Homemade chicken noodle soup is a classic comfort food loved by many. It’s been a favorite in American homes for years. The noodles are key, adding flavor and texture to the soup.
This article will look at the best noodle choices. We’ll cover homemade egg noodles and dried pasta like farfalle and elbow macaroni. These options will help you make the perfect chicken noodle soup.
The right noodles are essential for great chicken noodle soup. You can choose homemade-style or dried pasta. We’ll explore the benefits of each and share tips for making delicious homemade chicken stock and cooking noodles perfectly.
We’ll also discuss the soup’s nutritional benefits. It’s a comforting and healthy meal option.
Homemade Egg Noodles: The Ultimate Choice
Homemade egg noodles are the best part of chicken noodle soup. They’re simple to make with flour, eggs, milk, and salt. The dough is easy to roll out and cut into shapes. These noodles add a creamy texture and flavor to the chicken broth.
Ingredients and Preparation
To make the homemade egg noodles, you’ll need:
- 3 cups of all-purpose flour
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup of whole milk
- 2 tablespoons of melted butter
- 1 teaspoon of salt
Mix the ingredients until a dough forms. Knead it for a few minutes. Let it rest for 10 minutes before rolling it out to 1/8-1/4 inch thickness. Use a pizza cutter or sharp knife to cut the dough into noodle shapes.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Egg Noodles
To get the egg noodles just right, don’t overwork the dough. This can make them tough. Letting the dough rest before rolling and cutting helps keep them tender. When adding the noodles to the broth, be careful not to overcook them. They will continue to soften after they’re removed from the heat.
Making homemade egg noodles is a cost-effective and versatile choice. It can make your chicken noodle soup even better. With just a few ingredients and some preparation, you can enjoy the unique flavor and texture of homemade noodles.
Dried Pasta: Versatile and Convenient
Dried pasta is a great choice for chicken noodle soup, even if homemade egg noodles are traditional. It’s easy to find and quick to use, perfect when you’re short on time. Making noodles from scratch can be a lot of work.
Pasta shapes like farfalle (bow-tie), elbow macaroni, and rotini are great in the soup. They add different textures and shapes. This makes your chicken noodle soup look and feel better.
| Pasta Shape | Key Benefits |
|---|---|
| Farfalle (Bow-Tie) | Whimsical shape that captures and holds the broth, providing a delightful texture in each bite. |
| Elbow Macaroni | A classic choice that is easy to scoop up and enjoy, with its familiar comforting shape. |
| Rotini | Spiraled design helps to trap the broth and flavors, creating a satisfying and flavorful experience. |
Dried pasta is a versatile and convenient addition to chicken noodle soup. It offers a variety of shapes and textures. Whether you pick farfalle, elbow macaroni, or rotini, these options are tasty and save time compared to homemade noodles.
Farfalle (Bow Tie) Pasta
The shape of pasta in chicken noodle soup really matters. Farfalle, or bow tie pasta, is a great choice. It looks good and works well in this comforting dish.
Shape and Texture Benefits
The bow tie shape of farfalle is not just pretty. It’s also practical in chicken noodle soup. The pasta’s folds and curves catch the broth’s flavors, making each bite full of taste. Plus, farfalle stays firm, even after cooking, so it doesn’t get mushy.
| Recipe Yield | Ingredients | Cooking Times |
|---|---|---|
| 4-6 servings |
|
|
The bow tie shape of farfalle makes the soup look good and taste even better. It holds onto the broth’s flavors, making each spoonful a joy. And, its firmer texture keeps it from getting mushy, so every bite is as tasty as the last.
Elbow Macaroni: A Classic Favorite
Elbow macaroni is a timeless pasta shape loved for chicken noodle soup. Its small, curved shape fits perfectly in your spoon. It also keeps its shape well, adding a nice texture to the soup.
Using elbow macaroni in chicken noodle soup has a big advantage. It soaks up the flavorful broth well. The pasta’s nooks and crannies make sure every bite is full of flavor.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Elbow Macaroni | 1 1/2 cups |
| Boneless, Skinless Chicken Tenderloins | 1 pound |
| Chicken Stock | 32 oz |
| Water | 4 cups |
Elbow macaroni also brings a sense of comfort to chicken noodle soup. It’s a classic shape that reminds many of childhood and homemade soup.
Elbow macaroni is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a big meal. It’s versatile and boosts the flavor and texture of the soup. It’s a top pick for this comforting dish.
Rotini: Spiraling into Deliciousness
Rotini, the spiral-shaped pasta, is a fantastic choice for chicken noodle soup. Its corkscrew shape traps the broth, making each bite full of flavor. The ridges on rotini add a nice texture against the soft chicken and veggies.
Capturing Broth and Flavors
Rotini pasta’s unique shape is perfect for chicken noodle soup. Its tight spirals and ridges scoop up the broth and flavors. This ensures every spoonful is full of taste.
Rotini holds onto the broth well, keeping its texture even after sitting in the soup. This makes it great for make-ahead meals or leftovers. The pasta stays firm and enjoyable to eat.
| Nutrition Facts | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 408 |
| Carbohydrates | 39.9g |
| Protein | 32g |
| Fat | 14.5g |
| Saturated Fat | 3.8g |
| Cholesterol | 72.3mg |
| Sodium | 154.3mg |
| Fiber | 7g |
| Sugar | 2.8g |
Rotini’s spiral shape and ridges are great for chicken noodle soup. They trap the broth and flavors, and add a nice texture against the soft chicken and veggies.
Best Noodles for Chicken Noodle Soup
Choosing the right noodles for chicken noodle soup is key. You can pick homemade egg noodles or dried pasta like farfalle, elbow macaroni, and rotini. Homemade noodles give a creamy texture, while dried pasta is convenient and comes in many shapes. The secret is to not overcook them to keep the perfect texture.
Chicken noodle soup has chicken, carrots, celery, onions, noodles, broth, and herbs. You can use a rotisserie chicken, chicken breasts, or thighs. Homemade egg noodles are a favorite, but you can also use store-bought wide egg noodles.
To make homemade noodles, you need 1 1/4 cups of flour, an egg, milk, butter, and salt. The soup recipe calls for 9 cups of chicken broth, 2 cups of noodles, and veggies like onions, celery, carrots, and garlic. It also includes herbs like basil and oregano, and seasonings like poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Homemade noodles are made by kneading dough until smooth, then rolling it out to 1/8 or 1/4 inch. Cut into shapes and let them dry before cooking. You can dry them a day ahead or cook them right away if you’re short on time.
The noodles you choose can really change the taste of chicken noodle soup. Homemade noodles can be flavored with fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or bay leaves. Adding a splash of fresh lemon juice can also enhance the flavor.
Better Than Bouillon Chicken paste is a great choice for flavorful broth. The chicken noodle soup recipe has a rating of 4.90 out of 5 based on 201 votes.
To make the soup even better, use bone-in chicken for more flavor. Make sure your dried herbs are fresh. Let the soup simmer to get the best flavor. Season with salt to bring out the flavors. You can also use a rotisserie chicken for quicker prep and adapt the recipe for a slow cooker.
Homemade Chicken Stock: The Secret Ingredient
The broth is the heart of chicken noodle soup. Using homemade chicken stock brings out deep, complex flavors. Making stock from a rotisserie chicken’s bones is easy and flavorful.
The homemade stock cooks with veggies, herbs, and spices. This creates a rich, soothing broth that makes the soup better.
Unlocking Depth and Flavor
For the best chicken noodle soup, homemade chicken stock is key. It’s the base that adds rich flavor to the dish. By simmering chicken bones and veggies, you get a broth full of taste.
The recipe starts with a 3 lb whole chicken, preferably organic. It simmers for 1 1/2 – 2 hours until the chicken is tender. Then, 1/3 cup of broth is mixed with veggies, and the soup cooks with noodles.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Whole chicken | 1 (3 lb / 1.4 kg) |
| Chicken bouillon cube | 1 |
| Butter, chicken fat, or olive oil | As needed |
| Onion, carrots, celery | Chopped |
| Garlic | Minced |
| Bay leaves | 2 |
| Thyme | Fresh, 6 sprigs |
| Chicken stock | As needed |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
| Fresh parsley | 6 sprigs |
| Egg noodles | 2 cups, cooked |
The secret to great homemade chicken noodle soup is the chicken stock. Simmering bones, skin, and carcass with veggies and spices makes a delicious broth.
Cooking Techniques for Perfect Noodles
Creating the perfect chicken noodle soup starts with the noodles. To get them just right, follow a few key steps.
When using dried pasta, don’t overcook it. The noodles will soften more in the hot broth. But, aim for al dente to keep them firm and tasty.
Homemade egg noodles need special care. Don’t overwork the dough to avoid tough noodles. Letting the dough rest before rolling and cutting helps keep it tender.
- Carefully monitor the cooking time for dried pasta, removing it from the heat when it’s slightly firm.
- Knead the homemade egg noodle dough gently, being careful not to overwork it.
- Let the egg noodle dough rest for 20-30 minutes before rolling and cutting to ensure a perfect texture.
By using these techniques, your noodles will be perfectly cooked. They’ll add to the savory broth and tender chicken, making your meal complete.
Nutritional Benefits of Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
Homemade chicken noodle soup is not just tasty and comforting. It’s also packed with nutrients. The mix of homemade broth, tender chicken, and noodles makes it a healthy meal. It’s great for cold winter days.
Boosting Immune System and Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Chicken noodle soup has more health benefits than just soothing a sore throat. A 1978 study showed it helps move nasal mucus better than hot or cold water. This makes it good for your respiratory health. A 2000 study also found it has mild anti-inflammatory effects, which helps with healing.
Nutritional Powerhouse
The ingredients in homemade chicken noodle soup are full of good stuff. Chicken is a great source of protein, which is good for muscles and bones. It also has vitamins B-3 and B-6, which are good for your brain and immune system.
The veggies like carrots, celery, and onions are full of vitamins C and K. They also have antioxidants and minerals that help with blood clotting and bone health. The noodles give you energy, which is important for your brain and muscles.
Choosing whole-grain noodles makes your soup even better. Farro, a whole grain, adds 5 grams of fiber and 5 grams of protein. This makes your soup even more nutritious.
Homemade soup lets you add ingredients like garlic, ginger, and leafy greens. These add flavor and nutrients. For store-bought broths, choose ones with simple ingredients for the best taste.
“Chicken broth is rich in essential fatty acids and proteins, which are essential components for cell membrane structure and tissue repair.”
Make-Ahead and Freezing Tips
Chicken noodle soup is perfect for making ahead and freezing. It’s best to make it with homemade egg noodles. This way, the noodles stay firmer than store-bought ones. Cool the soup completely before freezing it in an airtight container. It can stay frozen for up to 3 months.
To serve, thaw the soup in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat it on the stove. This makes it easy to enjoy a warm bowl of soup whenever you want.
The recipe makes 3 meals and stays fresh in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can also freeze it for 3-6 months. This is great for meal prep or a quick lunch or dinner.
To freeze, cool the soup completely before putting it in a container. Thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat it. The prep time is 10 minutes, and cooking takes 40 minutes. It’s a quick meal for busy days.
Use chicken broth for a lighter flavor. It goes well with tender egg noodles and veggies. The soup has 16 oz of chicken breast and 6 oz of egg noodles. Cook the noodles for 8 to 10 minutes until they’re just right.
For extra flavor, add fresh herbs like parsley or thyme. You can also change the pasta type or add more mirepoix. Garnish with herbs for a nice look and taste.
Serving Suggestions and Accompaniments
Chicken noodle soup is a comforting meal on its own. But, it’s even better with some accompaniments. Try it with a fresh green salad, crusty bread, or homemade rolls for a complete meal. For a special touch, add toppings like parsley, Parmesan cheese, or lemon juice.
Here are some delightful ways to enjoy your chicken noodle soup:
- Fresh green salad: A crisp salad with a light dressing is a great contrast to the soup.
- Crusty bread: Warm, crusty bread is perfect for dipping into the broth.
- Homemade rolls: Soft, buttery rolls add a delightful touch.
- Parsley garnish: Chopped parsley adds a fresh, herbal flavor and color.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese adds a savory taste.
- Lemon wedges: A squeeze of lemon juice brightens the flavors and cuts the richness.
Adding these simple yet flavorful accompaniments can make your chicken noodle soup even better. Try different combinations to find your favorite.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Olive oil | 2 Tablespoons |
| Carrots, peeled and sliced | 1 ½ cup |
| Celery, chopped | 1 cup |
| Yellow onion, diced | 1 |
| Garlic cloves, minced | 2 |
| Low-sodium chicken broth | 96 ounces |
| Wide egg noodles, uncooked | 4 cups |
| Cooked chicken, shredded | 3 cups |
| Fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped | ¼ cup |
| Lemon juice | 1 Tablespoon |
The nutritional information per serving (6 portions) is as follows:
- Calories: 312kcal
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Protein: 29g
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
This recipe takes 45 minutes to cook, with 15 minutes of prep and 30 minutes of cooking. You can also make it in a crockpot (3-4 hours on high or 6-8 hours on low) or an Instant Pot (8-10 minutes on high pressure).
Enjoy your delicious chicken noodle soup. Don’t forget to try the suggested accompaniments to find your favorite pairing!
Conclusion
Chicken noodle soup is a classic comfort food. The secret to making it great is choosing the right noodles. You can use homemade egg noodles or different dried pasta shapes.
Together, a tasty homemade broth, tender chicken, and well-cooked noodles make a meal that warms you up. This mix creates a comforting and healthy dish that everyone will love.
The stats in this article show how important it is to balance the ingredients and cooking methods. The right mix of carrots, celery, onions, and 8 cups of chicken stock makes the soup hearty. Simmering for 1 hour blends the flavors, and adding 6 ounces of egg noodles makes the soup more filling.
Choosing the right noodles, whether homemade or dried, can change the soup’s taste and texture. By using the tips from this article, you can make your chicken noodle soup even better. It will become a favorite in your family. Let your creativity shine as you make the perfect chicken noodle soup.