If you are searching for a heartwarming and flavorful meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, then this Sicilian Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. It combines tender chicken thighs, a rainbow of fresh vegetables, and comforting ditalini pasta all simmered together in a savory broth brightened up by fragrant Italian parsley. This soup captures the rustic charm of Sicily with every spoonful, making it a perfect meal to cozy up with any day of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the simple list fool you—each ingredient is essential to building the layers of flavor and texture that make this Sicilian Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe such a standout. From the hearty potatoes adding a creamy bite to the bell peppers providing a pop of color and sweetness, these components come together like old friends.
- 1.5 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs: The skin and bones bring rich flavor and body to the broth as they cook.
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced: Adds a foundational sweetness and depth of flavor.
- 4 celery stalks, diced: Offers a subtle crunch and aromatic freshness.
- 3 medium carrots, peeled and diced: Brings natural sweetness and vibrant color.
- 1 red bell pepper, cored and diced: Delivers a sweet, fruity note and bold red hue.
- 1 green bell pepper, cored and diced: Balances the sweetness with a slight bitterness and adds green vibrancy.
- 2 russet potatoes, peeled and diced: Provide heartiness and help thicken the broth naturally.
- 1/2 tablespoon minced garlic: Infuses the soup with warm, pungent flavor.
- 1 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes: Introduces acidity and a touch of sweetness for depth.
- 2 dry bay leaves: Impart subtle herbal warmth throughout the cooking process.
- 2 teaspoons salt: Essential for seasoning; adjust based on broth and tomato saltiness.
- 1 32 oz chicken stock: Forms the rich, savory cooking liquid.
- 4 cups water: Balances the stock to achieve the perfect broth intensity.
- 3/4 dry cup ditalini pasta: Small and chewy pasta perfect for soaking up all those delicious flavors.
- 1/2 cup fresh Italian parsley: A bright, fresh finish to lift the entire dish.
- Salt and pepper to taste (added halfway): Allows for perfect seasoning adjustments during cooking.
How to Make Sicilian Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Combine Ingredients
Start by washing and prepping all your vegetables so they’re ready to go. Place the chicken thighs, diced onion, celery, carrots, red and green bell peppers, potatoes, minced garlic, diced tomatoes, bay leaves, salt, chicken stock, and water into a large pot. Keep in mind that if your chicken stock or canned tomatoes are already salted, hold back on the initial seasoning—you can always adjust later. This mix begins the flavor infusion that will define your soup.
Step 2: Simmer to Develop Flavor
Bring the pot to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce it to a gentle simmer, partially covered. Let it cook for about 30 minutes until the chicken thighs are fully cooked and tender, and the vegetables start to meld together beautifully. This slow simmer allows the broth to soak up the essence of every ingredient, resulting in a comforting and complex flavor base.
Step 3: Add Pasta for Texture
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pot and set it aside temporarily. Now, stir in the ditalini pasta, cover, and cook it within the broth for approximately 13 to 15 minutes. The pasta will absorb some of the savory broth while softening to a perfect al dente texture, adding a satisfying chew to each bite.
Step 4: Shred Chicken and Final Seasoning
While the pasta cooks, shred the chicken meat, discarding the skin and bones. Return the shredded chicken back into the pot and give everything a good stir. Finish off with a generous sprinkling of fresh Italian parsley on top before serving. This final step adds a burst of color and freshness that elevates the entire soup to new heights.
How to Serve Sicilian Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped Italian parsley isn’t just for looks—it adds a vibrant, herbaceous note that brightens the soup. For an extra touch, a grating of Parmesan cheese or a few red pepper flakes can offer a lovely kick or creaminess, depending on your mood.
Side Dishes
This Sicilian Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe is so hearty on its own but pairs wonderfully with rustic crusty bread or warm garlic focaccia. A light side salad with lemony vinaigrette can also contrast nicely, balancing the soup’s richness with fresh crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy dinner, serve the soup in oversized bowls with a ladle of extra broth to keep it steaming. You can also garnish with crispy kale chips or drizzle a little good-quality olive oil on top for added indulgence. If you’re hosting, try serving it family-style with a big pot in the center so everyone can help themselves.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This soup keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve its flavors and prevent it from absorbing any fridge odors. The flavors will even deepen overnight, making it perfect for meal prepping.
Freezing
You can freeze the Sicilian Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe for up to 3 months, but it’s best to undercook the pasta initially or leave it out altogether before freezing to prevent it from getting mushy. Freeze the soup in well-sealed freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy leftovers, gently reheat the soup on the stove over medium heat until warmed through. Add any additional fresh parsley or pasta if needed, and adjust with salt and pepper to refresh the flavors as they may mellow during storage.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
You can substitute chicken breasts, but thighs add more flavor and stay juicier during the long simmer. If using breasts, watch the cooking time closely so they don’t dry out.
What type of pasta works best in this soup?
Ditalini pasta is classic here due to its small size and shape that holds broth well, but small elbow macaroni or orzo also make excellent substitutes if needed.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes! Replace the chicken with hearty mushrooms or beans, use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock, and omit the chicken meat for a delicious vegetarian version.
Is it important to use bone-in chicken thighs?
Bone-in thighs impart incredible depth to the broth as the collagen and marrow dissolve during cooking, so they truly enhance the soup’s richness. Boneless works, but will be less flavorful.
How spicy is this soup?
This Sicilian Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe is naturally mild and comforting. You can easily add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce if you prefer a little heat.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly comforting about a soup that feels both rustic and lovingly crafted, and this Sicilian Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe fits that bill perfectly. It’s a cozy dinner, a nourishing lunch, and a dish that brings a little bit of Sicily’s sunshine into your kitchen. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite soup to come back to again and again.
Print
Sicilian Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Sicilian Chicken Noodle Soup is a hearty and comforting dish combining tender bone-in chicken thighs with a medley of fresh vegetables, diced tomatoes, and ditalini pasta. The soup is slowly simmered to develop deep flavors, then finished with fresh Italian parsley for a bright, herbaceous touch. Perfect for a cozy family meal, this soup balances wholesome ingredients and a satisfying texture.
Ingredients
Chicken and Broth
- 1.5 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 32 oz chicken stock
- 4 cups water
- 2 dry bay leaves
- 2 tsp salt (adjust as needed)
Vegetables
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 4 celery stalks, diced
- 3 medium carrots, peeled and diced
- 1 red bell pepper, cored and diced
- 1 green bell pepper, cored and diced
- 2 russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1/2 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes
Pasta and Garnish
- 3/4 dry cup ditalini pasta
- 1/2 cup fresh Italian parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste (added halfway through cooking)
Instructions
- Prepare and combine ingredients: Wash and dice all vegetables as specified. In a large pot, combine the chicken thighs, diced onion, celery, carrots, red and green bell peppers, potatoes, minced garlic, canned diced tomatoes, bay leaves, chicken stock, water, and 2 teaspoons of salt. Keep in mind if your chicken stock or canned tomatoes already contain salt, adjust accordingly.
- Simmer the soup: Cover the pot and bring the mixture to a rapid boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer partially covered for 30 minutes, allowing the chicken to cook through and the flavors to meld.
- Add pasta and continue cooking: Remove the chicken thighs from the pot and set aside briefly. Add the ditalini pasta to the pot, cover, and cook for an additional 13-15 minutes until the pasta is tender.
- Shred chicken and finish soup: While the pasta cooks, shred the cooked chicken meat, discarding the skin and bones. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste if needed. Garnish with fresh Italian parsley before serving.
Notes
- Adjust salt levels halfway through cooking since canned tomatoes and chicken stock may contain sodium.
- Ditalini pasta is traditional but can be substituted with other small tubular pasta shapes.
- Use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for maximum flavor and moisture.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash some of the potatoes before adding the pasta.
- Add the parsley at the end to preserve its fresh flavor and color.
