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If you are craving a bowl of comfort that feels like a warm hug, you absolutely must try this Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup with Ranch, Cheddar, and Angel Hair Pasta Recipe. This recipe combines tender chicken, velvety creaminess, sharp cheddar, and delicate angel hair pasta in a broth infused with the bold flavors of ranch and smoked paprika. It’s a soulful soup that’s packed with wholesome ingredients, perfect for chilly days or anytime you want a delicious and satisfying meal that feels homemade with love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe brings together simple, wholesome ingredients that each play an important role in creating a rich and layered flavor. From the sautéed vegetables that build a comforting base to the ranch and cheddar that add distinctive zest and creaminess, every ingredient is essential for achieving the perfect balance of taste and texture.
- Butter: Used for sautéing vegetables, butter adds a lovely richness and helps develop the soup’s base flavor.
- Diced onion: Provides subtle sweetness and depth to the broth once cooked down.
- Chopped celery: Adds a slight crunch and fresh, earthy undertones.
- Sliced carrots: Offers natural sweetness and brightens up the soup’s color and texture.
- Minced garlic: Brings a warm and inviting aroma that complements the savory ingredients.
- Cooked chicken breast: The hearty protein source that makes the soup filling and satisfying.
- Condensed chicken soup: Adds creaminess and intensifies the chicken flavor effortlessly.
- Low-sodium chicken stock: Forms the nourishing liquid base, enhancing the soup’s savory profile.
- Water: Balances the soup’s consistency without overpowering other flavors.
- Whole milk: Injects extra creaminess and tender warmth.
- Cream cheese: Smoothly thickens the soup and adds a lush, tangy richness.
- Ranch dressing mix: The secret flavor booster that infuses herby, zesty notes to every spoonful.
- Smoked paprika: Adds mild smoky depth and a touch of color that complements the cheddar perfectly.
- Cheddar cheese: Sharp and melty, it elevates the soup with its bold flavor and gooey texture.
- Angel hair pasta: Delicate noodles that cook quickly and soak up all the tasty broth like a charm.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and enhance all other flavors.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup with Ranch, Cheddar, and Angel Hair Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Your Vegetables
Begin by melting butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once melted, toss in diced onions, celery, and carrots. Sauté these vegetables until they are just tender, about 4 to 5 minutes. Then stir in the minced garlic—let that warmth and aroma start building the depth of flavor to your soup.
Step 2: Add the Creamy Base and Chicken
Next up, it’s time to add the heart of the soup. Stir in the cooked chicken, condensed chicken soup, chicken stock, water, whole milk, softened cream cheese, ranch dressing mix, and smoked paprika. Mix everything together until you have a beautifully combined, creamy liquid base that’s brimming with flavor layers.
Step 3: Simmer for Ultimate Flavor
Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then lower the heat to a simmer. This step is where all the ingredients have time to mingle and marry their flavors perfectly. Let it simmer uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, allowing the taste to develop fully and the soup to thicken slightly.
Step 4: Cheese and Angel Hair Pasta Finale
Once your soup has simmered and developed that incredible aroma, stir in the cheddar cheese and the uncooked angel hair pasta. Continue simmering until the noodles are tender and cooked through, about 5 to 8 minutes. The cheese melts into every corner, making this soup irresistibly creamy and cozy.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup with Ranch, Cheddar, and Angel Hair Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or chives on top for a pop of color and brightness. A dollop of sour cream or an extra pinch of shredded cheddar can also elevate each bowl, turning the soup into a show-stopping meal that’s as pretty as it is delicious.
Side Dishes
Pair this soup with warm, crusty bread or buttery garlic toast to mop up every last drop. A simple side salad with a zesty vinaigrette is fantastic too, lending a refreshing contrast to the rich, creamy texture of the soup.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming touch, serve the soup in individual bread bowls or small ramekins for a cozy, personal experience. You can also layer the soup and toppings in clear glass mugs for a fun, visually enticing presentation that shows off the creamy layers and noodles.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This soup keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve its creamy texture and vibrant flavors. Give it a quick stir before reheating to redistribute the ingredients evenly.
Freezing
While the soup freezes well, the angel hair pasta may become a bit softer after thawing. To prevent mushiness, you can store the soup base and cooked pasta separately, combining them fresh when you’re ready to serve.
Reheating
Reheat gently over medium-low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally. If the soup has thickened too much, add a splash of milk or chicken stock to bring it back to your desired consistency without losing that creamy goodness.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta instead of angel hair?
Absolutely! While angel hair pasta cooks quickly and offers a delicate texture, small noodles like thin spaghetti or even orzo can be wonderful substitutes. Just remember to adjust cooking times accordingly.
Is it possible to make this soup gluten-free?
Yes! Use a gluten-free pasta alternative and ensure your condensed soup and ranch dressing mix are gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy all the creamy comfort without worries.
Can I substitute the chicken with turkey or another protein?
Definitely. Cooked, shredded turkey works especially well if you have leftovers from a roast. You can also try shredded rotisserie chicken or even cooked sausage for a different flavor twist.
Why is ranch seasoning used in this soup?
Ranch dressing mix brings a lovely herby and tangy flavor that complements the richness of the cheddar and cream cheese, making the soup taste more vibrant and satisfying.
How thick should the soup be?
The soup should be creamy and slightly thickened but still spoonable and smooth. If it gets too thick, simply add a bit more chicken stock or milk to loosen it up while keeping that luscious texture.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup with Ranch, Cheddar, and Angel Hair Pasta Recipe is one of those dishes that truly feels like a labor of love wrapped up in a bowl. It’s simple enough to whip up any day of the week, yet impressive with every spoonful. I can’t wait for you to try it and enjoy that perfect, cozy combination of flavors and textures that keeps you coming back for more.
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Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup with Ranch, Cheddar, and Angel Hair Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A rich and comforting Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup loaded with tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a blend of creamy cheeses and spices, simmered to perfection with delicate angel hair pasta for a satisfying homestyle meal.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
- 2 cups sliced carrots
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Proteins & Dairy
- 4 cups cooked chicken breast, chopped
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter
Broth & Soup Base
- 1 10.5 oz. can condensed chicken soup
- 7 cups low-sodium chicken stock
- 1 cup water
Seasonings & Others
- 1 tablespoon Ranch dressing mix
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 8 oz. angel hair uncooked pasta
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add diced onion, chopped celery, and sliced carrots, sautéing until the vegetables are just tender, about 4-5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute to release the flavors.
- Add Liquids and Chicken: Stir in the chopped cooked chicken, condensed chicken soup, low-sodium chicken stock, water, whole milk, softened cream cheese, Ranch dressing mix, and smoked paprika. Mix well until all ingredients are combined and the cream cheese begins to melt into the soup base.
- Simmer the Soup: Bring the soup mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for 25-30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the soup to thicken slightly.
- Cook Pasta and Add Cheese: Add the uncooked angel hair pasta and shredded cheddar cheese to the simmering soup. Continue to simmer until the pasta is fully cooked and tender, usually about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
Notes
- Use low-sodium chicken stock to control the salt level in the soup.
- For a thicker soup, you can add a little more cream cheese or reduce the amount of water.
- Angel hair pasta cooks quickly; keep a close eye to avoid overcooking and becoming mushy.
- This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute milk and cream cheese with plant-based alternatives.
