Italian Noodle Soup (Brodo di Pollo) Recipe

There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of Italian Noodle Soup, or Brodo di Pollo, to soothe your soul and satisfy your hunger—especially when time is tight. This classic Italian comfort food is all about simplicity, warmth, and rich, homemade flavor. It’s a light yet hearty soup made with tender noodles, aromatic vegetables, and succulent chicken simmered in a golden broth. Whether you’re fighting off a cold, need a quick meal on a chilly evening, or just craving something cozy, this soup hits all the right notes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comfort in a Bowl: This soup brings that deep, slow-simmered flavor without hours of cooking. It’s like a warm hug in soup form.
• Weeknight Friendly: With simple ingredients and quick prep, this recipe is perfect for busy nights when you need dinner fast but still want it to taste homemade.
• Versatile and Forgiving: You can easily customize it with what you have on hand—leftover rotisserie chicken, frozen veggies, or any small pasta shape.
• Kid-Approved: The soft noodles and gentle flavors make this a hit with even the pickiest eaters.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you need to bring this cozy classic to life:

• Chicken: Traditionally made with bone-in chicken for flavor, but boneless chicken thighs or rotisserie chicken are great time-savers.
• Carrots: They add a gentle sweetness and color to the broth.
• Celery: Brings that essential aromatic base and a light, fresh crunch.
• Onion: A must for depth and savory richness in the broth.
• Garlic: Just a clove or two will boost the flavor without overpowering the delicate broth.
• Parsley: Stirred in at the end for a burst of freshness.
• Bay leaf: Adds subtle earthy flavor to the broth.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning. Don’t skip the final taste test before serving.
• Pasta (egg noodles or pastina): Choose small noodles that cook quickly and soak up all that golden broth goodness.
• Olive oil: Used to sauté the veggies for extra flavor before simmering.

Variations

Want to make it your own? Here are a few easy twists:

• Add Greens: Stir in baby spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking for extra nutrients and color.
• Lemon Twist: Add a splash of fresh lemon juice right before serving for a bright, tangy finish.
• Hearty Upgrade: Toss in cooked cannellini beans or diced potatoes for a more filling version.
• Spicy Kick: A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a gentle heat if you like your soups with a little attitude.

How to Make Italian Noodle Soup (Brodo di Pollo)

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat a bit of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 5–7 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.

Step 2: Add Chicken and Broth

Place the chicken pieces into the pot and cover with water or low-sodium chicken broth. Add a bay leaf, season with salt and pepper, and bring everything to a boil. Once it starts bubbling, reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for about 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.

Step 3: Shred the Chicken

Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it using two forks. Discard any bones or skin if using bone-in pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the soup.

Step 4: Add the Noodles

Add your noodles directly to the simmering broth and cook according to package directions. Stir occasionally to keep them from sticking.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Once the noodles are cooked, stir in freshly chopped parsley and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot and steamy, straight from the pot.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use Chicken Broth for More Depth: If you’re short on time, use a good quality store-bought chicken broth instead of water to intensify the flavor.
• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: It continues to soften in the hot broth, so aim for just-tender when cooking.
• Double It Up: This soup is even better the next day, so consider making a big batch to enjoy throughout the week.
• Skim the Foam: If using raw chicken, skim off any foam that rises to the top for a cleaner, clearer broth.

How to Serve

This soup is comforting on its own, but here are a few tasty pairings to round out your meal:

With Crusty Bread

A slice of toasted ciabatta or a warm garlic roll is perfect for dipping and soaking up every drop.

Add a Salad

A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette balances out the warm richness of the soup.

Sprinkle with Cheese

Top with a bit of grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano for a savory finish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let the soup cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Keep noodles separate if possible to avoid sogginess.

Freezing

This soup freezes beautifully—just hold off on adding the noodles until you’re ready to reheat and serve. Freeze the broth and chicken mixture in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat or in the microwave. If noodles have been stored separately, cook them fresh and stir in when serving.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken saves time and adds great flavor. Just skip the simmering step and stir it in with the noodles.

What kind of noodles work best?
Egg noodles, pastina, ditalini, or even broken spaghetti are all great options. Just avoid anything too large—it should be easy to scoop with a spoon.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can! Add all ingredients (except noodles and parsley) to your slow cooker and cook on low for 6–7 hours. Stir in cooked noodles and parsley before serving.

Is this soup gluten-free?
It can be! Just use gluten-free pasta or serve it without noodles and bulk it up with veggies or beans instead.

Final Thoughts

Italian Noodle Soup (Brodo di Pollo) is the kind of dish that proves you don’t need fancy ingredients or long hours in the kitchen to make something truly satisfying. It’s hearty, healing, and full of old-world charm. Whether you’re cooking for the family or just need something warm and nourishing, this soup deserves a spot in your weeknight rotation. Give it a try and let it become your new go-to comfort food!

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