Crack Chicken Noodle Soup is the ultimate comfort food, combining the hearty goodness of traditional chicken noodle soup with indulgent flavors of bacon, cheddar cheese, and ranch seasoning. This creamy and flavorful soup is perfect for cozy evenings, family gatherings, or meal prepping for the week. Easy to make and packed with delicious ingredients, it’s a surefire way to satisfy your cravings for something warm and satisfying.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Course: Soup
Cuisine: American
Servings: 10
Calories: 300 kcal
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 3 cups cooked shredded or chopped chicken breast
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken stock
- 8 oz. thin spaghetti or angel hair pasta, uncooked
- 1 (10.5 oz.) can condensed cream of chicken soup
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
- 12 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mild cheddar cheese
- 1 (1 oz.) packet ranch dressing mix
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup cream cheese, softened
For Garnish (Optional):
- Freshly chopped parsley
- Crusty bread like ciabatta
Instructions
1. Cook the Bacon:
- Heat a Skillet: In a medium skillet, heat a small amount of vegetable oil over medium heat.
- Cook the Bacon: Add the chopped bacon and cook until crispy or slightly browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Drain and Set Aside: Remove the bacon from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Set aside.
2. Prepare the Soup Base:
- Combine Ingredients: In a large pot, combine the shredded chicken, sliced carrots, chopped celery, condensed cream of chicken soup, low-sodium chicken stock, whole milk, softened cream cheese, ranch dressing mix, and cooked bacon.
- Bring to a Boil: Stir the mixture occasionally and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat.
3. Simmer the Soup:
- Reduce Heat: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low.
- Simmer: Let the soup simmer for 20-25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the vegetables to soften.
4. Add Pasta and Cheese:
- Cook the Pasta: Add the uncooked spaghetti or angel hair pasta to the simmering soup.
- Stir in Cheese: Sprinkle in the shredded cheddar cheese.
- Continue to Simmer: Cook until the pasta is al dente and the cheese has melted, about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
5. Final Touches and Serve:
- Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired.
- Serve: Serve hot with crusty bread like ciabatta on the side for a complete and satisfying meal.
Why You’ll Love This Soup
- Hearty and Creamy: Combines the classic elements of chicken noodle soup with the richness of cream cheese and cheddar, creating a luxurious texture and flavor.
- Flavorful: The addition of bacon and ranch dressing mix infuses the soup with smoky and tangy notes that elevate the overall taste.
- Easy to Make: With minimal prep time and straightforward instructions, this soup is perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a quick yet comforting meal.
- Versatile: Customize the soup by adding your favorite vegetables or swapping out the pasta type to suit your preferences.
Tips for the Best Crack Chicken Noodle Soup
- Use Leftover Chicken: This recipe is a great way to utilize leftover roasted or grilled chicken, adding more flavor to the soup.
- Adjust Consistency: For a thicker soup, reduce the amount of chicken stock or add more cream cheese. For a thinner broth, add more stock or milk.
- Add Vegetables: Feel free to incorporate additional vegetables like peas, corn, or bell peppers for extra nutrition and color.
- Cheese Choices: While mild cheddar works wonderfully, you can experiment with different cheese varieties such as Monterey Jack or mozzarella for varying flavors.
Enjoy this comforting and flavorful Crack Chicken Noodle Soup with your loved ones. It’s a perfect dish to warm you up and bring smiles to the table!
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