This Easy Chicken Noodle Soup with Ditalini is a hug in a bowl! Packed with hearty ingredients and so simple to make, it’s the perfect dish to warm up those chilly evenings or when you just need a little comfort.
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What is Easy Chicken Noodle Soup with Ditalini?
If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food, look no further than this cozy, homestyle chicken noodle soup. This version is a little extra special thanks to the use of ditalini pasta – small, tube-shaped noodles that make each spoonful the perfect bite. Paired with tender chicken, vibrant veggies, and a flavorful broth, it’s a feel-good meal that checks all the boxes.
What really makes this soup shine is its balance of flavors. The chicken broth is infused with herbs like oregano and thyme, giving it an aromatic depth, while a squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice adds just the right amount of brightness. It’s a delicious and satisfying meal that comes together in nearly no time, making it an easy go-to for busy weeknights or when you want something homemade that’s totally hassle-free!
Ingredients You Need
- Olive Oil – We use olive oil to sauté the veggies and build that rich base flavor.
- Yellow Onion – Subtly sweet, onions help form the backbone of the broth.
- Carrots – These add a pop of color and a little extra sweetness.
- Celery Stalks – This gives the soup its earthy and fresh flavor.
- Garlic Cloves – Mince them yourself for the best bold and savory kick!
- Bay Leaves – These add a deep, fragrant flavor that ties everything together.
- Chicken Breasts – Tender and juicy, these make our soup hearty and satisfying.
- Chicken Broth – Broth is the base of the soup — it soaks up all of the delicious flavors of the other ingredients!
- Dried Oregano – We love the warmth and earthiness that oregano adds to the soup.
- Dried Thyme – A must for that classic herby chicken soup flavor.
- Fresh Italian Parsley – Adding parsley right at the end adds a fresh burst of flavor.
- Ditalini Pasta – The perfect bite-sized pasta, ditalini holds up beautifully in the soup.
- Lemon or Lime Juice – Citrus brightens the broth with a fresh and zesty finish.
- Sea Salt – We sprinkle in a little salt to enhance all the other flavors and bring the dish together.
- Ground Black Pepper – Pepper adds a little kick of mild heat for balance.
How to Make Easy Chicken Noodle Soup with Ditalini
- Sauté the vegetables. In a large heat the oil before adding the onions, carrots, and celery.
- Add the garlic and herbs. Once the veggies are softened, stir in the garlic, oregano, and thyme.
- Add chicken and broth. Drop in the bay leaves, place the chicken breasts in the pot, and pour in the chicken broth.
- Boil and Simmer. Bring the soup to a boil before turning down the heat so that the soup gently simmers. Allow the chicken to cook through before taking the chicken and bay leaves out of the pot.
- Shred. Shred the chicken, and add it back to the soup.
- Cook the pasta and finish. Stir in the ditalini pasta and let it cook until it’s al dente. Sprinkle with parsley and squeeze in fresh lemon or lime juice. Season to taste and serve hot!
Variations
- Pasta – If you prefer a different pasta, orzo is a great alternative that’s just as small and easy to eat.
- Spinach – Throw in a handful of fresh spinach toward the end for a nutritious boost.
- Rotisserie Chicken – Save some time by using shredded rotisserie chicken instead of cooking fresh breasts.
- Heat – Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little spiciness!
- Herbs – Fresh rosemary and other herbs can switch up the flavor profile.
Can I Store Leftovers?
Absolutely! In fact, leftover soup can sometimes be even better after the flavors have had a chance to come together. Just keep in mind that the pasta may become slightly soggy. If you want to eat the soup throughout the week, just cook the pasta separately and add it when you reheat the soup.
Store the leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, freeze the soup without the pasta, and add freshly cooked pasta when reheating!
More Soup Recipes
Searching for more flavorful yet simple soups that will warm you up from the inside? Check out more of our favorites!
Cannellini Bean Soup with Vegetables
Easy Chicken Noodle Soup with Ditalini
Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup yellow onion diced
- 1 cup carrots diced
- ¾ cup celery stalks diced
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- 16 ounces chicken breasts
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup ditalini pasta
- ¼ cup fresh Italian parsley chopped
- Juice of 1 lemon or lime
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Sauté onion, carrots, and celery for 8-10 minutes, until softened.1 Tablespoon olive oil, 1 cup yellow onion, 1 cup carrots, ¾ cup celery stalks
- Add garlic, oregano and thyme and cook for 1 minute. Then, add bay leaves, chicken breasts, and chicken broth.4 garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 2 bay leaves, 16 ounces chicken breasts, 8 cups chicken broth
- Bring to a boil, reduce to medium-low heat, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Remove the chicken breasts and bay leaves. Stir in the ditalini pasta and cook for another 10 minutes.1 cup ditalini pasta
- Shred the chicken with two forks and return it to the pot.
- Add parsley and lemon or lime juice. Adjust seasoning as needed and serve hot.¼ cup fresh Italian parsley, Juice of 1 lemon or lime, 1 teaspoon sea salt, 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
Equipment
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Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Will be making this on repeat all fall and winter!
Delicious but the herbs were a little much for my young ones, will tone down the thyme and parsley next time but will definitely be making again!
We appreciate the feedback, Stacy! Thank you for trying it out. 😊
Xo,
Alia & Radwa