Chicken noodle soup is a classic, comforting dish that is enjoyed all over the world. It typically consists of chicken broth, vegetables like carrots and celery, and of course, noodles. But with so many different types of noodles available, it can be hard to know which ones work best in chicken noodle soup.
The noodles are a key component in chicken noodle soup, so choosing the right ones is important to get the proper texture and flavor. In this article, we will discuss the most popular types of noodles used in chicken noodle soup and look at the pros and cons of each to help you determine the best noodles for chicken noodle soup.
Egg Noodles
Egg noodles are one of the most traditional and popular choices for chicken noodle soup. Egg noodles are made from wheat flour and eggs, which gives them their distinct yellow color. Some key advantages of using egg noodles include:
- Familiar taste and texture – Egg noodles have a mild eggy flavor and tender, springy texture that is familiar and comforting.
- Holds shape when cooked – The egg in the noodles helps them hold their shape well when boiled so they don’t get mushy.
- Inexpensive and readily available – Egg noodles can be found affordably at any grocery store.
The main downside of egg noodles is that they lack nutrient density, since they are made from refined flour. But they are hard to beat in terms of providing the classic chicken noodle soup experience.
Homemade Egg Noodles
For an extra hearty and fresh noodle flavor, many cooks prefer to make homemade egg noodles from scratch for their chicken noodle soup. Homemade egg noodles are simple to prepare, requiring just flour, eggs, salt, and water.
Benefits of homemade egg noodles include:
- Fresh, homemade flavor – Making the noodles yourself imparts a delicious fresh, eggy taste.
- Control ingredients – You can use high quality or whole grain flours.
- Adjust thickness – Roll and cut to your desired thickness.
- Cost effective – Homemade is cheaper than store-bought.
The only downside is that it does take more time and effort to make the noodles from scratch. But many feel the payoff in flavor is worth it.
Italian-Style Pasta
Instead of egg noodles, some chicken noodle soup recipes call for Italian-style pasta noodles. Types like small shells, orzo, ditalini, and short tubular pasta work well. Benefits of using pasta include:
- Fun shapes – The fun and varied shapes can add interest to the soup.
- Holds up to boiling – Sturdy pasta types can withstand boiling without getting mushy.
- Brings richness – Made with semolina or durum wheat, pasta can provide a more robust, toothsome texture.
- Easy to find – Pasta can be purchased at any grocery store.
Downsides are that some types of pasta lack the traditional look and eggy flavor of egg noodles. The smaller shapes can also make the soup feel less hearty.
Rice Noodles
Rice noodles are a gluten-free alternative for chicken noodle soup. They are made from rice flour and water. Benefits include:
- Gluten-free – Safe for people with Celiac disease or gluten intolerance.
- Neutral flavor – Allow the chicken broth to shine versus taking over.
- Soft texture – Can provide a soothing, smooth texture in the soup.
- Nutritious – Higher in nutrients like iron versus traditional wheat noodles.
On the downside, rice noodles cook very quickly and can get overdone and mushy if not handled properly. They also lack the rich egg taste of egg noodles.
Additional Asian-Inspired Noodle Options
For an Asian-style chicken noodle soup, noodles like ramen, udon, somen, or soba can also be used. These noodles offer:
- Unique flavors – Ramen can add a salty, savory quality while udon and soba have a gentle sweetness.
- Hearty textures – Thick udon and buckwheat soba noodles have a comforting, toothsome bite.
- Fun slurping – Long noodles like somen are perfect for slurping.
- Nutrient perks – Soba contains fiber and protein from buckwheat. Udon has vitamin C and iron.
The drawbacks are that these noodles are harder to find and their distinct flavors may not be preferable if you want a traditional chicken noodle soup.
Taste and Texture Preferences
When choosing the best noodles for your chicken noodle soup, it helps to think about your preferences for taste and texture:
- Mild flavor – Egg noodles allow the chicken broth to be the star.
- Rich flavor – Homemade egg noodles and pasta offer more complex flavor.
- Firm texture – Udon and soba have a dense, chewy texture.
- Soft texture – Rice noodles become very soft when cooked.
Think about the qualities that are important to you in a noodle when deciding which variety to select.
Noodle Cooking Guide
To achieve the proper tender-but-not-mushy texture, it’s also important to cook each type of noodle properly. Here is a cooking guide for the most common chicken noodle soup noodles:
| Noodle | Cooking Time | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Egg noodles | 6-8 minutes | Boil until tender but still slightly firm. |
| Homemade egg noodles | 2-3 minutes | Boil briefly just until cooked through. |
| Pasta | 10-12 minutes | Cook until al dente with a slight bite. |
| Rice noodles | 2-3 minutes | Soak in hot water instead of boiling to avoid mushiness. |
| Udon noodles | 5-7 minutes | Boil until pliable but still fairly firm. |
Following package instructions is also recommended, as cooking times can vary between brands. Avoid overcooking the noodles, as you want them tender but not falling apart.
Conclusion
When making chicken noodle soup, the options for noodles are diverse. Classic egg noodles offer timeless flavor and texture. Homemade egg noodles provide unbeatable freshness. Italian pasta and Asian noodle varieties lend diverse shapes and cooking qualities. Thinking about your priorities for taste, texture, nutrition, and convenience can help determine which noodle variety is right for your soup.
No matter which noodle you choose, proper cooking is key to achieve the ideal tender-but-firm noodle texture to pair perfectly with the chicken broth. With so many excellent noodles to choose from, you can enjoy endless flavorful bowls of homemade chicken noodle soup.