper. Sauté until tender, about 10 minutes.
Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Add chicken broth then bring to a boil.
Step 3
Season chicken with salt and pepper (if using pre-made rotisserie chicken breast skip the seasoning) then add to boiling chicken broth along with the pasta. Turn heat down to a medium simmer, stirring occasionally until pasta is cooked through. The chicken should be perfectly cooked by that point too. Taste then adjust salt and pepper if necessary and then serve.
Step 4
NOTES: You can use gluten-free pasta to make this a gluten-free meal. Also, when reheating soup add more chicken broth as the noodles tend to soak up the broth.
Notes:
Broth Choice: For the best flavor, use a high-quality chicken broth. Homemade broth can be used if you have it on hand, or you can opt for a store-bought version.
Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables like peas, corn, or green beans to the soup for extra nutrition and flavor. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Pasta Alternatives: If you prefer, you can substitute the spaghetti with other short-cut pasta like elbow macaroni or penne. Avoid using long pasta shapes as they can become too soft and mushy.
Rotisserie Chicken: Using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and adds a nice depth of flavor. If you use raw chicken breast, make sure it’s cooked through before serving.
Seasoning: Be cautious with salt, especially if using store-bought broth, as it can be quite salty. Always taste and adjust the seasoning at the end.
Consistency: If the soup is too thick after the pasta is cooked, simply add more chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
Storage: This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It may thicken upon sitting; just add a little more broth or water when reheating.
Freezing: If you plan to freeze the soup, consider undercooking the pasta slightly. The pasta will continue to cook when reheated, and this will help prevent it from becoming too mushy.
Sautéing Vegetables: For an extra layer of flavor, you can caramelize the vegetables slightly by cooking them until they start to brown before adding the broth.
Nutrition Information:
YIELDS: 6 | SERVING SIZE: 1
Calories: 270 | Total Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0g | Cholesterol: 65mg | Sodium: 1150mg (varies significantly based on broth used) | Total Carbohydrates: 30g | Dietary Fiber: 3g | Sugars: 6g | Protein: 16g
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use various types of short pasta such as elbow macaroni, penne, or fusilli.
Just adjust the cooking time as needed, and make sure to break the pasta into smaller pieces if it’s a long shape.
Is it necessary to use rotisserie chicken, or can I use raw chicken?
You can use raw chicken breast if you prefer.
Just ensure it’s fully cooked by simmering it in the broth until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is convenient and adds extra flavor, but raw chicken will work too.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the soup ahead of time.
It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Just be aware that the pasta might continue to absorb the broth, so you may need to add extra broth when reheating.
How can I make this soup gluten-free?
To make the soup gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and ensure the chicken broth is labeled gluten-free.
You can also find gluten-free pasta alternatives like rice noodles or quinoa pasta.
Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, you can freeze the soup.
However, the pasta may become mushy after thawing and reheating.
To minimize this, you can cook the pasta separately and add it to the soup when reheating.
Freeze the soup and pasta separately if possible.
Can I add other vegetables to this soup?
Absolutely, you can add other vegetables such as peas, corn, green beans, or bell peppers.
Just adjust the cooking time based on the vegetables you add, ensuring they’re tender before serving.
What can I use instead of shallots?
If you don’t have shallots, you can use a small onion or a few green onions.
Shallots add a milder, sweeter flavor, but onions or green onions will work well as substitutes.
How can I adjust the salt level in this recipe?
To adjust the salt level, use low-sodium chicken broth and taste the soup before adding more salt.
You can always add salt at the end to suit your taste preferences.
Start with a small amount and gradually add more if needed.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can make this soup in a slow cooker.
Sauté the vegetables, garlic, and butter first, then transfer them to the slow cooker with the broth, chicken, and pasta.
Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
Add the pasta in the last 30 minutes of cooking to prevent it from becoming too soft.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make the soup dairy-free, omit the unsalted butter and use additional olive oil or a dairy-free butter substitute.
Ensure the chicken broth is also dairy-free, as some broths may contain added dairy ingredients.