There is nothing more comforting than a big bowl of a homemade chicken noodle soup! This easy chicken soup with spinach has a flavourful dill infused broth with plenty of chicken, veggies and egg noodles. It’s seriously delicious and sure to be a favourite in your home as it is ours!
Hi everyone! How is January treating you so far? Are you completely frozen where you live? The older I get, the less I can tolerate the cold.
Remember that movie The Christmas Story where the mother dresses the youngest kid for school? He has so many layers of clothes on that he can’t even put his arms down. This is me on a cold day, LOL.
Any time of year, I crave comfort food: soup, pasta, all the carby goodness and it’s particularly true in the winter months.
That’s when this easy chicken noodle soup recipe hits the spot. I’d say it’s like grandma’s chicken soup only better!
This hearty chicken noodle soup is finished with some baby spinach for an extra kick of nutrition. And who doesn’t want that in the colder months of winter?
The recipe makes a big pot of soup but, trust me, it will disappear fast!!
Chicken Soup With Spinach Ingredients
- Olive oil (to get things goin’)
- Aromatics, like onion and garlic
- Veggies, like carrot, celery and spinach
- Herbs, like bay leaves and dill
- Chicken broth
- Egg noodles
- And, of course, plenty of chicken
How to Make This Soup
The key to this quick and easy chicken noodle soup is that the veggies should be chopped not too thick, not too thin.
This soup comes together rather quickly and if they are too large, it will slow down the cooking process. Celery and carrot should be about ¼ inch thick.
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The great thing here is that the chicken used is from a store-bought rotisserie chicken.
If you want to roast your own chicken instead, go for it! Leftover turkey works wonderfully here too.
Basically, how to make this chicken noodle soup you just:
- Cook veggies (except spinach) until slightly tender
- Add dill, broth and seasoning
- Add egg noodles and cooked chicken to the party
- Finish with spinach and more dill (if you like)
- Portion up a big bowl and enjoy!
Best Noodle to Use
I love to use egg noodles here. They’re substantial and hold up well when reheating.
If, however, you’d like to use something else, go for it! Ditali (a small pasta) works wonderfully too!
Should I Cook The Egg Noodles Before Adding to the Soup?
I add uncooked noodles to this chicken soup. They take minutes to cook and there’s lots of liquid in there for them to cook evenly.
Plus, it saves me from using more than one pot, which is never a bad thing if you ask me!
If you want to cook the noodles on their own and then add when serving, that’s okay too.
Tip: Adding uncooked noodles to your homemade chicken noodle soup will cause some of the broth to be absorbed by the noodles.
If you’d rather things more loose (and brothy), consider cooking noodles separately and then adding to the soup.
How To Add More Flavour To Chicken Soup
I love using fresh herbs, especially in the summer when we can grow them in our garden. This time of year, though, to the grocery store it is.
Fresh dill really adds a lovely savoury flavour. If you don’t have fresh dill handy, just use one third the amount of dried dill.
Don’t like dill or don’t have on hand? Try any of these:
- Rosemary
- Thyme
- Basil
- or some dried herbes de provence (a mixture of herbs)
- Pinch of chili flakes
- Crushed saltine crackers over top
- Squeeze of fresh lemon juice or sprinkle of lemon zest just before serving
How Long Does It Last
If you’re using freshly prepared chicken, chicken soup will last 3 to 4 days covered in the refrigerator.
It may thicken as it cools because the noodles may absorb some stock. No worries! Just add a little more broth upon reheating to loosen.
Can I Freeze Chicken Soup?
If making chicken noodle soup ahead of time OR indeed to freeze some, it is suggested you cook the noodles separately and add when you indeed to enjoy.
The base of the chicken noodle soup freezes beautifully, but sometimes pasta can be tricky (and gets mushy when it thaws) so freeze without pasta.
Just portion cooled soup into vacuum seal bags, seal and lay flat to freeze. If you don’t’ have a vacuum sealer, portion into freezer safe bags or containers. Whatever you use, label and date the container.
Thaw when ready to enjoy.
Serving Suggestions
Any of these work wonderfully with chicken noodle soup:
- Crackers crushed over top
- Crusty bread to soak up that delicious dill infused broth
- Extra chopped fresh dill
- Vinegar. Yes, vinegar. I love a dash of vinegar, but that might be a tad odd for some people. I get that love of vinegar from my momma 😉
- Make things extra substantial and serve with your favourite sandwich
- Green salad
More Tips & Variations
If cooking the egg noodles separately, consider adding a little less broth to the pot of soup. When noodles are cooked in the actual soup, they absorb some of the broth, so if cooking separately, you can totally add less.
Unsalted chicken broth was used here, so if you use anything otherwise, like ‘low sodium’ or ‘regular’ you may want to consider reducing the added salt.
Not a fan of spinach, don’t have on hand or rather use something else? You can omit or use kale or Swiss chard. If using those, you will want to cook just a tad longer as they are heartier.
Try freshly chopped parsley instead of dill, if you prefer.
More Yummy Soup Recipes
Hope you love this chicken soup with spinach as much as we do.
If you make this homemade chicken noodle soup recipe, be sure to leave a comment below. Love to know how you enjoyed!
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Homemade Chicken Soup With Spinach and Dill
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 yellow onion , peeled and diced
- 3 cloves garlic , minced
- 3 carrots , peeled & thinly sliced about ¼ inch thick (about 2 cups)
- 3 stalks celery , thinly sliced about ¼ inch thick (about 2 cups)
- 1.5 teaspoons kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 fresh (or dried) bay leaves
- 1.5 to 2 tablespoons fresh dill , finely chopped, plus more for garnish (or about 1.5 teaspoon of dried dill)
- 10 cups unsalted chicken broth
- 2 cups egg noodles (uncooked)
- 4.5 to 5 cups cooked chicken (no skin or bones) (about one rotisserie chicken)
- 4 to 5 cups fresh baby spinach
Instructions
- In a large pot on medium low heat, add olive oil. Cook onion until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook an additional minute.
- To pot, add carrot and celery and cook 1 to 2 minutes, stirring to combine. Stir in salt, pepper and bay leaves.Note: If your chicken broth is 'regular' or 'low sodium' instead of 'unsalted' you may want to add less salt.
- Add dill (1.5 to 2 teaspoons, depending on how much dill flavour you want) and broth to pot. Bring to low simmer, cover and cook about 10 to 15 minutes or so until carrot and celery not quite tender, but almost.
- Add egg noodles and chicken to pot and cook, covered, for an additional 10 minutes (the last two minutes add spinach and stir to combine). Serve immediately and garnish with extra dill (if desired). Remove and discard bay leaves. Enjoy!
Notes
- If cooking the egg noodles separately, consider adding a little less broth to the pot of soup. When noodles are cooked in the actual soup, they absorb some of the broth, so if cooking separately, you can totally add less.
- Unsalted chicken broth was used here, so if you use anything otherwise, like ‘low sodium’ or ‘regular’ you may want to consider reducing the added salt.
- Not a fan of spinach, don’t have on hand or rather use something else? You can omit or use kale or Swiss chard. If using those, you will want to cook just a tad longer as they are heartier.
- Try freshly chopped parsley instead of dill, if you prefer.
- Have leftover cooked turkey? Use that instead of the chicken.
- See body of post above for more recipe tips.
Nutrition information (if provided) is provided as a courtesy and should be considered an estimate only. Ingredients can vary and Girl Heart Food makes no guarantees to the accuracy of this information. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
Holly
I really like the idea of adding spinach to this traditional soup. Adding in some extra health benefits is a plus!
Girl Heart Food
Totally! Thank you Holly 🙂
Lisa | Garlic & Zest
Such a classic recipe and of course an all time favorite in our house! This looks absolutely perfect!
Girl Heart Food
Ours too 🙂 Thank you Lisa!
Claudia Lamascolo
I never tire of soups and this chicken noodle looks like it calling my name!
Girl Heart Food
I don’t either! Thanks Claudia 🙂
Alyssa
I like the addition of dill in this recipe. Such a great herb, one of my favorites.
Girl Heart Food
Mine too! Thanks Alyssa 🙂
Zuzana Paar
I just love home made soup and wish I could have one pot right now
Girl Heart Food
Thank you Zuzana 🙂 It’s quite tasty!
Dannii
Chicken noodle soup is the ultimate pick me up and we always make it when someone in our house is sick. This looks lovely.
Girl Heart Food
Sure is 😉 The ultimate comfort food! Thanks Dannii 🙂
Agness of Run Agness Run
Yummy! This is an awesome soup recipe, Dawn! I love noodles and thus, I must try this soup. Is it a good breakfast dish?
Girl Heart Food
Thanks Agness!! Love noodles too 🙂 I would certainly have no problem eating for breakfast, but I do love me some soup 😉
Nicoletta @sugarlovespices
I am sorry to say that here in Rome the temperatures have been Spring like. Beautiful warm weather that one day went up to 22° C but mostly stays around 15° C. 🙂 But Loreto is in the deep freeze and he would definitely need a bowl of this delicious soup. He LOVES chicken noodle soup and this looks so good! I like the addition of spinach!
Girl Heart Food
Nice!!! Thanks Nicoletta! Hope you’re having a lovely time 🙂
Carmy @ carmyy.com
I definitely need this in my life right now. It’s snowing out and I’m starting to feel sniffy!
Girl Heart Food
Thanks Carmy!! Stay warm 🙂
Thao @ In Good Flavor
After over a week of frigid cold and a string of sub-zero degree nights, getting back to 30+ degree weather seems like a walk in the park. It’s going to be in the 50’s and raining tomorrow. This chicken soup is so comforting and just the perfect for coping with whatever kind of day, frigid or rainy, the winter is throwing our way! I love that it is also good for you ’cause there’s a lot of cold and flu germs to ward off these days too!!
Girl Heart Food
Brrrrr!!! Thanks Thao! Hope you stay warm 🙂 Happy weekend to ya 🙂
sue | theviewfromgreatisland
My mom used to make this and to this day I can’t get through a cold or flu without it ~ yours looks amazing!
Girl Heart Food
Thank you Sue 🙂 !!
Miriam
This chicken noodle soup looks like the perfect comfort food, great for this time of the year. It is not too cold here in London but cold enough to want to stay at home most evenings with some nice food and curled up on the sofa 🙂 Have a great weekend, Dawn!
Girl Heart Food
It totally is! Thanks Miriam! Have a lovely weekend too 🙂
Leanne | Crumb Top Baking
This chicken noodle soup looks super comforting Dawn. Love the addition of spinach and fresh dill! And I totally appreciate your reference to A Christmas Story. My husband often calls me Randy when I’m bundling up to go out for a walk! Hope you’re having a great week!
Girl Heart Food
Thank you Leanne!! Haha – that’s too funny! Have a wonderful weekend 🙂
Karen (Back Road Journal)
Hi Dawn, It appears my first comment didn’t go through and that is a shame as you need to know what a delicious looking soup you have prepared and captured so wonderfully.
Girl Heart Food
Thank you so much, Karen! Appreciate it 🙂 !
Marissa
This looks seriously fantastic, Dawn! I love adding spinach for some extra veg and yes to tons of herbs. Confession though, I’ve never had dill in chicken noodle soup. I absolutely must try!
Girl Heart Food
Thank you Marissa! You have definitely got to try it!! It’s delish 😉
Sarah
I kept sending people GIFs of that scene in “A Christmas Story” because every time I left the house, that’s how I felt!! Lol. Too bad I couldn’t eat this soup while I was driving! This sounds perfect to warm us all back up!
Girl Heart Food
Haha – right 😀 ?? It definitely is! Thanks Sarah 🙂
Jolina
We made the same thing!! 🙂 And by “we” of course you know I mean Red and you right? LOL. I don’t know what it is about chilly weather and chicken noodle soup. They go so well together! Love that you used rotisserie chicken here. We’ve gotten a break from our lovely -30 windchill but forecasts say it’s going to come back in a few days. Oh joy. Keep warm!!
Girl Heart Food
Haha! You’re funny, Jolina! They do go so well together!! You stay warm too, my friend 🙂
Christina
Whelp, I just found the recipe I’m going to cook tomorrow night. I have fresh dill in the house and I’m recovering from a cold so as you can imagine, I’m all KINDS of craving CNS right now! I’ve made CNS numerous times before but I hadn’t thought to add fresh dill, brilliant!
Girl Heart Food
Yay! Happy to hear that Christina! Hope you enjoy it and feel better soon 🙂
Shashi at Savory Spin
Hahaha, Dawn, it’s not as cold here as it is where you are but I totally layer myself up when I walk the dogs – just like you do! I’m not a fan of cold weather thats why I NEED my layers and loads of delicious soup like THIS!!! This looks so hearty and so comforting and so love all those fresh herbs in there!
Stay warm, my friend, and hope you have a wonderful week!
Girl Heart Food
Thanks Shashi! I live on soup all year round, but especially this time of year! Have a wonderful week too, my friend!
Katherine | Love In My Oven
Hah! Dawn, I hate the cold too. HATE! I’m right there with you wearing a million layers. I literally hibernate until summer…!! This soup will help SO much with this freezing weather. It’s so comforting and delicious looking!! XO
Girl Heart Food
HAHAHA – I hear ya, Katherine!! Thanks so much, my friend! XO
karrie / Tasty Ever After
I need that big pot of chicken soup right now! I made some the other day but it didn’t look anywhere near as good as your does. Pinning and making your recipe next time 🙂
Girl Heart Food
Thanks girl!! You’re too sweet! If we lived closer to each other, I’d already be at your door with a big pot of this! XOXO
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice
I am the exact same way…I just can’t tolerate the cold like I used to ! Which is why one day, I’ll live in a warmer climate! But until then, give me ALL the soup! I am addicted to soup, especially chicken noodle. And homemade is the best! I would love a big bowl of this for dinner tonight! Looks so warm and cozy, and much needed right now. Pinned! Hope your week is off to a great start!
Girl Heart Food
Glad I’m not the only one!! And I totally agree about homemade being best 🙂 Thanks Gayle! Have a wonderful week!
Carol
Dawn this soup looks perfect for a cold winter day!! I agree with Tara the picture showing the size to cut vegetables is a great bonus.
Girl Heart Food
Thank you Carol! Really happy you like that 🙂
Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen
I NEED a big bowl of this today Dawn! It’s freaking freezing here and there’s a chance of snow later today! This would be perfect!
Girl Heart Food
Woo hoo! Thanks Mary Ann! Stay cozy, my friend, and curl up with a big bowl of soup 🙂
Milena | Craft Beering
You have hit my sweet spot here with the fresh dill. I love dill so very much, always have some in the fridge (dill dies every single time I try to grow it, I am doomed to buying it for eternity). I am sure your chicken soup has a whole other dimension to it courtesy of dill. Think I will be smiling all day thinking about it. Stay warm up there!
Girl Heart Food
Yay! Haha – I feel ya, Milena….I’m the same way with basil – no luck at growing it at all!! Thanks so much and you stay warm too 🙂
Kelsie | the itsy-bitsy kitchen
It’s like you know I’ve been craving chicken noodle soup! This looks FABULOUS and I just want to dive face-first into your pictures. It’s been chilly here (relatively speaking) and I’m totally like you–I don’t go outside unless I’m wearing multiple layers because I just turn into such a baby when I get cold. Have a great week, Dawn!
Girl Heart Food
Hahaha!! You’re too kind, Kelsie! Thank you!! Have a great week too 🙂
Liz
Nothing better than a bowl of chicken soup on a cold day! I’ve been sniffling all morning so I need this!
Liz
Nothing better than a bowl of chicken noodle soup on a cold day! I’ve been sniffling all morning so I need this!
Girl Heart Food
Totally! Hope you feel better, Liz 🙂
Tara
Yum! Such a comforting bowl of soup! I could really use this right about now with the cold temperatures outside. I love the visual of how thick to slice the vegetables.
Girl Heart Food
Thanks Tara! Really appreciate the kind words 🙂
Monica | Nourish & Fete
The ultimate comfort food!! I especially love the infusion of dill – such a lovely flavor here, and really takes this classic to the next level! Stay warm my friend!
Girl Heart Food
Thanks so much, Monica! It really does 🙂 Stay warm too and have a wonderful week!
David @ Spiced
Homemade chicken noodle soup really is the epitome of perfect comfort food! I would love to have a big pot of this one simmering on the stovetop right now. 🙂 And, yes, I totally agree with you about all of the layers required for going out in the winter. I’ve never lived anywhere that I needed a sweatshirt AND a big jacket on top of that. I feel like the marshmallow man when I get dressed to go out. Haha! Great recipe, my friend!
Girl Heart Food
I agree!! I totally laughed out loud when I read the ‘marshmallow’ sentence…picturing that now….thanks for the Monday chuckle, David 🙂
Jennifer @ Seasons and Suppers
We have finally broken free from the deep freeze here in Ontario. Now it’s just normally cold 🙂 Loving this soup, especially the dill! Need this.
Girl Heart Food
Haha! Well, that’s good 🙂 Thanks Jennifer!
Dana
Ouuuu! I’ve never had a brothy soup infused with dill before and I love the idea! I have a dill and chickpea spinach soup, but it’s a rich and creamy soup. Brothy + dill has me thinking I need to get on this stat.
And now I want soup. And it’s not even 9am. Lol.
Girl Heart Food
Try it next time 🙂 I think it’s totally acceptable to eat this for breakfast 😉 Thanks Dana!
Kristen Chidsey
You are so right, nothing is better than Chicken Noodle Soup. And the more fresh herbs the better. Even a squeeze of lemon juice right before serving helps to really brighten up the soup. YUM!
Girl Heart Food
Gotta love those fresh herbs 🙂 Lemon is a great idea! I’ll try that next time instead of vinegar! Thanks Kristen!
Kathy @ Beyond the Chicken Coop
There’s nothing better than a delicious bowl of chicken noodle soup. Our temps here haven’t been too crazy yet. This past week it has been hoovering just above freezing. The only problem is everything melts just a bit and then freezes again as a nice sheet of ice! Our driveway is a mess! Stay warm – and bundle up! 🙂
Girl Heart Food
I agree, especially this time of year 🙂 You stay warm too, Kathy! Have a great week!
[email protected]
You’ve got that right! There is nothing more comforting than a big bowl of homemade chicken soup! It’s a classic for a reason!! Stay cozy, my friend! XOXO
Girl Heart Food
Totally! You too, Annie! XOXO