Chicken noodle soup is a classic comforting dish that is popular worldwide. The noodles are a key component that can make or break this beloved soup. With so many types of noodles available it can be difficult to choose the right one for your chicken noodle soup. This article will explore the most common noodles used in chicken noodle soup and provide tips on selecting the best noodle for your bowl.
The Traditional Choice: Egg Noodles
Egg noodles have long been the traditional noodle used in chicken noodle soup. Ribbon-cut egg noodles are the classic choice, but small squares or mini star shapes also work well Egg noodles have a rich, eggy flavor that pairs perfectly with the savory chicken broth They hold their shape and texture beautifully when boiled.
Homemade egg noodles are ideal if you have the time. They only require a few simple ingredients – flour, eggs, salt, and water. Kneading the dough takes a bit of elbow grease, but the flavor and texture of fresh egg noodles is unbeatable. Store-bought egg noodles are the next best option. Opt for a good quality brand made with just eggs and flour.
On average, egg noodles were referenced 6 times in the provided sources. With their timeless flavor and texture, egg noodles remain the gold standard noodle for chicken noodle soup.
Alternative Noodle Options
While egg noodles may be the classic choice, they’re not the only noodle that works well in chicken noodle soup. Here are some other great options:
Pasta
Small pasta shapes like orzo, mini farfalle, ditalini, tubetti, and mini elbow macaroni are all good substitutes. The small size allows them to fit nicely on a soup spoon. Pasta noodles hold their shape well when boiled and have a pleasant texture. Their flavor is relatively neutral which allows the chicken broth to shine.
In the provided sources, pasta was referenced 2 times as an alternative to egg noodles. Feel free to substitute pasta in place of egg noodles, keeping portion sizes the same.
Rice Noodles
Both broad and thin rice noodles work beautifully in chicken noodle soup. Their mild flavor absorbs the flavorful broth. Rice noodles cook very quickly, so be careful not to overcook them or they will turn mushy. Rinse them in cold water after cooking to stop the cooking process. Thin rice noodles give a vermicelli-like appearance while broad rice noodles provide more substance.
Rice noodles were not directly referenced in the provided sources. However, they make an excellent gluten-free, low-carb swap for traditional noodles.
Zoodles
For a lighter, lower-carb option, use spiralized zucchini noodles or “zoodles” in your chicken noodle soup. They add nutrients and have a pleasant crunch. Zoodles don’t hold up quite as well as traditional noodles, so add them at the very end to avoid overcooking.
Zoodles were not referenced in the provided sources, but provide a creative way to lighten up this soup.
Tips for Cooking Noodles
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For al dente texture, boil noodles 1 minute less than the package directs since they will continue to cook in the hot soup.
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Undercook noodles slightly if you will be reheating leftovers to prevent overcooking.
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If using egg or wheat noodles, salt the boiling water generously before adding noodles. This seasons them throughout.
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For gluten-free diets, rice noodles, pasta, or zoodles are the best bets. Always check labels to be sure.
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Start with about 1/2 cup uncooked noodles per bowl of soup. Adjust to your preferred noodle-to-broth ratio.
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If using pasta or Asian noodles, rinse with cold water after cooking to remove excess starch and stop the cooking process.
The Best Noodles for Your Soup
While egg noodles are the tried and true choice, don’t be afraid to experiment with other noodle varieties in your chicken noodle soup. Each offers its own unique texture and flavor. Consider making a big batch of chicken broth and cooking several types of noodles to test out. Then enjoy a different noodle in your bowl of soup each day of the week! With so many excellent options to choose from, you really can’t go wrong.
Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
- ▢ 2 tablespoons butter
- ▢ 1 medium sweet onion, , diced small
- ▢ 2 stalks celery, , diced small
- ▢ 2 medium carrots, , peeled and sliced
- ▢ 2 cloves garlic, , minced
- ▢ 1 & 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, , divided
- ▢ 48 ounces low-sodium chicken broth
- ▢ 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
- ▢ 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- ▢ 2 & 1/4 cups dried egg noodles
- ▢ 1/2 pound (about 1 cup) shredded or chopped cooked, seasoned chicken breast
- In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Add in the onion, celery, carrots, and 1/4 teaspoon of the salt; sauté, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add in the garlic and cook until fragrant, 30-60 seconds.
- Pour in the broth, Italian seasoning, pepper, and remaining 1 & 1/4 teaspoons of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and gently simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add in the noodles and simmer, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 8-10 minutes.
- Stir in the chicken and heat through.
- Ladle into bowls and enjoy!
Nutritional information given is an automatic calculation and can vary based on the exact products you use and any changes you make to the recipe. If these numbers are very important to you, I would recommend calculating them yourself.
What Goes with Chicken Noodle Soup?
To me, this soup is substantial all on its own, but sometimes I’ll serve it with popovers or focaccia. You can also top it with a few oyster crackers.
How To Make Easy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe – Natasha’s Kitchen
FAQ
What kind of pasta is best for chicken noodle soup?
Best Noodles for Soup: Egg Noodles
Egg noodles and soup just belong together. There’s nothing like coming inside, shucking off your cold layers, and ladling up a steaming bowl of chicken noodle soup. Filling, hearty ribbons soak up all the broth’s flavor while adding a rich egg note.
What kind of noodles do you put in chicken soup?
Best Noodles to Use: I prefer wide egg noodles in chicken soup, but any homestyle egg noodles work. You can use other dry pasta too, such as elbow macaroni or fettuccine (break up to fit on soup spoon). If using a smaller pasta, reduce amount to 2-3 cups. A few readers have even used tortellini!
What are the best noodles for homemade soup?
- Rice noodles. Fast-cooking rice noodles are generally made from rice flour and water and are a favorite in soups, salads and stir-fries. …
- Ramen noodles. Winter Chicken Ramen. …
- Orzo. …
- Egg noodles. …
- Acini de pepe.
What kind of noodles do they use in Campbell’s chicken noodle soup?
Tender egg noodles and diced chicken in a rich chicken stock seasoned with garlic.