High-Protein Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
This High-Protein Chicken Noodle Soup is a hearty and nutritious meal featuring tender shredded chicken simmered in a flavorful broth with vegetables, paired with high-protein pasta shells. A comforting dish perfect for a nourishing lunch or dinner, garnished with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for added richness and freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Salt
Ingredients
Scale
Soup Ingredients
- 2 bone-in, skin-on chicken leg quarters or breasts
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 celery ribs, thinly sliced
- 3 medium carrots, peeled, thinly sliced
- 10 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 qt. low-sodium chicken bone broth
- 4 thyme sprigs
- Kosher salt, to taste
Pasta and Garnish
- 8 oz. high-protein pasta shells (such as Banza)
- Finely grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
- Finely chopped fresh parsley leaves, for serving
Instructions
- Simmer Soup Ingredients: In a large 5- to 6-quart pot, combine the chicken, chopped onion, sliced celery, sliced carrots, minced garlic, chicken bone broth, and thyme sprigs. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-high heat. Once simmering, reduce heat to medium and continue to simmer briskly, stirring occasionally, until the liquid reduces slightly, about 15 to 20 minutes.
- Cook Chicken Until Tender: Lower heat to medium-low and let the soup gently simmer, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is very tender and falling off the bone, approximately 45 minutes more. Then carefully transfer the chicken to a plate and allow it to cool slightly.
- Shred Chicken: Using two forks, shred the cooled chicken meat and discard the bones. Return the shredded chicken back into the pot with the broth and vegetables.
- Cook Pasta: While the chicken finishes cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the high-protein pasta shells and cook according to package instructions until just al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain the pasta well once cooked.
- Serve Soup: Distribute the cooked pasta evenly among individual bowls. Ladle the prepared chicken soup and broth over the pasta. Garnish each bowl with a generous sprinkle of finely grated Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley leaves for brightness and flavor.
Notes
- Use low-sodium broth to control the salt level in the soup.
- High-protein pasta such as Banza adds extra nutrition and keeps the dish filling.
- Feel free to swap thyme for rosemary or oregano for different herbal notes.
- This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- For a lower-fat option, use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of leg quarters.
Keywords: chicken noodle soup, high-protein soup, healthy chicken soup, bone broth soup, high-protein pasta, comforting soup recipe
