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–+ servings
Amanda Patel

Chicken Noodle Soup — Cozy, Colorful, Weeknight-Ready

A vibrant twist on the classic comfort soup, this chicken noodle bowl includes zucchini, peas, and spinach for texture and brightness. Ideal for weeknights, meal prep, or when you need a cozy pick-me-up with a fresh finish.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 bowls
Course: Main Course, Soup
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Calories: 280
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 medium carrots, sliced
  • 2 celery ribs, sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 8 cups low-sodium chicken stock
  • 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
  • 2–2½ cups egg noodles (or other pasta)
  • 1 small zucchini, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 2 cups baby spinach
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning (or thyme + oregano)
  • 1–1½ tsp kosher salt, to taste
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1–2 tbsp lemon juice, to taste
  • Fresh parsley for serving

Equipment

  • 5–6-quart pot or Dutch oven Prevents noodle sticking and has room for simmering.
  • fine-mesh skimmer Use to remove foam if needed.
  • Citrus juicer For squeezing fresh lemon juice at the end.
  • cutting board and knife For prepping vegetables and herbs.

Method
 

  1. Warm olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery with a pinch of salt. Cook until the onion turns translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
  2. Pour in the chicken stock, add bay leaf, Italian seasoning, and black pepper. Bring to a steady simmer.
  3. Stir in the shredded chicken and let simmer for 8–10 minutes so the flavors infuse into the meat.
  4. Add noodles and cook until almost tender, stirring occasionally to separate them.
  5. Stir in zucchini and peas. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until vegetables are bright and crisp-tender.
  6. Stir in spinach to wilt. Remove the bay leaf. Finish with lemon juice and fresh parsley.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or more lemon as needed before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 280kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 22gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 65mgSodium: 680mgPotassium: 540mgFiber: 4gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 4100IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 60mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Make ahead without noodles for best texture. Use low-sodium broth for more control. For creamy style, stir in tempered yogurt or evaporated milk off-heat. Freeze base only (no noodles/spinach) for up to 3 months. Top with garlic croutons, herbs, or chili flakes to customize.

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