Souped Up Chicken Soup
A hearty and comforting chicken soup featuring tender chicken, vegetables, and pasta in a flavorful broth. Perfect for cozy days, it offers a balanced mix of protein and vegetables with a touch of spice from the tomatoes, appealing to family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Save the broth from boiled chicken and set aside.
- Add chopped carrots, chopped potatoes, uncooked elbow macaroni, and chopped onion to the broth; cook until tender.
- If the soup becomes too thick, add more water as needed.
- Add the cooked chicken, Ro-Tel tomatoes, salt, and pepper to the soup.
- Cook for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, then serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier soup, consider adding some frozen peas or corn along with the other vegetables. If you want a creamier texture, stir in a splash of heavy cream or milk before serving. You can substitute the elbow macaroni with any pasta shape you prefer, or even use rice for a different twist. This recipe is adaptable like Betty Croome'S Poppy Seed Chicken, allowing for easy adjustments based on what you have on hand.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this comforting soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with a light green salad or a slice of Easy Chicken Pie for a satisfying dinner. For added flavor, sprinkle some fresh herbs, like parsley or cilantro, on top just before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water to loosen the soup if it thickens in the fridge. Heat on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally, or in the microwave in short intervals, stirring between each, until hot.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Souped Up Chicken Soup contains roughly 457 calories, with 11g protein, 63g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (77% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (31% of the Daily Value), and potassium (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1382mg per serving (60% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of boiled chicken?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken can save you time and still provide great flavor. Just shred the chicken and add it to the soup towards the end of cooking to warm it through without overcooking.
Is this soup freezer-friendly?
Yes, this soup freezes well! Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop for best results.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).