Save to Pinterest A cozy, homemade classic that cooks itself while you get on with your day. Tender shredded chicken, soft vegetables, and twirly noodles come together in a warm, comforting broth that tastes like its been simmering all afternoon.
This soup has been a family favorite for years, perfect for busy days when you want a hearty homemade meal without the fuss.
Ingredients
- Poultry: 1½ pounds (680 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Vegetables & Aromatics: 1 small yellow onion, peeled and diced, 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced or cut into coins, 3 celery stalks, sliced, 3 large garlic cloves, finely minced
- Herbs & Seasonings: 2 fresh rosemary sprigs, 1 bay leaf, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- Broth & Noodles: 6 cups (1.4 L) low-sodium chicken broth, 6 ounces (170 g) fusilli noodles
- Optional Garnish: Fresh chopped parsley, for serving
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Add the chicken breasts, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, rosemary sprigs, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper to the slow cooker. Pour the chicken broth over the top and gently stir to combine.
- Step 2:
- Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 4–6 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Step 3:
- Remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and shred them with two forks. Discard the bay leaf and rosemary sprigs.
- Step 4:
- Meanwhile, cook the fusilli noodles separately on the stovetop according to package instructions drain and set aside.
- Step 5:
- Return the shredded chicken and cooked noodles to the slow cooker. Stir to combine and let everything warm through for about 5 minutes.
- Step 6:
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Serve hot.
Save to Pinterest This soup always brings my family together, warming hearts as well as stomachs.
Notes
For a richer flavor, sauté the onion, carrot, celery, and garlic in a bit of olive oil before adding to the slow cooker
Required Tools
Slow cooker (crockpot), Chefs knife, Cutting board, Measuring cups and spoons, Medium saucepan, Ladle
Allergen Information
Contains Wheat (pasta) May contain Celery Always double-check broth and pasta ingredient labels for potential allergens
Save to Pinterest This chicken noodle soup is a comforting classic that makes any day feel special.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use other pasta types instead of fusilli?
Yes, egg noodles, ditalini, or any short pasta work well as substitutes to suit your preference or availability.
- → Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely. Use gluten-free pasta and check that the broth does not contain gluten ingredients to keep it safe.
- → How can I enhance the flavor before slow cooking?
Sauté the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic in olive oil beforehand for deeper, richer flavors before adding them to the slow cooker.
- → What herbs add the best aroma to this meal?
Fresh rosemary and bay leaf give a wonderful fragrant note that complements the chicken and vegetables beautifully.
- → Can I prepare the noodles in the slow cooker with the other ingredients?
It's best to cook noodles separately to avoid them becoming too soft or mushy; then add them back before serving to warm through.
- → Is there a way to brighten the flavors at the end?
A squeeze of lemon juice added just before serving can add a refreshing brightness to the rich broth.