Homemade soups are much easier to make than you think, and my comforting Chicken Noodle Soup with Rotisserie Chicken is the kind of cozy, feel-good recipe that comes together quickly and tastes like it simmered all day.
It’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for chilly evenings, sick-day comfort, or anytime you want a nourishing bowl of warmth.
Chicken Noodle Soup is a favorite in our household especially when there’s noses running and the weather makes us long for something cozy.
For this recipe, I used a rotisserie chicken to keep things simple without sacrificing flavor.
If you prefer, you can use leftover roasted chicken or even cook your own chicken beforehand. For a deeper chicken flavor, Better Than Bouillon adds a rich flavor, but it’s optional.
Table of Contents:
- Ingredients
- Can I use a different type of chicken?
- How long does it take to make this soup?
- How do I keep the pasta from overcooking?
- What kind of pasta can I use in this soup?
- I don’t like pasta — what else can I use?
- Looking for more soup recipes?
- How to Make Chicken Noodle Soup
- Tried this recipe? Pin it for later!
Ingredients
Let’s start by gathering the ingredients we need to make my Chicken Noodle Soup.
- 1 rotisserie chicken, shredded
- 3–4 carrots, chopped
- 3–4 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2–3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups rotini pasta
- 1–2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon Better Than Bouillon (optional but recommended)
- 1 teaspoon dried marjoram
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- Sea salt & black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 4–6 cups chicken broth (depending on preferred thickness)
- 6–8 cups water (adjust as needed)
- 1 calabaza squash, cubed (optional)
Setting everything up ahead of time helps the recipe come together smoothly and ensures nothing gets forgotten.
Can I use a different type of chicken?
Absolutely. While rotisserie chicken is quick and flavorful, you can use leftover roasted chicken, sautéed chicken breast, or even turkey. This recipe is very flexible.
How long does it take to make this soup?
Most of the cooking time is hands-off. From start to finish, it takes about 45 minutes — but letting it simmer longer only deepens the flavor.
How do I keep the pasta from overcooking?
The key is to cook the pasta separately or add it toward the very end.
For the best texture, boil the rotini until just al dente, then rinse and chill. Add it to your serving bowls and ladle the hot soup over top.
This keeps the pasta firm, never mushy.
What kind of pasta can I use in this soup?
Rotini works beautifully, but you can swap in:
- Egg noodles
- Orzo
- Ditali
- Macaroni
- Broken spaghetti
- Orecchiette
- Mini farfalle
You can also use gluten-free pasta.
I don’t like pasta — what else can I use?
If you’re not a fan of pasta, you can try these alternatives:
- Rice
- Barley
- Beans
- Zucchini noodles
- Extra vegetables
This soup base works with almost anything.
Follow along with my detailed instructions below to make this comforting soup right in your kitchen.
How to Make Chicken Noodle Soup
Chicken Noodle Soup with Rotisserie Chicken
Ingredients
Method
- Sauté the Vegetables:Heat a large pot over medium heat. Melt the butter, then add the chopped carrots, celery, and onion. Cook 2–3 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
- Add Garlic and Seasonings:Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add the bay leaves, marjoram, thyme, salt, pepper, and Better Than Bouillon.
- Add Broth and Water:Pour in the chicken broth and water (about 1 part broth to 1.5–2 parts water). Stir well, cover, and bring to a boil.
- Add the Pasta:Once the pot reaches a boil, add the rotini directly into the soup. Stir to prevent sticking. Continue cooking at a gentle boil until the pasta begins to soften.
- Add Chicken and Calabaza Squash:When the pasta is just starting to turn tender, add the shredded rotisserie chicken and diced calabaza squash (if using).
- Simmer Briefly:Cover the pot and simmer for 10–15 minutes, or until the calabaza is tender and the pasta reaches al dente. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve!Place a spoonful of cooked pasta into each bowl, then ladle the hot soup over top. Adjust seasoning if needed.
Video
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