If you love a hearty bowl of comfort with a spicy kick, this Cajun Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe will quickly become one of your absolute favorites. It combines tender chunks of chicken, vibrant vegetables, and perfectly seasoned broth, all simmered to deliver a soul-warming, flavorful experience. This soup is not only easy to whip up but also packs bold Cajun flavors that make every spoonful a savory delight. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a cozy meal anytime, this recipe is a true winner in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, quality ingredients is the secret to making this Cajun Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe shine. Each item adds its own touch, whether it’s the crispness of fresh vegetables, the creaminess of soup base, or that signature Cajun seasoning that sets the tone for the whole dish.
- 2 stalks celery (chopped): Adds a refreshing crunch and aromatic base flavor.
- 2 carrots (chopped): Brings natural sweetness and vibrant color to the soup.
- 1 bell pepper (chopped): Contributes a mild bite and lovely texture contrast.
- ½ onion (chopped): Provides depth and a subtle savory undertone.
- 1 Tbsp olive oil: Used to sauté vegetables and infuse richness.
- 3 cups chopped cooked chicken: Rotisserie chicken works perfectly for tender, flavorful protein.
- 1 (10.5-oz) can Unsalted Cream of Chicken Soup: Creates a creamy, smooth broth base.
- 6 cups chicken broth: The fundamental liquid that ties all ingredients together with savory goodness.
- 1 cup water: Balances broth intensity and ensures perfect soup consistency.
- 2 to 3 tsp Cajun seasoning: The star spice blend delivering warmth, heat, and complexity.
- ½ tsp garlic powder: Adds a subtle garlic essence without overpowering the soup.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning the soup to your liking (adjust if Cajun seasoning already contains salt).
- 6 oz dried fine egg noodles (uncooked): They soak up the broth while giving the soup a wonderful body.
How to Make Cajun Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Start by heating olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Toss in chopped celery, carrots, bell pepper, and onion, cooking them until they become tender and fragrant. This step builds the flavorful foundation for your soup with softened vegetables releasing their natural sweetness and aroma.
Step 2: Add Chicken and Broth Mixture
Once the veggies are ready, stir in the chopped cooked chicken along with the unsalted cream of chicken soup. Pour in the chicken broth and water, creating the perfect creamy and savory base. Season the mixture with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, then give everything a good stir to combine all those mouthwatering flavors.
Step 3: Simmer the Soup
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to let the soup simmer gently for 20 to 25 minutes. This simmering step allows all the ingredients to meld together, deepening the flavor and making sure every bite is infused with that signature Cajun spirit.
Step 4: Cook the Noodles
Finally, add the dried fine egg noodles into the pot and cook for 5 to 10 minutes until the noodles become soft and tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and watch as the noodles soak up that delicious broth, making your soup both satisfying and comforting.
How to Serve Cajun Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Because presentation and flavor boosts never go out of style, consider topping your soup with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or green onions for a pop of color and brightness. A dollop of sour cream or a wedge of lemon on the side can also enhance the zest and creaminess, elevating your bowl to restaurant-quality comfort.
Side Dishes
This Cajun Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe pairs beautifully with warm crusty bread or garlic toast to soak up every last drop of that luscious broth. For a lighter touch, a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette provides a refreshing balance to the rich and spicy soup.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your soup in rustic bowls for a cozy, homey feel or use individual mini Dutch ovens for an impressive dinner party twist. Adding a sprinkle of shredded cheese or a swirl of hot sauce can also customize the experience for each guest, keeping everyone happy at the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftover Cajun Chicken Noodle Soup into airtight containers and store in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, making it a fantastic option for quick lunches or easy dinners later in the week.
Freezing
While freezing is possible, it’s best to freeze the soup before adding the noodles, as they tend to become mushy after thawing. Keep the soup base in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw and cook fresh noodles before serving for the ideal texture.
Reheating
Reheat your soup gently on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally to heat it evenly. Add a splash of chicken broth or water if the soup is too thick. If the noodles were frozen with the soup, reheating might require a little extra care to avoid overcooking them.
FAQs
Can I use fresh chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! You can cook fresh chicken breasts or thighs beforehand, shred them, and then add them to the soup. Rotisserie chicken is just a convenient shortcut that adds extra flavor and saves time.
How spicy is this Cajun Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe?
The heat is moderate and adjustable. Start with 2 teaspoons of Cajun seasoning and taste the soup as it cooks, adding more if you prefer a bolder kick. The seasoning blend offers warmth without overwhelming the other flavors.
What kind of noodles work best in this soup?
Fine egg noodles are ideal because they cook quickly and absorb the broth beautifully. However, you can experiment with other pasta shapes like small shells or rotini, keeping in mind the cooking time may vary.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with hearty vegetables or beans, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Skip the cream of chicken soup and replace it with a cream-based mushroom or vegetable soup for richness.
Is this soup freezer-friendly with noodles included?
It’s best to freeze the soup without the noodles, as they can become mushy after thawing. Add fresh noodles when reheating to maintain the perfect texture you expect from a comforting bowl of Cajun Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe.
Final Thoughts
Diving into a bowl of this Cajun Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe feels like wrapping yourself in a warm, spicy hug that nourishes both body and soul. Whether you’re new to Cajun flavors or a seasoned fan, this recipe is simple enough to make on a busy night but impressive enough to share with friends and family. Give it a try—you won’t regret inviting this vibrant, comforting dish into your kitchen and heart.
Print
Cajun Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
Description
A hearty and flavorful Cajun Chicken Noodle Soup, perfect for warming up on chilly days. This recipe combines tender chicken, a medley of fresh vegetables, and a spicy Cajun twist in a creamy, comforting broth loaded with tender egg noodles. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s an easy and satisfying meal that serves the whole family.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- ½ onion, chopped
Soup Base
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 3 cups chopped cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken recommended)
- 1 (10.5-oz) can Unsalted Cream of Chicken Soup
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup water
- 2 to 3 tsp Cajun seasoning
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste (omit salt if using salted Cajun seasoning)
- 6 oz dried fine egg noodles (uncooked)
Instructions
- Prepare Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chopped celery, carrots, bell pepper, and onion, cooking until the vegetables are tender, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Soup Ingredients: Stir in the chopped cooked chicken, the can of unsalted cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, water, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well to combine all flavors evenly.
- Simmer Soup: Bring the soup mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for 20 to 25 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the soup to thicken slightly.
- Cook Noodles: After simmering, stir in the dried fine egg noodles. Continue cooking on low heat for 5 to 10 minutes, or until the noodles are soft and fully cooked through.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for convenience and added flavor.
- If your Cajun seasoning contains salt, adjust the added salt accordingly or omit entirely.
- For a spicier soup, increase Cajun seasoning to taste, or add cayenne pepper.
- To make this soup gluten-free, substitute the egg noodles with gluten-free noodles.
- Stored in an airtight container, leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
