Quick answer: The best noodles to use for homemade chicken soup come down to personal preference. However, egg noodles, udon noodles, rice noodles, and pasta noodles like rotini are all popular choices. Consider the flavor, texture, ease of cooking, and how the noodles complement the broth when deciding which to use.
Homemade chicken soup is a comforting, nourishing dish enjoyed around the world. While chicken and vegetables are the base, the noodles are an important addition that soak up the flavorsome broth. With so many noodle varieties available, which one makes the tastiest chicken soup?
The Importance of Noodles in Chicken Soup
Noodles add substance and texture to chicken soup, transforming it from a light broth to a hearty, satisfying meal. Slurping noodles is part of the soul-warming experience. Beyond filling up the bowl, noodles bring these benefits to chicken soup:
- Absorb and carry chicken flavor – Noodles soak up the seasoned broth like a sponge, giving you chicken flavor in every bite
- Provide comforting texture – The tender-yet-toothsome texture of noodles contrasts nicely with chunks of chicken and veggies
- Bulk up the bowl – Noodles turn broth into a meal by adding hearty carbohydrates
- Fun to eat – Nothing beats the feeling of slurping up warm noodles on a cold day
- Easy to cook – Most noodles only require boiling for a few minutes before adding to soup
- Fill you up – Noodles are a satisfying addition that make chicken soup a complete meal
Clearly, noodles deserve more credit than just being a background player in chicken soup. Choosing the right noodle variety impacts the final flavor and texture of the dish.
The Best Noodles for Chicken Soup
With the huge range of noodles available, how do you decide what to use in chicken soup? Here are the top options with their benefits:
Egg Noodles
Egg noodles reign supreme as one of the most popular choices for chicken soup. Traditional egg noodles like these:
- Have a rich egg flavor that pairs perfectly with chicken broth
- Offer a pleasing, springy texture and nice chew
- Don’t get mushy or overcook easily
- Are widely available in stores
- Absorb flavors well
- Cook quickly – they only need 3-5 minutes in boiling water
- A classic choice that feels comforting and familiar
You just can’t go wrong using egg noodles in chicken soup. They strike the right balance of flavor, texture, and ease of use.
Udon Noodles
Japanese udon noodles also work beautifully in chicken soup. Compared to egg noodles, udon noodles:
- Have a chewy, resilient texture
- Are made from wheat flour instead of eggs
- Have a mild flavor that takes on the taste of the broth
- Add an Asian twist to chicken soup
- Hold up well when cooked – they won’t get mushy
- Require just 1-2 minutes of boiling
- Pair well with ginger, garlic, mushrooms and other Asian flavors
For a fun Japanese spin on chicken soup, use thick, toothsome udon noodles. They soak up the umami flavors beautifully.
Rice Noodles
Slender rice noodles also work well in chicken soup. Some benefits of rice noodles include:
- Very quick cooking time – They only take 1-3 minutes to soften in boiling water or broth
- Delicate texture – They are soft and slippery, contrasting with heartier ingredients
- Mild, sweet flavor from the rice
- Translucent appearance – They look pretty floating in the soup
- Pair well with Asian flavors like ginger, garlic and soy sauce
- Gluten-free – Rice noodles are made from rice flour
- Low calorie – Rice noodles are lower carb compared to wheat noodles
For a light chicken soup, thin rice noodles add substance without heaviness. They work with Asian-inspired broths.
Pasta Noodles
Small pasta shapes like mini farfalle, rotini, ditalini, elbows, and orzo are smart chicken soup options too.
- Fun, toothsome texture from the dense, chewy pasta
- Holds its shape during cooking instead of turning mushy
- Catches and holds onto chicken flavor
- Gives the soup a rustic Italian feel
- Cooks quickly – boil for just 6-9 minutes before adding to soup
- Budget-friendly ingredients that most people have on hand
Pasta noodles add hearty texture and slurpability to chicken soup. Shape choices like mini farfalle and rotini grab flavor in their grooves.
Egg Noodle Substitutes
Don’t have egg noodles on hand? Try one of these alternatives:
- Spaghetti or linguine – Break long pasta into smaller pieces
- Lasagna noodles – Cut into strips
- Wonton wrappers – Snip into squares with kitchen shears
- Potato gnocchi – Tiny potato dumplings
- Tortellini or ravioli – Frozen varieties work too
In a pinch, these pasta products can substitute for egg noodles in chicken soup. Breaking long pasta into bite-sized pieces helps it fit the spoon properly.
Choosing The Right Noodle Texture
Beyond flavor, pay attention to the texture of noodles in chicken soup. Noodles transform from their raw state when cooked, so their final texture matters.
Al Dente Noodles
Noodles labeled “al dente” on the package are intended to be cooked just until tender, yet still firm. Some good al dente noodles for chicken soup include:
- Egg noodles
- Udon noodles
- Lasagna noodles
- Rotini or mini farfalle pasta
- Small shells or elbow pasta
The springy, toothsome texture of al dente noodles provides substance and pleasant chew. They hold their shape instead of turning to mush in the hot broth.
Soft and Tender Noodles
Other noodles are designed to become soft and tender when cooked. These softer noodles include:
- Rice noodles
- Somen noodles
- Ramen noodles
- Cellophane noodles
- Egg noodle ribbons
- Severed strips of lasagna noodles
Soft, slippery noodles contrast nicely with heartier ingredients like chicken and veggies. They’re easy to slurp from the spoon.
Overcooked, Mushy Noodles
While soft noodles have their place, overcooked mushy noodles are undesirable in chicken soup. To avoid this:
- Stir occasionally during cooking
- Test doneness frequently by tasting a noodle
- Remove from heat shortly before noodles reach desired doneness
- Don’t cook noodles ahead of time – only boil right before adding to soup
With a little care, you can achieve the perfect tender yet toothsome noodle texture for your chicken soup.
Chicken Soup Noodle Cooking Guide
Most noodles only require boiling briefly before adding to soup. Follow these tips:
- Bring a large pot of water to a rapid boil. Salt it generously.
- Add noodles and stir. Bring back to a boil.
- Cook for minimum time listed on package, stirring occasionally.
- Test doneness frequently by pulling out a noodle. It should be pliable but cooked through.
- Drain noodles well and add immediately to hot chicken soup.
- For very soft noodles, cook right in the hot broth for 1-3 minutes.
Proper noodle cooking ensures your chicken soup has perfect texture. With the right timing, the noodles will be tender yet still hold their shape.
How To Choose Noodles for Chicken Soup
With so many excellent noodles for chicken soup, how do you decide? Here are some tips:
- Consider the broth flavor – Delicate broths pair well with gentle rice noodles. Heartier broths call for chewy egg noodles.
- Think about the other ingredients – If using lots of veggies, a sturdy noodle holds up better. For mostly broth, a softer noodle works.
- Choose a shape that will capture flavor – Ridges and curves catch tasty broth.
- Factor in convenience – Pick an easy noodle you can find at any grocery store.
- Stick to what you know and love for a comforting experience.
- Or go out on a limb and experiment with a new noodle variety for fun.
The right noodle can make your chicken soup go from bland to spectacular. Follow your tastebuds to find your perfect noodle match.
Chicken Soup Noodle Pairings
Certain noodles lend themselves to specific chicken soup styles and global flavors.
Chicken Noodle Soup
For classic chicken noodle soup:
- Egg noodles
- Elbow macaroni
- Rotini
- Small pasta shells
Hearty egg noodles are the gold standard, but small pasta shapes also shine.
Chicken Udon Soup
To make Japanese chicken udon soup:
- Fresh or dried udon noodles
- Add mushrooms, ginger, garlic, and soy sauce
The thick, chewy texture of udon noodles suits the Japanese broth.
Chicken Pho
For Vietnamese chicken pho soup:
- Rice noodles are essential
- Season the broth with warm spices like cinnamon, anise, and cloves
- Finish with bean sprouts, basil, lime wedges, and chilies
The delicate rice noodles work well with the aromatic Vietnamese-style broth.
Chicken Tortellini Soup
To make chicken tortellini soup:
- Use fresh or dried cheese tortellini
- Pick a fun shape like pumpkin, heart, or bowtie
- Add spinach, peas, and Parmesan cheese
The stuffed pasta dumplings add richness and satisfaction.
Chicken Ramen Soup
For Japanese chicken ramen soup:
- Use fresh or instant ramen noodles
- Flavor the broth with soy sauce, miso paste, garlic, and ginger
- Top with boiled eggs, scallions, mushrooms, and chili paste
The pre-seasoned ramen noodles cook up quickly.
Conclusion
With endless options, picking the right noodles makes all the difference for chicken soup. Egg noodles are the traditional choice prized for their flavor and texture. Udon, rice noodles, and small pasta offer fun new dimensions. Just avoid overcooking. Noodles cooked al dente provide the most satisfying chew and soak up chicken flavor beautifully. Whatever your preference, noodles transform chicken soup into the ultimate comforting meal.