As the chill of winter sets in and flu season peaks, there’s nothing quite as comforting and healing as a warm bowl of chicken noodle soup. But what if you’re committed to a low-carb lifestyle? Fear not, because we’ve crafted the ultimate Low Carb Chicken Noodle Soup recipe that delivers all the nostalgic flavor and hearty satisfaction without the carb overload. This January, as many of us focus on healthier eating and resolutions, we’re spotlighting delicious low-carb recipes, and this chicken “noodle” soup is the perfect fit. It’s not just National Soup Month; it’s also prime time for nourishing our bodies with wholesome, soul-warming meals. This recipe is exactly what the doctor ordered for a cozy night in, providing sustenance and comfort while adhering to your dietary goals.
Crafting the Ultimate Low Carb Chicken “Noodle” Soup: A Healthy Twist on a Classic
The traditional chicken noodle soup, while beloved, can be a carb bomb due to its pasta. Our mission? To create a version that maintains the essence of this classic comfort food while significantly reducing its carbohydrate content. The secret lies in a clever, flavorful substitute for conventional noodles: spaghetti squash. This versatile vegetable transforms into delicate, noodle-like strands when cooked, providing the perfect texture and mouthfeel without the carb guilt. While zucchini noodles, or “zoodles,” are a common low-carb pasta alternative, spaghetti squash offers a unique advantage. Its strands hold up beautifully in soup, maintaining their integrity without becoming mushy, and their mild flavor readily absorbs the rich notes of the broth and other ingredients. We like to call these delightful strands “squoodles” – our playful term for this fantastic, healthy noodle replacement!
The Heart of the Soup: Why Broth Quality Matters
While the “squoodles” take center stage as the low-carb hero, the true soul of any great chicken noodle soup lies in its broth. This is where the depth of flavor and much of the nutritional value originates. For an outstanding soup, don’t compromise on the broth. At a minimum, a high-quality chicken broth is essential. However, for an even richer, more complex flavor profile and an added boost of nutrients, we highly recommend using bone broth. Homemade bone broth, if you have the time, is truly unparalleled. It simmers for hours, extracting collagen, amino acids, and minerals from bones, resulting in a gelatinous, incredibly flavorful liquid that elevates your soup from good to extraordinary. The difference in taste and nutritional benefits between homemade bone broth and store-bought alternatives is immense, making it a worthwhile investment in both flavor and health.
Essential Ingredients for a Flavorful Low Carb Chicken Soup
Beyond the spaghetti squash and premium broth, the remaining ingredients for this wholesome soup are quite standard, making it accessible and easy to prepare. You’ll need fresh, vibrant vegetables such as carrots, celery, and onions, which form the classic aromatic base, often referred to as a mirepoix. Shredded cooked chicken adds protein and heartiness, making it a complete meal. For seasoning, a judicious blend of simple spices like thyme, garlic powder, and a bay leaf will enhance the natural flavors without overpowering them. Salt, to taste, ties everything together perfectly. Opting for fresh, high-quality ingredients will always yield the best results, ensuring your soup is bursting with natural goodness.
Simple Steps to a Perfectly Simmered Soup
This soup is wonderfully warm and deeply satisfying, perfect for meal prepping and easily stores well in the refrigerator for several days. Its comforting flavors only seem to deepen overnight, making leftovers an absolute delight.
Creating this delicious soup is straightforward and requires minimal fuss. To begin, heat a small amount of olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onions, celery, and carrots, sautéing them gently until the onions become translucent and the vegetables start to soften, typically about 5 minutes. This initial step, known as sweating the vegetables, helps to release their aromatic flavors and build a foundational layer of taste for the soup. Once the vegetables are fragrant and tender, pour in your chosen broth, then add the cooked and shredded chicken, the prepared spaghetti squash strands, and all your spices, including the bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Allow the soup to simmer, covered, for at least 15 minutes to ensure the vegetables are fully cooked and the flavors have a chance to meld beautifully. For an even richer, more integrated flavor, simmering the soup for up to an hour is highly recommended. The longer it simmers, the more the ingredients infuse into the broth, creating a more robust and satisfying experience.
Storage Solutions: Keeping Your Low Carb Soup Fresh
This is truly the perfect soup to chase away the chill on a cold winter day, offering both warmth and a burst of wholesome flavor!
This Low Carb Chicken “Noodle” Soup is not only delicious but also incredibly practical for meal prepping. It keeps exceptionally well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, allowing you to enjoy healthy, comforting meals throughout the week. While I often find myself devouring it all too quickly to freeze (it’s that good!), for those who enjoy making large batches and the convenience of freezing, there are some excellent tips to consider. Many recommend separating the spaghetti squash strands from the soup before freezing. The reason for this is that while spaghetti squash holds up better than zucchini, prolonged freezing and thawing within the soup can sometimes alter its texture. By freezing the soup and squash separately, and then combining them once thawed and reheated, you help maintain the best possible texture for your “squoodles.” Simply portion the broth and chicken mixture into freezer-safe containers, and store the cooked spaghetti squash in a separate container or freezer bag. When ready to enjoy, thaw the soup and squash, gently reheat the soup, and stir in the squash strands just before serving. This method ensures a fresh-ttasting and perfectly textured bowl every time.
📖 Recipe: Low Carb Chicken “Noodle” Soup
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Low Carb Chicken “Noodle” Soup
15
1 15
1 30
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 1 celery rib chopped
- 1 carrot chopped
- 5 cups broth chicken or bone, preferably low sodium
- 2 cups chicken cooked and shredded
- 1½ cups spaghetti squash cooked and shredded
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
- 1 bay leaf
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion, celery, and carrot. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent and the vegetables begin to soften, which usually takes about 5 minutes.
- Pour in the broth, then add the shredded cooked chicken, the spaghetti squash strands, dried thyme, garlic powder, salt, and the bay leaf. Bring the soup mixture to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer, cover the saucepan, and let it cook for at least 15 minutes. For a more developed and richer flavor, allow the soup to simmer for up to an hour. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
Nutrition
Calories: 72kcal
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Carbohydrates: 7g
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Protein: 4g
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Fat: 4g
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Saturated Fat: 1g
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Cholesterol: 14mg
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Sodium: 807mg
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Potassium: 113mg
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Fiber: 1g
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Sugar: 3g
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Vitamin A: 2162IU
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Vitamin C: 3mg
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Calcium: 14mg
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Iron: 1mg
Nutrition values are estimates only, calculated using online tools. Please verify using your preferred data sources for precise dietary planning.
Serving Suggestions and Companion Recipes
Elevate your low-carb chicken noodle soup experience by pairing it with our delicious and crunchy Keto Snack Crackers! They are the perfect accompaniment for dipping.
This Low Carb Chicken “Noodle” Soup is satisfying enough to be a standalone meal, but it also pairs wonderfully with other low-carb friendly options. Consider serving it with a fresh side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette for added greens and nutrients. For those who enjoy a bit of crunch, our homemade Keto Snack Crackers are an excellent accompaniment, perfect for dipping into the rich broth. If you’re feeling under the weather or simply seeking an extra layer of warmth and comfort on a particularly cold day, complement your meal with a soothing Medicine Ball Tea copycat. This delightful beverage, inspired by the popular Starbucks drink, is known for its comforting and warming properties, making it a fantastic addition to your cold-weather arsenal.
Embrace Comfort and Health with Every Spoonful
In conclusion, this Low Carb Chicken “Noodle” Soup is more than just a recipe; it’s a testament to how comforting classics can be reinvented to fit a healthy, low-carb lifestyle without sacrificing an ounce of flavor or satisfaction. By harnessing the natural goodness of spaghetti squash and the deep flavors of quality broth, we’ve created a soup that’s not only incredibly delicious but also nourishing and guilt-free. Whether you’re actively managing your carb intake, seeking healthier alternatives, or simply craving a hearty and warming meal, this soup is a fantastic choice. It’s easy to make, adaptable for meal prep, and packed with wholesome ingredients that will leave you feeling invigorated and content. So, on your next chilly evening or when you need a little culinary hug, reach for this recipe and discover the delightful world of low-carb comfort food. Your taste buds, and your body, will thank you.