Chicken Macaroni Soup Recipe

Picture this: a cozy evening with a steaming bowl of Chicken Macaroni Soup cradled in your hands, each spoonful bursting with comforting flavors that make you feel like you’re wrapped in a warm, culinary hug.

My favorite cool-evening comfort dish is Chicken Macaroni Soup. I think the combination of cubes of tender chicken breast and small elbows of macaroni, cooked in a rich chicken broth, with just the right touch of carrots, celery, and peas, makes a balanced and nutritious meal.

Onion, garlic, and thyme deepen the flavor, and a splash of milk makes it creamy. This is my go-to recipe for a simple, warm supper that hits all the right notes of comfort and satisfaction.

Chicken Macaroni Soup Recipe Ingredients

• Onion: Adds natural sweetness; rich in antioxidants and vitamins.
• Garlic: Full of flavor; boosts immunity with antibacterial properties.
• Carrots: Provides a touch of sweetness; high in beta-carotene and fiber.
• Celery: Offers a refreshing crunch; low in calories, contains vitamins and fiber.
• Chicken Breast: Lean protein source; builds muscle and supports immune function.
• Chicken Broth: Enhances flavor depth; hydrates, rich in essential minerals.
• Elbow Macaroni: Carbohydrate boost; provides energy with a comforting texture.
• Milk: Creamy texture; a source of calcium and vitamin D.
• Peas: Adds sweetness and color; high in protein, fiber, and vitamins.

Chicken Macaroni Soup Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 1 tablespoon oil or butter
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, thinly sliced
• 1 stalk celery, sliced
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cubed
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup elbow macaroni
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup frozen peas
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)

How to Make this Chicken Macaroni Soup Recipe

1. In a big pot, heat the oil or butter over a medium flame. Toss in the onion and sauté until you can see through it, about 3-4 minutes.

2. Incorporate the garlic, carrots, and celery, and cook for an extra 3 minutes until the vegetables are almost tender.

3. Place the chicken breast, cut into cubes, in the pot and brown it for 5 to 6 minutes.

4. Add the chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Lower the heat and let it simmer.

5. Combine the elbow macaroni, thyme, and bay leaf in the pot. Prepare for 8-10 minutes, or until the macaroni is just tender.

6. Add the soup mix and water to a pot and bring to a boil. Stir in the milk and frozen peas. Simmer for another 5 minutes.

7. Add to the taste of the soup with salt and pepper, and take out the bay leaf.

8. Pour the soup into bowls.

9. If desired, garnish with fresh chopped parsley.

10. Enjoy your delicious Chicken Macaroni Soup, served hot!

Chicken Macaroni Soup Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Large pot
2. Wooden spoon or spatula
3. Chef’s knife
4. Cutting board
5. Measuring spoons
6. Measuring cups
7. Ladle
8. Bowls for serving

FAQ

• Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?A: Yes, soup can be made with chicken thighs, which will impart a deeper, more pronounced flavor. In fact, soup made with chicken thighs might take on a just-slightly gamey quality. For the best-tasting chicken soup, go for bone-in, skin-on thighs.
• Q: Is it possible to make this soup dairy-free?You can replace milk with a non-dairy alternative such as almond milk or coconut milk.
• Q: Can I freeze leftovers?A: It’s best to freeze the soup prior to adding the macaroni and milk, since these ingredients can undergo a transformation in texture when they are frozen.
• Q: How can I make this soup gluten-free?Use a gluten-free pasta instead of the elbow macaroni.
• Q: What if I don’t have fresh parsley?You can use either dried parsley or none at all; it’s chiefly for adornment.
• Q: How long does it take to cook this soup?To cook everything, you’re looking at a total cooking time of about 30-40 minutes.
• Q: Can I add other vegetables to this soup?A: Of course, it is perfectly fine to include vegetables such as corn or bell pepper, if you so desire.

Chicken Macaroni Soup Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Olive oil or ghee: Substitute with these for a more unique taste.
Substitute shallots or leeks for onion to achieve a milder taste.
Chicken thighs are for a richer flavor; use them instead of boneless, skinless chicken breasts.
Milk can be replaced with unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
Ditalini or rotini: Substitute any small pasta, such as elbow macaroni.

Pro Tips

1. Pre-cook the Chicken Before adding the chicken to the soup, consider searing it in the pot until it’s golden brown. This step adds a rich depth of flavor that enhances the overall taste of the soup.

2. Flavor Boost with Aromatics While sautéing the onion, add a pinch of salt to help the onion release moisture and caramelize faster. This step can also enhance the flavors of the soup base.

3. Pasta Cooking Tip Cook the macaroni until it’s just al dente if you plan to reheat leftovers. This prevents the pasta from becoming too mushy when reheated.

4. Layer Seasoning Season the soup in layers as you cook. Add a little salt with each new addition, especially with the vegetables and chicken, to build a more complex flavor from the beginning.

5. Herb Infusion If possible, use fresh thyme instead of dried. Tie a few sprigs together, remove just before serving, and enjoy the fresh, aromatic taste. This can give the soup a more vibrant herbal note.