Ina Garten Chicken Noodle Soup

Ina Garten’s Chicken Noodle Soup is the kind of comforting, homemade dish you turn to when you want warmth, nourishment, and simplicity in one bowl. Filled with tender chicken, soft egg noodles, fresh vegetables, and fragrant herbs, this soup delivers rich flavor without any complication. It’s perfect for cozy evenings, sick days, or anytime you want a classic, soothing meal made from scratch.

What is Ina Garten’s Chicken Noodle Soup?

Ina Garten’s Chicken Noodle Soup is a homemade broth-based soup made with cooked chicken, carrots, onions, celery, herbs, and egg noodles. It’s simmered gently to develop deep flavor and uses straightforward ingredients for a classic taste. The result is a hearty, comforting soup that feels warm and wholesome.

Other Popular Ina Garten Recipes

• Ina Garten Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
• Ina Garten Chicken Skewers
• Ina Garten Caesar Salad
• Ina Garten Best Chicken Recipes

Reasons to Try Ina Garten’s Chicken Noodle Soup

• Comforting flavor – Warm broth, tender chicken, and noodles create a cozy meal.
• Simple ingredients – No complicated steps or fancy ingredients needed.
• Perfect for any season – Light enough for warm days, comforting enough for cold days.
• Family-friendly – Loved by kids and adults.
• Quick and easy – Ready in under an hour with minimal prep.
• Make-ahead friendly – Soup stores and reheats beautifully.

Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten Chicken Noodle Soup

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 3 celery stalks, sliced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 8 cups chicken stock
• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie works well)
• 2 cups egg noodles
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• Optional: squeeze of lemon for brightness

Instructions to Prepare Ina Garten Chicken Noodle Soup

Step 1 – Sauté the vegetables

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions, carrots, and celery. Cook for 8–10 minutes until softened. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.

Step 2 – Add broth and seasonings

Pour in chicken stock, then stir in thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer.

Step 3 – Add chicken

Stir in the shredded chicken and simmer for 10 minutes to blend flavors.

Step 4 – Cook the noodles

Add egg noodles to the soup and cook until tender, usually about 6–8 minutes.

Step 5 – Finish and serve

Remove the bay leaf. Stir in chopped parsley and a squeeze of lemon if desired. Serve hot with crusty bread or crackers.

What Goes Well With Ina Garten Chicken Noodle Soup

• Crusty bread – Perfect for dunking into the warm broth.
• Cheese toast – Adds a crispy, savory bite.
• Simple green salad – Provides a refreshing balance.
• Grilled cheese sandwich – Classic comfort-food combination.
• Roasted vegetables – Add warmth and heartiness to the meal.

Key Tips for Making Ina Garten Chicken Noodle Soup

• Use good quality stock – It forms the foundation of flavor.
• Add noodles last – Prevents them from overcooking or getting mushy.
• Avoid boiling – Keeps chicken tender and broth clear.
• Use rotisserie chicken – Quick and flavorful option.
• Taste as you go – Adjust seasoning before serving.
• Add lemon – A splash brightens the entire bowl.
• Fresh herbs – Parsley or dill enhances the flavor.

Creative Variations of Ina Garten Chicken Noodle Soup

• Creamy version – Add half-and-half after the noodles cook.
• Vegetable-packed – Add peas, spinach, or corn.
• Spicy twist – Add crushed red pepper or chili flakes.
• Whole wheat noodle option – For a healthier version.
• Herb-forward – Add rosemary or dill for deeper flavor.
• Lemon chicken noodle – Add lemon zest and juice for brightness.

Storage Guidelines for Ina Garten Chicken Noodle Soup

• Refrigerator – Store for up to 4 days in an airtight container.
• Freezer – Freeze without noodles for up to 2 months. Add fresh noodles when reheating.
• Separate noodles – Keeps them from absorbing too much broth.

Reheating Tips for Ina Garten Chicken Noodle Soup

• Stovetop – Warm on low heat and add broth if needed.
• Microwave – Heat in short intervals, stirring between.
• Avoid high heat – Prevents noodles from getting mushy.

Nutrition Value (per serving)

• Calories: 290
• Protein: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fat: 10g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 640mg

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FAQs

How do I stop the noodles from getting mushy in chicken noodle soup?

Cook the noodles directly in the broth only during the last 6–8 minutes of cooking. For the best texture, slightly undercook them or boil them separately and add them just before serving. This prevents the noodles from absorbing too much liquid and becoming mushy.

Can I use rotisserie chicken for Ina Garten chicken noodle soup?

Yes, rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time. Simply shred the meat and add it during the last 10 minutes of simmering. This keeps the chicken tender and prevents it from drying out.

How do I make the broth taste richer in chicken noodle soup?

Use high-quality chicken stock and let the vegetables sauté long enough to release their flavor before adding the broth. Adding a bay leaf, thyme, and a splash of lemon juice at the end also enhances the richness and brightness of the soup.

Can I make Ina Garten chicken noodle soup ahead of time?

You can prepare the soup in advance, but for the best texture, store the broth and noodles separately. Combine them when reheating the soup so the noodles stay firm and the broth doesn’t become overly thick.

Wrapping Up

Ina Garten’s Chicken Noodle Soup is an easy, comforting, and flavorful classic that fits any day of the week. With simple ingredients, a rich broth, and tender noodles, it delivers warmth in every bowl.