Easy One-Pot Chicken Noodle Soup: The Ultimate Quick & Comforting Recipe
Discover the simplest path to a heartwarming meal with this incredible one-pot chicken noodle soup recipe. Forget complicated steps or a pile of dirty dishes; this method allows you to create the most flavorful and comforting chicken noodle soup using just a single pot and a handful of everyday ingredients. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you crave homemade goodness without the fuss.
As the crisp Fall temperatures arrive, there’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of classic chicken noodle soup to bring warmth and comfort. This recipe isn’t just easy; it’s a timeless classic, offering a hug in a bowl that the whole family will adore. With minimal prep and cooking time, you can have a hearty, nourishing meal on the table in under 30 minutes, making it an essential addition to your collection of quick dinner recipes.
Whether you’re battling a cold, need a pick-me-up, or simply desire a fuss-free, delicious meal, this easy chicken noodle soup is your go-to. It’s designed for efficiency without sacrificing taste, proving that simple ingredients can yield truly spectacular results.
Key Ingredients for This Simple One-Pot Chicken Noodle Soup:
What makes this one-pot chicken noodle soup recipe so incredibly easy and universally loved? It boils down to a few accessible ingredients that, when combined, create a symphony of comforting flavors. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need to whip up this amazing meal:
- Pasta: The choice of pasta is crucial for that classic chicken noodle soup experience. While elbow macaroni is a traditional favorite for its perfect bite-sized shape and ability to absorb broth, feel free to use other small pasta varieties. Ditalini, rotini, or even classic egg noodles (which are surprisingly quick-cooking) work beautifully. The key is to select a pasta that cooks relatively fast and complements the soup’s hearty texture.
- Vegetables: For ultimate convenience, frozen mixed vegetables are a lifesaver. They require no chopping and will thaw and cook perfectly as the soup simmers. Look for a blend that includes carrots, peas, corn, and green beans for a colorful and nutritious addition. If you prefer, fresh diced carrots, celery, and onions can be added at the beginning and sautéed briefly to build a deeper flavor base.
- Chicken: The secret to this speedy soup is using pre-cooked chicken. A can of drained chicken is incredibly convenient and significantly cuts down on cooking time, making it ideal for a truly “one-pot” experience where you don’t have to cook raw chicken separately. Alternatively, shredded rotisserie chicken is another fantastic option for adding tender, flavorful chicken without extra cooking effort.
- Liquid: The foundation of any great soup is its liquid. While water combined with chicken bouillon cubes creates a perfectly delicious broth, using chicken stock or even bone broth will add a richer, more complex flavor profile. Chicken stock enhances the savory depth, while bone broth offers additional nutrients and a silky mouthfeel.
- Seasonings: A harmonious blend of seasonings transforms simple ingredients into a gourmet-tasting soup. Our recipe features chicken bouillon cubes (to boost that essential chicken flavor), salt, and black pepper for basic seasoning, complemented by fragrant Italian seasoning and a touch of paprika. Italian seasoning brings an aromatic medley of herbs, and paprika adds a subtle warmth and a lovely reddish hue to the broth. Don’t be afraid to adjust these to your personal taste!
Simple Steps to Make Your One-Pot Chicken Noodle Soup:
Preparing this incredibly easy one-pot chicken noodle soup couldn’t be simpler. It’s truly a “dump and simmer” recipe that yields a delicious, satisfying meal in minutes. Follow these straightforward steps to create your next family favorite:
Step 1: Combine All Ingredients. Begin by gathering all your ingredients: your chosen pasta, frozen mixed vegetables, drained canned chicken, water or chicken stock, and all your seasonings (chicken bouillon cubes, salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika). Add everything directly into a large stock pot or Dutch oven. The beauty of this recipe is that everything cooks together, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully from the start.
Step 2: Stir and Simmer. Give all the ingredients a good stir to ensure they are well combined and the seasonings are distributed throughout the liquid. Place the pot over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently for about 15 minutes. It’s important to stir occasionally during this time to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot and to ensure even cooking.
Step 3: Check for Doneness. The soup is ready when the pasta is tender and cooked through. Taste a piece of pasta to confirm it has reached your desired al dente or soft texture. The vegetables should also be tender-crisp. If the pasta needs more time, continue simmering for a few more minutes, adding a splash more water or stock if the liquid has reduced too much.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy. Once the soup is perfectly cooked, ladle generous portions into bowls. Serve it hot with your favorite accompaniments. Classic pairings include crusty bread for dipping or some crisp saltine crackers sprinkled over the top. A garnish of fresh parsley can also add a pop of color and freshness.
Storing Your Delicious Chicken Noodle Soup:
One of the best things about homemade chicken noodle soup is how well it keeps, making it fantastic for meal prep or enjoying leftovers. To store your easy chicken noodle soup recipe, allow it to cool completely to room temperature first. Then, transfer the leftover soup into an airtight container. It can be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Keep in mind that the pasta will continue to absorb liquid as it sits, so the soup may thicken. When reheating, you might want to add a splash of extra chicken stock or water to achieve your desired consistency.
Expert Tips and Tricks for the Best Easy Chicken Noodle Soup:
While this recipe is incredibly simple, a few extra tips can elevate your one-pot chicken noodle soup from great to absolutely exceptional. These suggestions will help you customize your soup, enhance its flavors, and ensure perfect results every time.
Choosing the Best Noodles for Your Soup:
The type of noodle you use significantly impacts the soup’s texture and overall experience. For this one-pot method, choose smaller, quicker-cooking pasta shapes that won’t become mushy. Here are some excellent choices:
- Egg Noodles: A classic for a reason, egg noodles offer a soft, tender texture and absorb the broth beautifully, contributing to that authentic homemade feel.
- Rotini Pasta: These spiral-shaped noodles are great for catching bits of chicken and vegetables, adding a fun texture to each spoonful.
- Elbow Noodles: A traditional choice, elbow macaroni is small, cooks quickly, and is perfect for a hearty, comforting soup.
- Ditalini Noodles: These tiny tube-shaped pasta pieces are ideal for soups, cooking very fast and blending seamlessly with the broth and other ingredients.
Pro Tip: If you plan on having leftovers, consider cooking the noodles separately and adding them to individual bowls just before serving. This prevents the pasta from getting too soggy or absorbing all the broth when stored.
Elevate Your Chicken Noodle Soup with Toppings:
While delicious on its own, a few simple toppings can add extra flavor, texture, and visual appeal to your finished soup:
- Salt: A final sprinkle of flaky sea salt can brighten all the flavors.
- Black Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper adds a pungent kick and aromatic finish.
- Fresh Parsley: A garnish of chopped fresh parsley not only adds vibrant color but also a burst of fresh, herbaceous flavor.
- Crushed Up Crackers: Classic saltine crackers or even oyster crackers provide a delightful crunch and extra savory goodness.
- Hot Sauce: For those who like a little heat, a dash of your favorite hot sauce can add an exciting twist.
- Lemon Juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving can brighten the entire soup, cutting through the richness and adding a lovely tang.
Optimizing Your Chicken Choice:
The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability, especially when it comes to the chicken. For the quickest and easiest version, canned chicken is a fantastic shortcut. It’s already cooked, seasoned, and ready to go, eliminating the need to cook raw meat. This ensures your soup is truly a speedy one-pot wonder.
However, you have other excellent options:
- Raw Chicken: If you prefer to use raw boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, you absolutely can! Simply dice the chicken into small, bite-sized pieces and add it to the pot at the beginning with the other ingredients. You will need to adjust the cook time, likely increasing it by 5-10 minutes, to ensure the chicken cooks through completely and becomes tender. Always ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Rotisserie Chicken: For a step up in flavor with minimal effort, a store-bought rotisserie chicken is an excellent choice. Simply shred the chicken meat from the bones and add it to the pot along with the other ingredients. This provides delicious, pre-seasoned chicken that’s wonderfully tender.
Another Convenient Way to Make This Soup: The Slow Cooker Method:
For an even more hands-off approach, you can easily transform this recipe into a comforting crockpot chicken noodle soup. This method is perfect for busy days when you want to come home to a hot, ready-to-eat meal. Simply pour all the ingredients (except the pasta) into a slow cooker and let it cook on low for 3-4 hours, or on high for 1.5-2 hours. The longer cooking time allows the flavors to deepen and meld beautifully.
Crucial Slow Cooker Tip: To prevent the noodles from becoming overcooked and mushy, add them towards the last 20-30 minutes of the cooking time. Stir them in and continue to cook until they are tender. This ensures perfect pasta consistency every time.
Explore More Delicious Pasta Recipes:
If you loved the ease and flavor of this one-pot chicken noodle soup, you’re in for a treat! We have many other fantastic pasta recipes that are simple to make and packed with flavor, perfect for any weeknight meal or family gathering. Expand your culinary repertoire with these mouth-watering options:
- Slow Cooker Italian Chicken Noodle Soup: A hearty twist on a classic, perfect for hands-off cooking.
- Dump and Go Garlic Chicken Pasta Casserole: Minimal effort for maximum flavor, a true family favorite.
- 3 Ingredient One Pot Sausage Pasta: Incredibly simple yet satisfying, proving delicious meals don’t need many ingredients.
- Rotisserie Chicken Bacon Alfredo: Rich, creamy, and made easy with pre-cooked chicken.
One Pot Chicken Noodle Soup
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Ingredients
- ½ lb elbow pasta
- 12 oz frozen mixed vegetables
- 12.5 oz can chicken, drained
- 10 cups water
- 2 chicken bouillon cubes
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 tsp paprika
Instructions
- Add everything into a large pot, stir well. Let simmer covered for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally until the pasta is tender.
- Serve it in bowl with either bread or some saltine crackers.
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Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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