Let’s dive right into one of the most comforting, soul-soothing dishes you can make at home: Chicken Macaroni Soup. This is the kind of meal that wraps you up like a warm blanket on a chilly day. It’s simple, yet deeply satisfying, balancing tender chunks of chicken, perfectly cooked macaroni, and a broth that’s bursting with flavor. Beyond the taste, this soup is versatile, nutritious, and perfect for family dinners, quick lunches, or even meal prepping for the week. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity-it doesn’t require a culinary degree, yet the result looks and tastes like it came straight from a cozy, neighborhood kitchen.
Simple Chicken Macaroni Soup Recipe
This recipe is perfect for anyone who wants a hearty, flavorful soup without spending hours in the kitchen. It combines classic ingredients you probably already have with a few simple steps that produce a rich, comforting broth, tender chicken, and soft, flavorful macaroni. Think of it as your go-to, feel-good soup that’s easy enough for weeknights yet impressive enough for guests.
Ingredients Needed
Here’s a comprehensive list of what you’ll need. I’ll break it down into categories for easier shopping and preparation:
Protein
- 2 cups of cooked chicken (shredded or diced; rotisserie chicken works beautifully)
Pasta
- 1 cup of macaroni (small elbow macaroni is classic, but any short pasta works)
Vegetables
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- Optional: 1 cup of green peas for extra sweetness and color
Broth & Liquids
- 6 cups of chicken broth (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 cup of water (adjust if you prefer a thinner soup)
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 bay leaf
- Optional: a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat
Finishing Touches
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (for a subtle brightness)
Cooking Instructions
Cooking this soup is straightforward, but here’s a detailed step-by-step so you don’t miss a beat:
- Prep your ingredients: Dice vegetables, shred the chicken, and measure your pasta and seasonings. Having everything ready ensures a smooth cooking process.
- Sauté aromatics: Heat 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5-7 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add broth and seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth and water. Add salt, pepper, thyme, oregano, and the bay leaf. Bring to a gentle boil.
- Cook the chicken: Add shredded or diced chicken to the simmering broth. Let it cook for 5-7 minutes to infuse the flavors.
- Add macaroni: Stir in the pasta and cook according to package instructions (usually 8-10 minutes), ensuring it’s tender but not mushy.
- Optional peas: If you’re adding peas, stir them in during the last 3 minutes of cooking.
- Finish with freshness: Remove the bay leaf, stir in chopped parsley and a splash of lemon juice for brightness. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Serve hot: Ladle into bowls, perhaps with a slice of crusty bread, and enjoy.
Ingredient Insights
- Chicken: Provides a lean protein base. Rotisserie chicken is a time-saver and adds flavor, but poached or roasted chicken works just as well.
- Macaroni: Absorbs the broth’s flavor and gives the soup a comforting, filling texture. Elbow macaroni is classic, but small shells or ditalini can work beautifully.
- Vegetables: Carrots and celery add subtle sweetness and a slight crunch if not overcooked. Garlic and onion create the aromatic base that makes this soup so inviting.
- Broth: Chicken broth is the soul of the soup. Homemade adds richness; store-bought is convenient but look for low-sodium options to control seasoning.
- Seasonings: Herbs like thyme and oregano elevate the soup with layers of flavor, while parsley adds a fresh, vibrant finish.
Expert Tips
- Don’t overcook pasta: It continues to soften in the hot broth, so slightly undercooking it is ideal.
- Layer flavors: Sautéing the vegetables before adding broth intensifies the flavor.
- Use leftovers wisely: Rotisserie chicken, leftover veggies, or even last week’s broth can turn this soup into a weeknight miracle.
- Customize seasoning: Taste as you go. Salt and pepper are flexible, but herbs add depth without overwhelming the natural flavors.
- Make ahead: Soup often tastes better the next day as flavors meld. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
Recipe Variations
This soup is highly adaptable:
- Creamy Chicken Macaroni Soup: Stir in ½ cup of cream or coconut milk at the end for a velvety texture.
- Spicy Kick: Add a chopped chili or ¼ teaspoon cayenne for heat.
- Vegetable-packed: Include zucchini, corn, or spinach for extra nutrients and color.
- Whole Grain Macaroni: Use whole wheat or chickpea pasta for more fiber and protein.
- Herb Twist: Fresh basil or dill can replace parsley for a unique flavor profile.
Final Words
Chicken macaroni soup is more than just a dish-it’s an experience. Every spoonful combines warmth, texture, and flavor that feels like a hug in a bowl. It’s flexible, forgiving, and perfect for cooks of all levels. Once you master the basic recipe, you can experiment endlessly with vegetables, spices, and pasta types, making it your personal signature soup.
FAQs
What Ingredients Are Needed For A Simple Chicken Macaroni Soup?
A basic simple chicken macaroni soup requires chicken breast or thighs, elbow macaroni, chicken broth, onions, garlic, carrots, celery, olive oil, salt, pepper, and optional herbs like thyme or parsley.
Can I Use Pre-cooked Chicken For This Recipe?
Yes, you can use pre-cooked chicken such as rotisserie chicken to save time. Simply shred it before adding to the soup.
What Type Of Macaroni Works Best For This Soup?
Elbow macaroni is typically used for chicken macaroni soup, but other small pasta shapes like ditalini or small shells can also work well.
How Can I Make The Soup Thicker?
To thicken the soup, you can either add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water) or cook the soup longer to allow the pasta to absorb more liquid.
Can I Make This Soup In A Slow Cooker?
Yes, you can make chicken macaroni soup in a slow cooker. Add all ingredients except for the pasta and cook on low for 6-7 hours. Add the pasta during the last 30 minutes of cooking to prevent it from becoming mushy.
Is It Necessary To Sauté The Vegetables Before Adding Them To The Soup?
Sautéing the vegetables (onions, garlic, carrots, celery) in olive oil or butter before adding broth enhances the flavors. However, if you’re short on time, you can skip this step and add the vegetables directly to the broth.
Can I Use Vegetable Broth Instead Of Chicken Broth?
Yes, vegetable broth can be used as a substitute for chicken broth if you’re looking for a vegetarian version or don’t have chicken broth on hand.
Can I Freeze Chicken Macaroni Soup?
Yes, you can freeze chicken macaroni soup, but it’s best to freeze it without the pasta, as pasta can become mushy when reheated. Store the soup and pasta separately, then combine when reheating.
How Long Does It Take To Cook Chicken Macaroni Soup?
Cooking chicken macaroni soup usually takes around 30-40 minutes if using raw chicken and fresh vegetables. The soup is ready in about 20 minutes if using pre-cooked chicken.
What Can I Add To Enhance The Flavor Of The Soup?
To enhance the flavor, you can add a bay leaf, thyme, rosemary, or a splash of lemon juice. You can also season the soup with a little bit of soy sauce or hot sauce for depth and heat.