Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup - beautifully plated pasta dish

Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup

Tender chicken, egg noodles, and vegetables in a rich golden broth. Canadian comfort food at its most healing.

Prep Time

15 min

Cook Time

30 min

Servings

6

Calories

250

Ingredients

  • 400 g pasta (your choice of shape)
  • 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.25 tsp freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. 1

    Cook the Pasta

    Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.

  2. 2

    Prepare the Base

    While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

  3. 3

    Build the Sauce

    Add the main sauce ingredients to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until the flavours meld together, about 3-5 minutes.

  4. 4

    Combine

    Add the drained pasta to the sauce and toss vigorously, adding pasta water as needed to achieve a silky consistency that coats every strand.

  5. 5

    Serve

    Plate immediately and garnish with fresh herbs and freshly grated cheese. Serve hot with crusty bread on the side.

Chef's Notes

β€œI always cook the pasta separately and add it to individual bowls. If it sits in hot broth, it absorbs all the liquid overnight.”

β€” Chef Luca Bianchi

About This Recipe

There's a reason chicken noodle soup is the first thing most of us reach for when the weather turns or someone in the house is under the weather. This version starts with a proper base of olive oil, softened onion, and garlic bloomed until fragrant, then builds into a golden broth loaded with tender shredded chicken and soft egg noodles that soak up all that flavour.

It's the kind of soup Canadian kitchens have been making for generations, ladled out after a day of shovelling snow or dropped off for a neighbour who's feeling rough. Simple ingredients, a big pot, and forty-five minutes are all it takes to make something that tastes like it simmered all afternoon.

Tips for the Best Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup

Cook your egg noodles separately in salted water and stir them into each bowl just before serving, since noodles left sitting in the pot turn soft and cloud the broth. SautΓ© the onion and garlic until just fragrant, not browned, so the broth stays golden and clean-tasting.

What to Serve With It

Ladle it into deep bowls with crusty bread or a grilled cheese for dunking, the way most Canadian kids grew up eating it. A scatter of fresh parsley or dill and a crack of black pepper finishes it off, and a simple green salad keeps the meal balanced.

Storage & Reheating

Store the soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. If freezing, leave the noodles out and add freshly cooked ones when you reheat, since they turn mushy after thawing. Warm gently on the stovetop, loosening with a splash of broth or water.

Nutrition Facts

250

cal

22g

Protein

21g

Fat

42g

Carbs

7g

Fiber

553mg

Sodium

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking it from scratch?+

Absolutely. Shred about 2 cups of rotisserie chicken and stir it in near the end of cooking, just to warm through. It saves time and adds a nice roasted depth to the broth.

Can I make this soup gluten-free?+

Yes, swap the egg noodles for your favourite gluten-free pasta. Cook it separately and add it to bowls just before serving, since gluten-free noodles break down faster in hot broth.

Why did my broth turn cloudy?+

This usually happens when noodles sit and cook directly in the broth, releasing starch. Cooking them separately and combining at serving time keeps the golden broth clear and clean-tasting.

Should I use bone-in chicken for more flavour?+

Bone-in thighs or a whole chicken carcass add richer flavour and natural gelatin to the broth. Simmer them first, then shred the meat and strain the broth before building the soup.

Can I freeze this chicken noodle soup?+

Yes, freeze the broth and chicken mixture without the noodles for up to 3 months. Thaw, reheat gently, and stir in freshly cooked noodles right before serving for the best texture.

Tips & Tricks

  • β€’Always salt your pasta water generously β€” it should taste like the sea.
  • β€’Reserve a cup of starchy pasta water before draining. It's liquid gold for emulsifying sauces.
  • β€’Cook pasta 1 minute less than the package says if finishing it in the sauce.

Reviews (3)

David C.β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…

Restaurant quality at home. I followed the recipe exactly and it turned out amazing. The pasta water trick really makes the sauce come together.

Lisa P.β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…

Made this for a dinner party and everyone wanted the recipe. It's impressive enough for guests but easy enough for Tuesday night.

Robert B.β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…

Five stars! The flavour combination is spot on. I added a little extra garlic because that's how we like it, and it was incredible.