Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle

Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup is the ultimate comfort food that combines the ease of a slow cooker with the homestyle goodness of classic chicken soup. Using spaghetti instead of traditional soup noodles gives this dish a unique twist that keeps it fun and satisfying. It fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas all day long while simmering gently, making it a perfect go to meal for busy days or cozy evenings.

I first made this recipe during a chilly weekend and found that the whole family loved the spaghetti addition. Now it's a staple on our meal rotation especially when we need something comforting without fuss.

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: provide lean protein and cook tender in the slow cooker thighs or tenderloins can be substituted for richer flavor
• Medium carrots: add natural sweetness and color peeling and thinly slicing helps them soften evenly
• Small sweet onion: contributes mild savory notes that balance the soup
• Garlic cloves: offer depth of flavor and a subtle aromatic kick fresh is preferred but jarred minced garlic works in a pinch
• Bay leaves: infuse the broth with a subtle earthy fragrance remove before serving to avoid bitterness
• Italian seasoning: offers a blend of herbs that bring warmth and a hint of Mediterranean flavor poultry seasoning can also be used if preferred
• Kosher salt and black pepper: enhance all the other ingredients and allow you to control the seasoning level
• Unsalted chicken stock: serves as a flavorful base opting for unsalted lets you adjust salt to taste
• Spaghetti noodles: are the fun twist here providing a satisfying chew and familiar comfort breaking them into 2 to 3 inch pieces helps them cook evenly in the soup
• Fresh chopped parsley: adds a bright fresh garnish and burst of color at the end

Instructions

Sear the Ingredients in the Slow Cooker:

Place the chicken breasts, sliced carrots, diced sweet onion, minced garlic, bay leaves, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper into an 8quart slow cooker. Pour in the unsalted chicken stock and stir everything together to combine the flavors.

Slow Cook Until Tender:

Set the slow cooker to low and let it cook for 5 to 6 hours. Alternatively, use the high setting and cook for 3 to 4 hours. Cook until the chicken is fully cooked through and the vegetables are soft and tender.

Shred and Return the Chicken:

Remove the chicken breasts from the pot. Using two forks or your hands, shred or dice the chicken into bite sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker and stir to mix evenly.

Add the Spaghetti Noodles:

Break the spaghetti noodles into pieces about 2 to 3 inches long. Add the broken noodles to the slow cooker and stir, making sure they are covered with the broth. This ensures they soften properly without drying out.

Cook the Noodles:

Continue cooking the soup on low for another 25 to 30 minutes. Stir the soup halfway through this time to prevent the noodles from sticking and to check if they have become tender. Taste the broth and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Serve and Garnish:

Ladle the hot soup into bowls and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley if desired. The parsley brightens the flavors and adds a lovely fresh touch.

I especially love the simplicity of the bay leaves and Italian seasoning working together to create a deep yet unobtrusive background flavor. A family favorite memory is making this soup on a snowy day and gathering around the table as the warm smell filled the house. It immediately brought comfort and a sense of home.

Storage Tips

Let the soup cool to room temperature before transferring it into airtight containers for the fridge or freezer. Store leftover soup in the refrigerator for up to three days. For freezing, remove the noodles and keep them separate or cook fresh pasta when reheating to maintain texture and flavor. Soup without the noodles freezes beautifully for about three months.

Ingredient Substitutions

Chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts for a juicier and more flavorful soup. Egg noodles or ditalini pasta may be swapped in place of spaghetti if preferred. If you do not have Italian seasoning, a mix of dried thyme, basil, and oregano or a poultry seasoning blend works nicely. Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can be added for extra fragrance.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this soup with warm crusty bread or a grilled cheese sandwich for a complete comforting meal. It also pairs well with a simple green salad for added freshness. For a veggie boost, add chopped kale or spinach a few minutes before serving to wilt them into the hot soup.

This slow cooker chicken noodle soup is an easy comforting meal that comes together with minimal effort. Serve with crusty bread and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for best results.

Common Recipe Questions

→ Can I substitute the spaghetti with other pasta types?

Yes, you can swap spaghetti for ditalini, egg noodles, or other small pasta shapes. Just adjust cooking times to avoid overcooking.

→ Which vegetables enhance this slow cooker dish?

Alongside carrots and onion, adding diced tomatoes, zucchini, summer squash, celery, or leafy greens like spinach or kale can boost flavor and nutrition.

→ What seasonings work well with this chicken and noodle dish?

Italian seasoning is classic, but smoked paprika, pesto, creole spices, or lemon pepper add delightful variations.

→ How should leftovers be stored for best texture?

Cool completely before refrigerating in airtight containers. Store pasta separately to maintain firmness and add when serving.

→ Can fresh herbs be added during cooking?

Fresh thyme or rosemary work well simmered in the dish and can deepen the herbal aroma without overpowering.