This Miso Mushroom Chicken Noodle Soup is a comforting, healthy chicken noodle soup recipe, perfect for a quick and nutritious meal. You’ll love its savory depth and easy preparation, making it a fantastic addition to your healthy chicken noodle soup recipes rotation.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Chicken: Use boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs. Rotisserie chicken works too for speed.
- Miso Paste: White or yellow miso paste provides the signature umami flavor.
- Mushrooms: Cremini or shiitake mushrooms add earthy notes. Any preferred mushroom variety is fine.
- Noodles: Whole wheat spaghetti or egg noodles are great. Gluten-free noodles are an easy swap.
- Broth: Low-sodium chicken broth is recommended. Vegetable broth can be used for a lighter flavor.
- Greens: Spinach or bok choy wilt in beautifully at the end.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup sliced cremini mushrooms
- 1/2 cup chopped yellow onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons white or yellow miso paste
- 4 ounces whole wheat spaghetti or egg noodles, broken into thirds
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400
- Tools Needed: Large pot or Dutch oven, whisk
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Aromatics and Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until lightly browned, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in the chopped onion and sliced mushrooms, cooking until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
2. Add Broth and Miso
Pour in the chicken broth. In a small bowl, whisk the miso paste with 1/2 cup of the warm broth until smooth, then stir the miso mixture back into the pot. Bring the soup to a gentle boil.
3. Cook the Noodles
Add the broken spaghetti or egg noodles to the simmering soup. Cook according to package directions until al dente, typically 7-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
4. Incorporate Greens and Season
Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the fresh spinach until it wilts, which should only take a minute or two. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed.
5. Serve and Garnish
Ladle the Miso Mushroom Chicken Noodle Soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley or sliced green onions if desired. Enjoy your delicious and healthy chicken noodle soup recipe!
Variation Ideas:
- Add grated fresh ginger for an extra zing.
- Include sliced carrots or celery with the onions for more vegetables.
- A dash of sesame oil at the end enhances the Asian-inspired flavors.
- For extra protein, add a soft-boiled egg to each serving.
Storage Instructions:
Store any leftover Miso Mushroom Chicken Noodle Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The noodles may absorb more broth over time. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of extra broth or water if needed to reach your desired consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
- Can you make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this soup vegetarian by omitting the chicken and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add extra mushrooms or tofu for protein.
- What kind of miso paste should you use?
White or yellow miso paste is recommended for its milder, sweeter flavor that works well in soups. Red miso has a stronger, saltier taste.
- Can you freeze this soup?
It’s best not to freeze this soup with the noodles already in it, as they can become mushy upon thawing. You can freeze the broth and chicken mixture, then cook fresh noodles when you’re ready to serve.
- Is this soup spicy?
No, this Miso Mushroom Chicken Noodle Soup is not inherently spicy. You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you prefer some heat.
- Can you use different noodles?
Absolutely. Any thin pasta, rice noodles, or even zucchini noodles (added at the very end) can be used as a substitute.
- How do you get more flavor into your healthy chicken noodle soup recipes?
Using good quality broth, sautéing your aromatics well, and incorporating umami-rich ingredients like miso paste and mushrooms are key for deeply flavorful healthy chicken noodle soup recipes.