Cold Fighting Chicken Noodle Soup

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

When you’re feeling under the weather, there’s nothing better than a hot, comforting bowl of soup. This Cold Fighting Chicken Noodle Soup is packed with all the right ingredients to soothe your sore throat, ease congestion, and give your immune system a boost. Fresh ginger, lemongrass, and lemon juice bring a burst of flavor, while the tender chicken and ditalini pasta add just the right amount of heartiness to make this soup a complete meal. Whether you’re fighting off a cold or simply craving something warm and cozy, this soup is a go-to.

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 onion, diced

3 carrots, peeled and diced

2 ribs celery, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger

1 tablespoon minced lemongrass

1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme leaves

1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary

5 cups chicken stock

2 bay leaves

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs

¾ cup ditalini pasta

3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 3-4 minutes.

Stir in the garlic, ginger, lemongrass, thyme, and rosemary. Cook until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.

Pour in the chicken stock, bay leaves, and 1 cup of water. Add the chicken and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, covered, until the chicken is cooked through, about 10-12 minutes. Remove the chicken and shred it with two forks; set it aside.

Stir in the pasta and cook until tender, about 8-10 minutes.

Return the shredded chicken to the pot, along with the lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve immediately, garnished with fresh chives if desired.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Variations

Vegetarian Version: Swap out the chicken for tofu or more vegetables like zucchini or sweet potatoes for a vegetarian twist.

Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta instead of regular ditalini to make this soup gluten-free.

Spicy: Add a little extra heat by incorporating some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.

Noodles: You can swap the ditalini pasta for egg noodles or another small pasta of your choice for a different texture.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing: To freeze, place the cooled soup in freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Note that the pasta may become slightly softer after freezing and reheating.

Reheating: Reheat the soup in a pot over medium heat on the stove, adding a splash of water or chicken stock if needed to loosen the broth. Stir occasionally until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but chicken thighs will give the soup a richer flavor and tenderness. If you choose chicken breasts, be sure not to overcook them.

2. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can cook this soup in a slow cooker. Just add all the ingredients to the slow cooker, including the chicken, and cook on low for 6-7 hours. Shred the chicken once it’s cooked, then stir in the pasta and cook for an additional 30 minutes on high.

3. Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, this soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually improve after sitting for a day or two.

4. Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?

You can use pre-cooked chicken if you’re in a pinch, but cooking the chicken in the broth will add more flavor and richness to the soup.

5. How do I prevent the pasta from getting too mushy?

To prevent the pasta from becoming too soft, try adding it to the soup towards the end of the cooking time and avoid overcooking. You can also cook the pasta separately and add it to the soup just before serving.

Conclusion

This Cold Fighting Chicken Noodle Soup is a true comfort food that helps you feel better while also tasting delicious. Whether you’re looking for something to soothe a cold or just want a hearty, flavorful soup, this recipe delivers all the warmth and nourishment you need. Plus, it’s so easy to make, you’ll be enjoying it in no time. So grab your ingredients, heat up the pot, and enjoy a bowl of soothing goodness!

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