Looking for a flavorful, hearty soup that will warm you up from the inside out? This Carrabba’s Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe is a savory blend of tender chicken, perfectly cooked vegetables, and Italian herbs.
It’s the ultimate comfort food of Carrabba’s Spicy Chicken Soup Recipe that’s sure to impress, whether you’re serving it to family or friends.
In this blog, I’ll walk you through how to prepare this delicious dish step-by-step, including prep time, cooking time, and the essential tools you’ll need to recreate this Italian classic.
What so Special About Carrabba’s Chicken Noodle Soup?
Carrabba’s Mama’s Chicken Soup stands out for its rich blend of Italian flavors. Unlike traditional chicken noodle soups, it combines hearty vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and bell peppers with savory herbs such as oregano and parsley.
The addition of garlic and red pepper flakes adds depth, while the mashed vegetables create a thicker, more satisfying broth. Finished with tender chicken and ditali pasta, it’s a comforting, wholesome meal that’s both rustic and full of flavor—perfect for anyone craving a homemade Italian-style soup with a twist.
Ingredients for Carrabba’s Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
- 1 ½ celery ribs, diced
- 1 carrot, peeled & diced
- ½ yellow onion, diced
- 1 small russet potato, peeled & diced
- ½ red pepper, diced
- 1 (14 oz.) can of tomatoes, drained & chopped
- 3 tbsp. olive oil
- 1 tbsp. parsley
- 1 tbsp. oregano
- 2 tbsp. minced garlic
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes
- 5 cups water
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups shredded chicken
- 2 cups cooked ditali pasta
- Freshly grated Parmesan (optional for serving)
Equipment & Tools Required
- Dutch oven or large soup pot
- Potato masher
- Cutting board and knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings: 6-8
How to Make Carrabba’s Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Step 1: Dice the Vegetables
Start by prepping your vegetables. Dice 1 ½ celery ribs, 1 carrot, ½ yellow onion, 1 small russet potato, and ½ red pepper into small pieces, about ¼ to ½ inch in size. Set them aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Heat a Dutch oven or large soup pot over medium-high heat and add 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Once the pan is hot, add the diced celery, carrot, onion, potato, and red pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables start to soften. This step helps to release the natural sweetness of the veggies.
Step 3: Add Seasonings and Tomatoes
Next, add the drained and chopped tomatoes (14 oz can), 1 tablespoon parsley, 1 tablespoon oregano, 2 tablespoons minced garlic, and ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes. Stir the mixture well to coat the vegetables with the seasonings. The garlic and herbs give the soup its rich, Italian-inspired flavor.
Step 4: Add Liquids and Simmer
Pour in 5 cups of water and 2 cups of chicken broth. Stir everything together and bring the soup to a boil over medium-low heat. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat and partially cover the pot. Let the soup simmer for 1 hour. This will allow the flavors to meld and the vegetables to soften completely.
Step 5: Mash the Vegetables
After simmering for an hour, use a potato masher to gently mash some of the vegetables at the bottom of the pot. This step helps thicken the soup and creates a velvety texture while still keeping some chunks of veggies for heartiness.
Step 6: Add the Chicken
Now, add 2 cups of shredded chicken to the soup and simmer for an additional 30 minutes. The chicken will absorb the flavors of the soup while adding protein to make it a filling meal.
Step 7: Cook the Pasta
While the soup is simmering with the chicken, cook 2 cups of ditali pasta according to package instructions. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 8: Final Touches and Serve
Right before serving, add the cooked pasta into the soup and stir to combine. Ladle the soup into bowls and, if desired, top each serving with freshly grated Parmesan for an extra layer of flavor.
Also can try another delicious soup recipe called Carrabba’s Sicilian Chicken Soup Recipe
Creative Serving Ideas for Carrabba’s Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
1. Serve with Crusty Bread
A warm, crusty loaf of bread (like a rustic sourdough or ciabatta) is perfect for dipping into the flavorful broth, soaking up all the rich flavors.
2. Pair with a Simple Caesar Salad
A crisp Caesar salad with romaine lettuce, Parmesan cheese, and croutons adds a fresh and crunchy contrast to the hearty soup.
3. Top with Freshly Grated Parmesan
Add a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top of each bowl just before serving to enhance the savory flavor of the broth.
4. Serve with Garlic Bread
Complement the Italian-inspired flavors of the soup by serving it alongside garlic bread or garlic knots for an extra burst of flavor.
5. Add a Side of Roasted Vegetables
Serve the soup with a side of roasted vegetables, such as zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers, for a balanced meal that adds more texture and flavor.
6. Pair with a Glass of White Wine
A light, crisp white wine such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc pairs beautifully with the herb-infused chicken soup, cutting through the richness.
7. Add a Dollop of Pesto
Stir a spoonful of basil pesto into the soup just before serving for an extra punch of herbal flavor and a touch of creaminess.
8. Serve with a Side of Bruschetta
Offer a side of classic Italian bruschetta topped with tomatoes, garlic, and basil to complement the soup’s flavors while adding a fresh, tangy note.
9. Top with Croutons
For an extra crunch, top the soup with homemade or store-bought croutons right before serving. This adds texture and flavor with every bite.
10. Add Fresh Herbs
Garnish each bowl with freshly chopped parsley, basil, or oregano for a pop of color and an extra burst of herbaceous flavor.
URRecipe Community Tips on Carrabba’s Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
1. Use Homemade Chicken Broth
For even richer flavor, consider making your own chicken broth by simmering chicken bones, vegetables, and herbs. It will add depth to your soup and make it taste more authentic.
2. Pre-Cook the Chicken
To save time, use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken. Shredding it before adding to the soup speeds up the process, and it still absorbs all the flavors.
3. Dice Vegetables Uniformly
Cutting the vegetables into evenly sized pieces (around ¼ to ½ inch) ensures they cook evenly, resulting in a more cohesive soup.
4. Don’t Skip the Garlic
The 2 tablespoons of minced garlic add a lot of depth to the flavor. If you love garlic, feel free to add a little more to intensify the taste.
5. Use Fresh Herbs for Extra Flavor
While dried herbs work perfectly, fresh parsley and oregano can elevate the flavor. If using fresh herbs, double the amount called for in the recipe.
6. Let the Soup Simmer for Full Flavor
The hour-long simmering allows all the flavors to meld together. Be patient and don’t rush this step – it’s key to a deeply flavorful broth.
7. Mash Vegetables to Thicken the Soup
When mashing the vegetables, focus on the potatoes and carrots. This will naturally thicken the soup without the need for cream or thickeners, keeping it light yet hearty.
8. Add Pasta Right Before Serving
For best results, cook the ditali pasta separately and add it just before serving. This prevents the pasta from absorbing too much broth and becoming mushy.
9. Adjust Consistency with Extra Broth or Water
If you find the soup too thick after simmering, simply add a bit more chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
How to Store Leftover Chicken Noodle Soup?
To store leftover chicken noodle soup, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, freeze in portions for up to 3 months. When reheating, add extra broth or water to adjust the consistency, as the noodles may absorb liquid.
Carrabba’s Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 ½ celery ribs diced
- 1 carrot peeled & diced
- ½ yellow onion diced
- 1 small russet potato peeled & diced
- ½ red pepper diced
- 1 14 oz. can of tomatoes, drained & chopped
- 3 tbsp. olive oil
- 1 tbsp. parsley
- 1 tbsp. oregano
- 2 tbsp. minced garlic
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes
- 5 cups water
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups shredded chicken
- 2 cups cooked ditali pasta
- Freshly grated Parmesan optional for serving
Instructions
- Start by prepping your vegetables. Dice 1 ½ celery ribs, 1 carrot, ½ yellow onion, 1 small russet potato, and ½ red pepper into small pieces, about ¼ to ½ inch in size. Set them aside.
- Heat a Dutch oven or large soup pot over medium-high heat and add 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Once the pan is hot, add the diced celery, carrot, onion, potato, and red pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables start to soften. This step helps to release the natural sweetness of the veggies.
- Next, add the drained and chopped tomatoes (14 oz can), 1 tablespoon parsley, 1 tablespoon oregano, 2 tablespoons minced garlic, and ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes. Stir the mixture well to coat the vegetables with the seasonings. The garlic and herbs give the soup its rich, Italian-inspired flavor.
- Pour in 5 cups of water and 2 cups of chicken broth. Stir everything together and bring the soup to a boil over medium-low heat. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat and partially cover the pot. Let the soup simmer for 1 hour. This will allow the flavors to meld and the vegetables to soften completely.
- After simmering for an hour, use a potato masher to gently mash some of the vegetables at the bottom of the pot. This step helps thicken the soup and creates a velvety texture while still keeping some chunks of veggies for heartiness.
- Now, add 2 cups of shredded chicken to the soup and simmer for an additional 30 minutes. The chicken will absorb the flavors of the soup while adding protein to make it a filling meal.
- While the soup is simmering with the chicken, cook 2 cups of ditali pasta according to package instructions. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Right before serving, add the cooked pasta into the soup and stir to combine. Ladle the soup into bowls and, if desired, top each serving with freshly grated Parmesan for an extra layer of flavor.
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Notes
Common queries on Carrabba’s Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
These commonly asked questions and their short answers will give you an better understanding of this Carrabba’s Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
1. What does Carrabba’s Chicken Noodle Soup cure?
Chicken noodle soup is often considered a remedy for colds and flu because it provides warmth, hydration, and nourishment. The combination of broth, vegetables, and protein can help soothe sore throats, ease congestion, and boost immunity, though it’s not a cure for illness. The warm broth can also relieve nasal congestion and help you stay hydrated.
2. Does Carrabba’s have soup?
Yes, Carrabba’s Italian Grill offers a variety of soups on its menu, including its signature Mama Mandola’s Sicilian Chicken Soup, which is similar to a classic chicken noodle soup but with an Italian twist. This blog’s recipe is inspired by their offerings, but tailored to be a homemade version.
3. What makes Carrabba’s Chicken Noodle Soup healthy?
Chicken noodle soup is healthy because it contains a balanced mix of protein, vegetables, and carbohydrates. The chicken provides lean protein, while the vegetables offer vitamins and minerals. The broth helps with hydration and the noodles supply carbohydrates for energy. It’s a wholesome, nutrient-dense meal, particularly when homemade.
4. Can I make this soup gluten-free?
Absolutely! To make this soup gluten-free, simply substitute the ditali pasta with your favorite gluten-free pasta. Ensure that your broth and other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
5. Can I freeze Carrabba’s Chicken Noodle Soup?
Yes, this soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. To freeze, let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to airtight containers or freezer bags. Leave out the pasta before freezing, as it can become mushy when reheated. Add freshly cooked pasta when serving after reheating.
6. Can I use other types of pasta in this Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe?
Yes, if you don’t have ditali pasta, other small pasta shapes like elbow macaroni, orzo, or farfalle work just as well. The key is to use pasta that cooks quickly and holds up well in soup.
7. What type of chicken should I use?
You can use any cooked, shredded chicken for this recipe. Rotisserie chicken, leftover grilled chicken, or even poached chicken breasts will all work well. The more flavorful the chicken, the better it will complement the soup.
8. Can I make this Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Simply sauté the vegetables first, then add them along with the other ingredients (except the pasta) to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Cook the pasta separately and add it right before serving.
9. How can I add more flavor to the broth?
To enhance the flavor of the broth, you can add a splash of white wine, a Parmesan cheese rind during the simmering process, or more fresh herbs like basil or thyme. For an even deeper flavor, use homemade chicken broth.
10. Can I substitute vegetables in this recipe?
Yes, you can customize the vegetable mix to your liking. If you prefer, you can add zucchini, spinach, or green beans for extra nutrition, or swap out the red pepper for another favorite veggie. Just make sure they’re diced small to ensure even cooking.
This Carrabba’s Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe is perfect for those cozy nights when you’re craving something warm and nourishing.
The combination of herbs, garlic, and tender chicken will remind you of the heartwarming meals served in Italian kitchens. Give it a try and enjoy a bowl of comfort!
Enjoy cooking!
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Amazing
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came out great
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Simmer for an extra 5 minutes and came out great..
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