Craving the rich, comforting flavors of Carrabba’s Mama’s Chicken Soup? You’re in for a treat! This hearty soup is packed with fresh veggies, tender chicken, and delicate pasta, making it the perfect meal for chilly days or when you’re in need of something soul-soothing.
Let me guide you through the steps to recreate this famous Carrabba’s Spicy Chicken Soup in the comfort of your own kitchen. Trust me, it’s a recipe you’ll want to keep in your back pocket for those cozy nights!
What so Special About Mama Carrabba’s Chicken Soup Recipe
Mama Carrabba’s Chicken Soup is special for its comforting, homemade quality that brings together tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and delicate pasta in a flavorful broth. The recipe combines rich, savory seasonings like Maggi bouillon with fresh ingredients like tomatoes, potatoes, and bell peppers, giving it a robust, well-rounded taste.
What sets it apart is the balance between the tender shredded chicken and the slightly mashed vegetables, creating a satisfying texture. It’s a warm, soul-soothing dish that feels like a hug in a bowl, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients for Carrabba’s Mama’s Chicken Soup Recipe
- 1 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp. minced garlic
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 pimento, diced
- 1 tomato, chopped
- 1 large potato, cut into chunks
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 cup bell pepper, diced (use a mix of red and green for color)
- 1 skinless chicken breast or 2 chicken thighs and legs
- ½ cup small-cut pasta (ditalini, elbows, or macaroni)
- 1 tsp all-purpose seasoning (AP seasoning)
- 2 tsp Maggi chicken bouillon seasoning
- 5 cups water
- Salt and pepper to taste
Equipment & Tools Required
- Stock pot or soup pot
- Wooden spoon
- Fork (for shredding the chicken)
- Potato masher
- Measuring spoons
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Carrabba’s Mama’s Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Start by heating your stock pot over medium heat and adding 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, toss in the diced onion, celery, and minced garlic. Cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables soften and their fragrance fills the kitchen. Add the pimento for a touch of spice—if you like it extra spicy, you can substitute with a chili pepper of your choice.
Step 2: Add the Veggies and Chicken
Next, add the chopped tomato, potato chunks, and bell peppers. Stir to combine and cook for another 3-4 minutes. These vibrant veggies are the heart of the soup, and the potato, in particular, will break down and add creaminess to the broth. Add the seasoned chicken breast (or thighs and legs) into the pot and stir.
Step 3: Add Liquid and Seasonings
Now it’s time to bring everything together! Pour in the 5 cups of water (or use chicken stock if you want an extra depth of flavor). Add in your all-purpose seasoning and 2 teaspoons of Maggi chicken bouillon powder. This adds a rich, savory note to the broth. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium and allow it to simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked.
Step 4: Shred the Chicken
Once the chicken is done, carefully remove it from the pot and shred it with a fork. The chicken will be tender and easy to pull apart. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir it back into the soup.
Step 5: Mash Some Vegetables
For that authentic Carrabba’s texture, take a potato masher and gently mash some of the vegetables in the pot. This will help thicken the broth slightly, while still leaving plenty of chunky veggies to enjoy.
Step 6: Add the Pasta
Add your pasta—whether it’s ditalini, elbows, or macaroni—and let it cook in the broth for about 5-7 minutes, just until it’s al dente. If you’re planning to store the soup for later, cook the pasta separately and add it to individual servings to avoid sogginess.
Give the soup a final taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. The Maggi bouillon will have added plenty of flavor, but feel free to tweak it to your liking.
Creative Serving Ideas for Mama Carrabba’s Chicken Soup Recipe
1. Crusty Bread: Serve the soup with warm, Carrabba’s Bread, like a baguette or sourdough, to soak up the flavorful broth.
2. Garlic Bread: Pair the soup with buttery garlic bread for a comforting and savory side.
3. Grated Parmesan: Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano on top for a salty, cheesy kick that enhances the flavors of the soup.
4. Simple Green Salad: Balance the hearty soup with a fresh side salad made of mixed greens, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette. This adds a refreshing, crunchy contrast.
5. Lemon Wedges: Serve with lemon wedges on the side. A squeeze of lemon juice brightens the flavors and cuts through the richness of the soup.
6. Herb Focaccia: Pair with homemade or store-bought herb focaccia bread for an Italian-inspired combo. The rosemary and olive oil flavors complement the soup beautifully.
7. Roasted Vegetables: For a complete meal, serve roasted vegetables like zucchini, carrots, or broccoli on the side. They add extra texture and nutrition to the plate.
8. Caprese Salad: Serve a Caprese salad of tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil drizzled with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. The fresh, clean flavors pair well with the rich soup.
9. Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes, garlic, and basil offers a light and flavorful starter that complements the soup’s heartiness.
10. Red Wine: If you’re serving this soup for dinner, pair it with a light red wine, like Pinot Noir or Chianti. The acidity and fruity notes of the wine balance the savory broth.
URRecipe Community Tips on Carrabba’s Mama’s Chicken Soup Recipe
1. Sear the Chicken First: Before adding it to the soup, sear the chicken in the pot for extra flavor. This helps develop a rich base for the soup and enhances the depth of the broth.
2. Use Homemade Chicken Stock: For an even more flavorful broth, swap out water for homemade chicken stock. It will give the soup a heartier, richer taste.
3. Season in Layers: Add seasoning gradually as you build the soup. Season the vegetables while sautéing, season the chicken before adding it, and adjust seasoning after the broth comes together. This ensures balanced flavors throughout.
4. Cut Veggies Evenly: Make sure all vegetables are cut to similar sizes, especially the carrots, potatoes, and celery. This ensures they cook evenly, giving you perfectly tender veggies in every bite.
5. Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Add the pasta near the end and cook just until al dente. Overcooking will cause the pasta to become mushy, especially when reheating leftovers.
6. Shred the Chicken Gently: Use two forks to shred the chicken once it’s cooked. Shredding the chicken too finely can result in stringy bites. You want chunks of tender chicken for the best texture.
7. Mash the Potatoes for Creaminess: Mashing some of the cooked potatoes into the soup gives the broth a naturally creamy texture without needing cream or extra thickeners.
8. Make It Spicy (Optional): If you like a little heat, consider adding a diced chili or hot pepper. This pairs well with the rich broth and can elevate the dish with a hint of spice.
9. Add Fresh Herbs: Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil just before serving for a fresh and vibrant finish. It brightens up the flavors and adds color to the soup.
10. Cook Pasta Separately for Leftovers: If you plan on storing the soup, cook the pasta separately and add it when serving. This prevents the pasta from absorbing too much broth and getting soggy.
How to Store Leftover Carrabba’s Mama’s Chicken Soup?
To store leftover Mama’s Chicken Soup, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. If the soup contains pasta, store it separately to avoid sogginess. For longer storage, freeze the soup (without pasta) in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
Carrabba’s Mama’s Chicken Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp. minced garlic
- 1 small onion diced
- 2 celery stalks diced
- 1 pimento diced
- 1 tomato chopped
- 1 large potato cut into chunks
- 1 carrot diced
- 1 cup bell pepper diced (use a mix of red and green for color)
- 1 skinless chicken breast or 2 chicken thighs and legs
- ½ cup small-cut pasta ditalini, elbows, or macaroni
- 1 tsp all-purpose seasoning AP seasoning
- 2 tsp Maggi chicken bouillon seasoning
- 5 cups water
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Start by heating your stock pot over medium heat and adding 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, toss in the diced onion, celery, and minced garlic. Cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables soften and their fragrance fills the kitchen. Add the pimento for a touch of spice—if you like it extra spicy, you can substitute with a chili pepper of your choice.
- Next, add the chopped tomato, potato chunks, and bell peppers. Stir to combine and cook for another 3-4 minutes. These vibrant veggies are the heart of the soup, and the potato, in particular, will break down and add creaminess to the broth. Add the seasoned chicken breast (or thighs and legs) into the pot and stir.
- Now it’s time to bring everything together! Pour in the 5 cups of water (or use chicken stock if you want an extra depth of flavor). Add in your all-purpose seasoning and 2 teaspoons of Maggi chicken bouillon powder. This adds a rich, savory note to the broth. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium and allow it to simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked.
- Once the chicken is done, carefully remove it from the pot and shred it with a fork. The chicken will be tender and easy to pull apart. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir it back into the soup.
- For that authentic Carrabba’s texture, take a potato masher and gently mash some of the vegetables in the pot. This will help thicken the broth slightly, while still leaving plenty of chunky veggies to enjoy.
- Add your pasta—whether it’s ditalini, elbows, or macaroni—and let it cook in the broth for about 5-7 minutes, just until it’s al dente. If you’re planning to store the soup for later, cook the pasta separately and add it to individual servings to avoid sogginess.
- Give the soup a final taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. The Maggi bouillon will have added plenty of flavor, but feel free to tweak it to your liking.
Video
Notes
Common queries on Carrabba’s Mama’s Chicken Soup Recipe
These commonly asked questions and their short answers will give you an better understanding of this Carrabba’s Mama’s Chicken Soup Recipe
1. What is the liquid in chicken soup called?
The liquid in chicken soup is referred to as the broth. It can be made from water, chicken stock, or a combination of both, infused with the flavors of vegetables, seasonings, and meat as the soup cooks.
2. What adds depth to chicken soup?
Depth in chicken soup is achieved through layering flavors—sautéing vegetables, searing the chicken, and adding seasonings like Maggi bouillon, garlic, and herbs. Using homemade chicken stock or broth also significantly enhances depth.
3. What’s the difference between chicken soup and condensed chicken soup?
Chicken soup is a ready-to-eat dish with a balanced ratio of broth, vegetables, and chicken. Condensed chicken soup is a thicker, more concentrated version, often sold in cans. It usually requires water or milk to be added before serving.
4. Why does Grandma’s chicken soup work when you’re sick?
Chicken soup, often referred to as “Grandma’s remedy,” helps when you’re sick due to its anti-inflammatory properties, warm broth that soothes sore throats, and the nutrients from vegetables and chicken that boost hydration and nourishment.
5. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
Yes! Chicken thighs and legs can be used instead of chicken breast. They often add extra flavor due to their higher fat content and result in more tender, juicy meat.
6. What type of pasta is best for this soup?
Small pasta like ditalini, elbows, or macaroni works best for this soup. These types of pasta blend well with the broth without overpowering the other ingredients.
7. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! This soup can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you’re planning to store it, it’s best to cook the pasta separately to prevent it from getting mushy.
8. Can I freeze Carrabba’s Mama’s Chicken Soup?
Yes, you can freeze the soup (without pasta) for up to 3 months. Just reheat it on the stove and add fresh pasta after thawing.
9. Can I use store-bought broth instead of water?
Yes, using store-bought chicken stock or broth instead of water will add extra richness and flavor to the soup.
10. How can I make the soup spicier?
To add a kick to the soup, include diced chili peppers, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce to the broth. Adjust the spice level to your liking for a bolder flavor.
And there you have it—an easy-to-make, flavorful, and comforting Carrabba’s Mama’s Chicken Soup! The blend of tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and perfectly cooked pasta is sure to be a hit.
Try this recipe and share it with friends and family for a meal they’ll never forget. Enjoy!
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