There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of chicken noodle soup to soothe the soul on a chilly day. But why settle for ordinary when you can elevate this classic comfort food with a creamy twist and the rich flavor of bacon? Our Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup with Bacon takes the traditional recipe to a whole new level of deliciousness. Packed with tender chicken, savory bacon, and wholesome vegetables, this hearty soup is sure to become a family favorite. Join us as we explore the step-by-step process of creating this comforting dish, along with some handy cook’s notes, variations, and keto and low-carb options.
Ingredients:
For the Soup:
- 3 cups cooked chicken, chopped
- 8 oz. spaghetti noodles, uncooked
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/2 yellow onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 (32 oz.) package low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 (10.75 oz.) condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup half-and-half
- 1 (1 oz.) package dry ranch seasoning mix
- kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook the Spaghetti:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the spaghetti noodles according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the noodles and set aside.
2. Prepare the Soup Base:
- In a large Dutch oven or soup pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the condensed cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, half-and-half, and dry ranch seasoning mix until well combined.
3. Simmer the Soup:
- Bring the soup to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat.
- Let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
4. Add the Chicken and Bacon:
- Stir in the cooked chicken and crumbled bacon, reserving some bacon for garnish if desired.
- Continue to simmer the soup for an additional 5 minutes to heat through.
5. Incorporate the Noodles and Cheese:
- Add the cooked spaghetti noodles to the soup, stirring until evenly distributed.
- Gradually sprinkle in the grated cheddar cheese, stirring continuously, until the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy.
6. Season and Serve:
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with kosher salt and freshly ground pepper as needed.
- Ladle the creamy chicken noodle soup into bowls and garnish with additional crumbled bacon, if desired.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Cook’s Notes and Variations:
- Bacon Lover’s Delight: For an extra bacon boost, reserve some of the cooked bacon to sprinkle over the top of each serving just before serving.
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to customize the soup with your favorite vegetables, such as peas, corn, or mushrooms.
- Cheese Options: Experiment with different cheese varieties like Gruyere, Swiss, or Monterey Jack for a unique flavor twist.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for this recipe? A: Yes, using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is a convenient option. Simply shred the chicken meat and add it to the soup as directed.
Q: Can I make this soup ahead of time? A: Absolutely! This soup actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors have had time to meld together. Simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers? A: Yes, this soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. To reheat, thaw the soup overnight in the refrigerator or defrost it in the microwave before heating it on the stovetop.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
For Keto Version:
- Omit the spaghetti noodles and condensed cream of chicken soup.
- Substitute heavy cream for the half-and-half and use a keto-friendly thickener like xanthan gum or guar gum to achieve the desired consistency.
For Low-Carb Version:
- Use low-carb or keto-friendly pasta alternatives such as shirataki noodles or zucchini noodles.
- Opt for low-carb vegetables like cauliflower, broccoli, and spinach instead of carrots and onions.
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with our Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup with Bacon! This hearty and satisfying dish is a celebration of delicious flavors and cozy moments shared with loved ones. Whether you’re craving a comforting weeknight dinner or planning a casual gathering with friends, this soup is sure to impress. So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to savor every spoonful of this creamy, bacon-infused delight!
