Italian Style Chicken Noodle Soup is a cozy, nourishing twist on the classic comfort food, featuring savory herbs, tender chicken, hearty noodles, and Italian-inspired vegetables in a flavorful broth. It’s a simple, one-pot meal that’s both wholesome and satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This soup takes traditional chicken noodle soup and infuses it with Italian flair—think garlic, tomatoes, basil, oregano, and plenty of fresh veggies. It’s comforting, nutritious, and perfect for any season. Whether you’re fighting off a cold or just need a warm, homemade meal, this soup is easy to make, full of flavor, and even better the next day.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Cooked chicken breast or thighs, shredded
Olive oil
Onion, diced
Garlic, minced
Carrots, sliced
Celery, sliced
Zucchini, diced
Canned diced tomatoes
Chicken broth
Italian seasoning (or a mix of oregano, basil, and thyme)
Salt and pepper
Egg noodles or pasta of choice (ditalini, rotini, or orzo work well)
Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish
Optional: Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes

directions

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5–6 minutes until softened.
Stir in garlic and zucchini, cooking for another 1–2 minutes.
Add diced tomatoes (with juice), chicken broth, and Italian seasoning. Bring to a boil.
Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Add pasta and cook until al dente, according to package instructions.
Stir in cooked chicken and simmer for another 3–5 minutes until heated through.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs and optional Parmesan.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 to 6 servings.

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes

Variations

Add Beans: Stir in cannellini or chickpeas for added protein and heartiness.
Leafy Greens: Add spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking.
Spicy Kick: Sprinkle in red pepper flakes or chopped Calabrian chilies.
Creamy Version: Stir in a splash of cream or add grated Parmesan directly into the broth.
Low-Carb Option: Swap pasta for zucchini noodles or cauliflower florets.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The noodles may absorb broth, so add a splash of water or broth when reheating on the stovetop or in the microwave. For best texture, cook the pasta separately if planning to freeze—the soup base (without noodles) can be frozen for up to 2 months.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes, rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time on prep.

What kind of pasta is best for this soup?

Small shapes like ditalini, orzo, rotini, or broken spaghetti work well and hold up nicely in the broth.

Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?

Definitely—just increase the quantity slightly since fresh herbs are less concentrated in flavor.

How can I make this soup more filling?

Add beans, extra veggies, or serve with crusty bread on the side.

Is this soup gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta and check labels on broth and seasonings to keep it gluten-free.

Can I make it in a slow cooker?

Yes, cook everything except the pasta on low for 4–6 hours. Add cooked pasta at the end before serving.

Can I leave out the tomatoes?

Sure, but the tomatoes add a nice depth. You can reduce the quantity or replace with extra broth if preferred.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Yes—omit the chicken and use vegetable broth. Add beans for protein.

How do I prevent mushy noodles in leftovers?

Cook the noodles separately and add them fresh to each serving.

What sides go well with this soup?

A green salad, garlic bread, or a simple bruschetta makes great accompaniments.

Conclusion

Italian Style Chicken Noodle Soup is a fresh, flavorful spin on the classic that brings warmth, comfort, and a taste of the Mediterranean to your table. With simple ingredients and rustic charm, it’s a meal you’ll turn to again and again—especially when you need something hearty, wholesome, and full of love.

Italian Style Chicken Noodle Soup

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This Italian-inspired chicken noodle soup combines tender chicken, savory vegetables, and al dente pasta in a flavorful broth. Infused with herbs and topped with Parmesan cheese, it’s the perfect comfort food for any day.

Author: Beth

Ingredients

For the Soup:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup diced onion
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1 cup diced celery
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes (optional)
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 8 ounces small pasta (such as ditalini or small shells)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

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Instructions

Sauté the Vegetables:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 8–10 minutes.
- Stir in minced garlic, dried oregano, and dried thyme. Cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Add Broth and Chicken:
- Pour in chicken broth and diced tomatoes (if using).
- Add the chicken breasts or thighs to the pot.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer until the chicken is cooked through, about 20–25 minutes.
Cook the Pasta:
- While the soup is simmering, cook the pasta separately according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Shred the Chicken:
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pot and shred it into bite-sized pieces using two forks.
- Return the shredded chicken to the pot.
Combine and Season:
- Add the cooked pasta to the soup.
- Stir in grated Parmesan cheese.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- If desired, add fresh lemon juice for brightness.
Serve:
- Ladle the soup into bowls.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
- Serve hot with crusty Italian bread.

Notes

Pasta Cooking Tip: Cooking the pasta separately prevents it from absorbing too much broth and becoming mushy.
Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach or kale for added nutrition.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth if needed.