Breakfast Chicken Recipes

Carrabba’s Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe – A Cozy Italian Comfort Dish

carrabba's chicken noodle soup recipe

Carrabba’s Italian Grill is beloved for its warm, homestyle dishes, and one of the standout favorites is their Chicken Noodle Soup. Unlike traditional chicken soups, Carrabba’s version adds a distinctive Italian flair with rich herbs, hearty textures, and a deeply satisfying broth. In this article, we’ll dive into how to replicate this delicious soup right in your kitchen.

🍗 Why Is Carrabba’s Chicken Noodle Soup So Special?

carrabba's chicken noodle soup recipe

What makes Carrabba’s Chicken Noodle Soup stand out is the depth of flavor in the broth, the perfect balance of tender chicken and vegetables, and the use of spiral pasta (rotini) which soaks up the flavors beautifully. It’s rustic, wholesome, and soul-warming—ideal for a cozy weeknight dinner or to fight off a winter chill.

📝 Ingredients – What You’ll Need

To replicate this Italian-inspired soup, gather the following ingredients:

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
  • 3 stalks celery, chopped
  • 1 bay leaf
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • ½ teaspoon dried basil
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • Salt to taste
  • 6 cups chicken broth (preferably low sodium)
  • 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie or boiled breast)
  • 1 ½ cups rotini pasta (or egg noodles)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Juice of ½ a lemon (optional, for brightness)

Optional Add-ins:

  • A pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a slight kick
  • Parmesan cheese rind while simmering (remove before serving)
  • Spinach or kale leaves for added greens

🍳 Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Base

Heat olive oil in a large stock pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.

Step 2: Add Vegetables & Seasoning

Toss in carrots and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes to soften slightly. Add bay leaf, thyme, basil, black pepper, and salt. Stir well to coat the veggies with seasoning.

Step 3: Pour in the Broth

Add chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. If using a Parmesan rind, drop it in now for added umami. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 20 minutes, letting the flavors meld.

Step 4: Add Chicken & Pasta

Add in the cooked shredded chicken and rotini pasta. Simmer for 10-12 minutes or until the pasta is tender. Stir occasionally to avoid sticking.

Step 5: Finishing Touch

Once the pasta is done, remove the bay leaf (and Parmesan rind if used). Add chopped parsley and a splash of lemon juice for brightness.

🍽 How to Serve Carrabba’s Chicken Noodle Soup

Serve hot in rustic bowls, topped with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or grated Parmesan. Pair it with:

  • Crusty Italian bread or garlic toast
  • A side salad (Caesar or Caprese)
  • A glass of Pinot Grigio or sparkling water with lemon

🔁 Variations & Substitutes

✅ Gluten-Free Version:

Swap rotini pasta for gluten-free noodles or rice.

✅ Low-Carb/Keto:

Replace pasta with zucchini noodles (zoodles) or cauliflower rice.

✅ Vegetarian Twist:

Substitute chicken with cannellini beans and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

💡 Tips to Elevate Your Soup

  • Use homemade broth for a richer taste if time allows.
  • Add the pasta right before serving if you’re planning to store leftovers—it prevents the noodles from getting mushy.
  • Shred chicken roughly for that rustic texture instead of cutting it into cubes.
  • Let it rest for 10 minutes after cooking—this allows flavors to deepen.

🥄 Make-Ahead & Storage

Refrigerator:

Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer:

Freeze soup without pasta in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 2 months. Add freshly cooked pasta when reheating.

Reheating:

Reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat. Add a splash of broth if needed.

🍲 Nutritional Information (Per Serving Approx.)

  • Calories: 290 kcal
  • Protein: 24g
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Fat: 9g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Sodium: 670mg

(Nutritional values may vary based on exact ingredients used.)

🌿 Italian Soul in Every Spoonful

Carrabba’s Chicken Noodle Soup isn’t just a meal—it’s comfort in a bowl. The balance of herbs, savory chicken, tender pasta, and warming broth is hard to beat. Whether you’re replicating a nostalgic favorite or discovering this Italian classic for the first time, this recipe will quickly become a go-to in your kitchen.

📷 Bonus Serving Idea

For an extra restaurant-style presentation, serve your soup in a sourdough bread bowl, top it with grated cheese, and place it under the broiler for 2-3 minutes until bubbly.

📝 Final Thoughts

Homemade chicken noodle soup already holds a special place in many hearts, but this Carrabba’s-inspired twist brings a fresh depth to the tradition. From the aromatic sautéed base to the final sprinkle of parsley, every detail contributes to a meal that’s both hearty and heartwarming.

Whether you’re hosting a dinner, feeling under the weather, or simply craving a taste of Carrabba’s Italian comfort, this recipe is sure to satisfy.

Would you like me to package this article into a downloadable PDF, or want more images (e.g., step-by-step visuals or recipe card)?

Related Posts

Post Comment