There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm bowl of chicken noodle soup, especially when the weather turns chilly or you’re feeling a little under the weather. It’s a culinary hug, a reminder of simpler times and the soothing power of homemade goodness. While there are countless variations of this classic dish, one version consistently stands out: Carrabba’s Italian Grill’s Chicken Noodle Soup. Its rich broth, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked noodles have earned it a dedicated following. Now, you can bring that same comforting experience into your own kitchen with this detailed, easy-to-follow copycat Carrabba’s chicken noodle soup recipe. Prepare to indulge in a bowl of pure, homemade happiness.
The Allure of Carrabba’s Chicken Noodle Soup
What is it about Carrabba’s Chicken Noodle Soup that makes it so irresistibly delicious? It’s not just your average chicken noodle soup. The magic lies in the quality of the ingredients and the attention to detail in the preparation. The broth is rich and flavorful, not thin and watery. The chicken is tender and juicy, not dry and stringy. And the noodles are cooked to perfection, neither mushy nor hard. There’s a distinct freshness, a sense that every ingredient was carefully selected to create a truly exceptional soup. Perhaps there’s a subtle Italian influence in the herb blend, elevating it beyond the typical chicken noodle soup experience. Many online reviews rave about the comforting and restorative properties of the soup, solidifying its reputation as a must-try dish.
Gathering Your Ingredients for Carrabba’s Inspired Soup
To embark on your culinary journey to recreate this beloved soup, you’ll need to assemble your ingredients. Quality is key here, as it will directly impact the final flavor of your homemade masterpiece.
Ingredients for the Broth
A flavorful broth is the foundation of any great soup. For this recipe, you’ll need:
- pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces (such as thighs, drumsticks, or a whole chicken cut into pieces)
- ounces carrots, peeled and chopped
- ounces celery, chopped
- onion, chopped
- cloves garlic, minced
- bay leaf
- sprigs fresh thyme
- sprigs fresh parsley
- teaspoon dried rosemary
- teaspoons salt, or to taste
- teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- quarts water
For a richer broth, consider using chicken bones in addition to the chicken meat. You can also roast the chicken bones beforehand to enhance their flavor.
Ingredients for the Soup
Now for the ingredients that transform the broth into a comforting bowl of Carrabba’s inspired goodness:
- tablespoons olive oil
- ounces carrots, peeled and diced
- ounces celery, diced
- onion, diced
- cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (from the broth)
- cups chicken broth (from the broth)
- cups egg noodles (or your preferred noodle)
- tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
- teaspoon salt, or to taste
- teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
Feel free to adjust the amount of vegetables and noodles to your liking. Using fresh herbs will significantly elevate the flavor of the soup.
Crafting Your Homemade Carrabba’s Style Soup
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, it’s time to get cooking. Follow these step-by-step instructions to create a soup that rivals the original.
Preparing the Chicken Broth
If you’re using a store-bought broth, you can skip this step. However, making your own broth is highly recommended for the most authentic and flavorful result.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the chicken pieces, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, bay leaf, thyme, parsley, rosemary, salt, pepper, and water.
- Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least hours, or up to hours, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Remove the chicken pieces from the pot and set aside to cool slightly.
- Strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve, discarding the solids.
- Once the chicken is cool enough to handle, shred or dice the meat and set aside.
Building the Soup
With the broth ready, it’s time to assemble the rest of the soup.
- In the same pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the diced carrots, celery, and onion and cook until softened, about minutes.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
- Add the cooked chicken and egg noodles.
- Simmer until the noodles are tender, about minutes. Be careful not to overcook the noodles.
- Stir in the fresh parsley and basil.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Elevating Your Soup: Tips and Tricks
Want to take your Carrabba’s inspired chicken noodle soup to the next level? Here are some tips and tricks to enhance the flavor and create a truly unforgettable soup:
- **Broth Boost:** For an even richer broth, consider roasting the chicken bones before making the broth. This will add a deeper, more complex flavor.
- **Chicken Choices:** Poaching the chicken in the broth ensures that it remains tender and juicy. Avoid overcooking the chicken, as it can become dry.
- **Vegetable Variations:** Feel free to experiment with other vegetables, such as diced zucchini, parsnips, or celery root.
- **Noodle Know-How:** Different types of noodles will affect the texture and cooking time of the soup. Egg noodles are a classic choice, but you can also use other types of pasta, such as ditalini or orzo. Add the noodles towards the end of the cooking process to prevent them from becoming mushy.
- **Seasoning Secrets:** Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasoning to your liking. Fresh herbs are essential for a flavorful soup. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a subtle kick.
- **Make-Ahead Magic:** Chicken noodle soup is a great make-ahead meal. The flavors will meld together even more overnight.
Serving Suggestions for Your Culinary Creation
Once your soup is ready, it’s time to serve and enjoy. Here are some serving suggestions to complete the experience:
- Serve the soup hot in bowls.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or chopped chives.
- Serve with crusty bread for dipping.
- Pair with a side salad for a light and healthy meal.
- A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese adds a touch of Italian flair.
Storing and Reheating Your Soup
If you have any leftover soup, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to days. You can also freeze the soup for longer storage, but the noodles may become a bit softer upon thawing. To reheat, simply microwave or heat on the stovetop until warmed through. Add a splash of broth or water if needed to thin the soup.
A Bowl of Comfort Awaits
Making Carrabba’s chicken noodle soup at home is a rewarding experience that brings the comforting flavors of a restaurant favorite into your own kitchen. This recipe is easy to follow, customizable to your preferences, and yields a soup that is both delicious and nourishing. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and prepare to enjoy a bowl of pure, homemade happiness. Don’t forget to share your feedback and variations in the comments below. For more delectable recipes and culinary inspiration, subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Happy cooking!
