Crack Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

Introduction

Crack Chicken Noodle Soup is a comforting and creamy dish packed with tender chicken, savory bacon, and cheesy goodness. This easy-to-make soup combines classic flavors into a hearty meal perfect for chilly days.

A close-up top view of a creamy chicken noodle soup in a metal pot, showing thick noodles and chunks of white chicken mixed with bright orange carrot pieces and light green celery, all in a rich yellowish broth with small green herb sprinkles scattered on top. The pot is placed on a white marbled textured surface with a striped cloth and some green herbs visible nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 3 cups cooked shredded or chopped chicken breast
  • 6 cups low-sodium chicken stock
  • 8 oz. thin spaghetti or angel hair (uncooked)
  • 1 (10.5 oz.) can condensed cream of chicken soup
  • 2 medium carrots, sliced
  • 1/2 cup chopped celery
  • 12 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mild cheddar cheese
  • 1 (1 oz.) packet Ranch dressing mix
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 3/4 cup cream cheese, softened

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat a small amount of vegetable oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook until done or slightly crispy, then set aside.
  2. Step 2: In a large pot, combine the cooked chicken, sliced carrots, chopped celery, condensed cream of chicken soup, chicken stock, whole milk, softened cream cheese, Ranch dressing mix, and the cooked bacon. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally to blend.
  3. Step 3: Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for 20 to 25 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and the vegetables to soften.
  4. Step 4: Add the uncooked thin spaghetti or angel hair pasta along with the shredded cheddar cheese to the pot. Continue simmering until the pasta is nearly cooked through.
  5. Step 5: Once the pasta is tender, remove the soup from heat. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired, and serve warm with crusty bread such as ciabatta.

Tips & Variations

  • For a lower-fat option, use reduced-fat cream cheese and milk, and turkey bacon instead of regular bacon.
  • Swap the shredded cheddar for pepper jack or mozzarella for a different flavor twist.
  • If you prefer a thicker soup, add an extra 2 ounces of cream cheese or reduce the chicken stock slightly.
  • Vegetarian option: omit bacon and use vegetable broth with sautéed mushrooms for added umami.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the cheese from separating. Adding a splash of milk during reheating can help restore creaminess.

How to Serve

A close-up top view of a creamy chicken noodle soup in a silver pot, showing one thick layer of yellowish broth filled with soft spaghetti-like noodles, chunks of white chicken meat, pieces of orange carrot, and small bits of green celery, all sprinkled with finely chopped green herbs and some pepper flakes. The pot rests on a white marbled surface with a white and gray striped cloth nearby and a few green parsley leaves in the corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta instead of thin spaghetti?

Yes, you can substitute with other quick-cooking pasta shapes like small elbows, orzo, or thin egg noodles. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly so the pasta remains tender.

Is it possible to prepare this soup in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Combine all ingredients except the pasta and cheese in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours. Add pasta and cheese during the last 15-20 minutes of cooking to avoid overcooking the noodles and maintain a creamy texture.

Print
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Crack Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe


  • Author: Marina
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

Crack Chicken Noodle Soup is a hearty and comforting dish combining tender shredded chicken, crispy bacon, creamy cheese, and flavorful ranch seasoning in a rich chicken broth with pasta and fresh vegetables. This easy-to-make soup is perfect for chilly days and serves as a satisfying meal that the whole family will enjoy.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins & Dairy

  • 3 cups cooked shredded or chopped chicken breast
  • 12 slices of thick-cut bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mild cheddar cheese
  • 3/4 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup whole milk

Soup Base & Seasonings

  • 6 cups low-sodium chicken stock
  • 1 (10.5 oz.) can condensed cream of chicken soup
  • 1 (1 oz.) packet Ranch dressing mix

Vegetables

  • 2 medium carrots, sliced
  • 1/2 cup chopped celery

Pasta

  • 8 oz. Thin Spaghetti or Angel Hair pasta, uncooked

Other

  • Vegetable oil (for cooking bacon)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Bacon: Heat a little vegetable oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon slices and cook until done or slightly crispy according to preference. Once cooked, remove from the skillet and set aside on paper towels to drain, then crumble.
  2. Combine Soup Ingredients: In a large pot, combine the cooked shredded or chopped chicken, sliced carrots, chopped celery, condensed cream of chicken soup, low-sodium chicken stock, whole milk, softened cream cheese, ranch dressing mix, and crumbled bacon. Stir well to mix all ingredients evenly.
  3. Boil and Simmer: Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for 20 to 25 minutes to allow flavors to meld and vegetables to soften.
  4. Add Pasta and Cheese: Add the uncooked thin spaghetti or angel hair pasta directly into the simmering soup. Stir in the shredded mild cheddar cheese. Continue to simmer until the pasta is cooked al dente, usually about 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent clumping.
  5. Serve and Garnish: Once the pasta is tender and the soup is creamy and hot, remove from heat. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired. Serve immediately with crusty bread such as ciabatta on the side for dipping.

Notes

  • Using low-sodium chicken stock helps control the saltiness of the soup since bacon and condensed soup can be salty.
  • For a thicker soup, you can add an extra 2 oz of cream cheese or reduce the chicken stock slightly.
  • If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes when simmering.
  • The soup can be made ahead up to the simmering step; refrigerate, then add pasta and cheese before reheating and serving.
  • Substitute gluten-free pasta to make this soup gluten free.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: Crack Chicken, Chicken Noodle Soup, Easy Chicken Soup, Creamy Chicken Soup, Ranch Soup, Bacon Soup, Comfort Food

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