Warm, comforting, and incredibly easy to prepare, Carrabba’s Copycat Chicken Soup is a perfect dish for cozy nights or when you’re craving a hearty meal. This Sicilian-inspired chicken soup combines tender chicken, nutritious vegetables, and pasta to create a filling, flavorful bowl of comfort. Whether you’re making it for the family or a small gathering, this recipe is sure to satisfy.
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Why You’ll Love Carrabba’s Copycat Chicken Soup
Carrabba’s Copycat Chicken Soup is ideal for anyone looking for a quick, healthy, and comforting meal. The recipe is simple, using just a few ingredients, and it’s a one-pot dish that minimizes clean-up time. The tender chicken thighs, crunchy vegetables, and ditalini pasta bring a satisfying combination of textures that make this soup a crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s a customizable recipe, so you can tweak it based on your preferences!
Ingredients for Carrabba’s Copycat Chicken Soup
• Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs: Adds rich flavor and tender meat that’s perfect for shredding.
• Onion: A key aromatic that brings a savory depth to the soup.
• Celery: Adds crunch and a fresh, herbaceous flavor.
• Carrots: For a hint of sweetness and vibrant color.
• Yellow bell pepper: Delivers a mild sweetness and additional texture.
• Russet potatoes: Hearty and starchy, they make the soup more filling.
• Garlic: Infuses the soup with its fragrant aroma and depth of flavor.
• Canned diced tomatoes: Brings a slight tanginess to balance the richness of the broth.
• Dry bay leaves: Adds a subtle earthy note to the broth.
• Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors.
• Low-sodium chicken stock: Forms the base of the soup’s savory broth.
• Water: Helps dilute the chicken stock and adjust the soup’s consistency.
• Ditalini pasta: A classic soup pasta, providing a comforting texture.
• Fresh Italian parsley: Adds freshness and color at the end.
• Black pepper: For seasoning and enhancing the overall flavor.
Alternative Ingredient Suggestions
If you’re missing any of the ingredients or want to make substitutions, here are a few options:
• Chicken breast: If you prefer a leaner option, you can use skinless, boneless chicken breasts, though the soup may be slightly less rich.
• Other pasta types: If you don’t have ditalini, try tubetti or orzo for a similar effect.
• Vegetarian version: Skip the chicken and opt for vegetable stock and extra beans like cannellini for a heartier, vegetarian-friendly version.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Carrabba’s Copycat Chicken Soup
- In a large soup pot (at least 6-quart capacity), combine the chicken thighs, chopped onion, celery, carrots, bell pepper, potatoes, garlic, diced tomatoes, bay leaves, and salt.
- Pour in the low-sodium chicken stock and water. Season with black pepper to taste. Cover and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer, partially covered, for about 30 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and easily pulls apart.
- Remove the chicken thighs from the pot and set them aside. Add the ditalini pasta to the pot and continue cooking for 13-15 minutes, or until the pasta is tender. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking.
- While the pasta cooks, shred the chicken using two forks, discarding the skin and bones. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.
- Discard the bay leaves and stir in the fresh parsley.
- Taste the soup for seasoning and adjust if necessary before serving.
Tips & Tricks for Perfecting Your Soup
• Flavor Boost: For an extra kick, add a teaspoon of garlic powder or onion powder while the soup is simmering. You can also try a splash of vinegar or fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors.
• Thicker Soup: If you prefer a thicker consistency, you can mix a tablespoon of flour with a few tablespoons of soup broth and stir it back into the pot. Let it simmer to thicken.
• Storing Leftovers: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for 4-5 days. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 3 months. If freezing, skip the pasta, as it will absorb the liquid and become mushy when reheated. Simply cook fresh pasta when you’re ready to serve.
Pairing Ideas and Variations for Carrabba’s Copycat Chicken Soup
Carrabba’s Copycat Chicken Soup is versatile and pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. For a classic pairing, serve it with crusty bread or a simple green salad. You can also add a dollop of pesto or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor. If you’re looking to spice things up, consider adding red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce during cooking.
Make-Ahead Notes
This soup is perfect for meal prep or making ahead. You can prepare it the night before and store it in the fridge overnight. When you’re ready to serve, simply heat it up and add freshly cooked pasta if desired.
A Comforting Soup with a Sicilian Twist
Carrabba’s Copycat Chicken Soup is a heartwarming dish that brings the flavors of Sicily straight to your table. With its rich chicken broth, tender vegetables, and filling pasta, it’s a soup that the whole family will love. Whether you’re making it for a chilly evening or as a comforting meal to share, this easy-to-make soup is sure to become a new favorite.
By following these simple steps and using fresh, quality ingredients, you’ll have a bowl of Carrabba’s Copycat Chicken Soup that tastes just like the restaurant’s famous dish. Enjoy the delicious flavors, and share it with friends and family for a meal that everyone will savor!
Conclusion
Carrabba’s Copycat Chicken Soup is a delicious and hearty meal that’s easy to make, filling, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for comfort food on a cold day or a nutritious dish the whole family will love, this soup has it all. Packed with tender chicken, flavorful vegetables, and pasta, it’s a balanced and satisfying dish that you can prepare in one pot with minimal effort. With a few simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can recreate the delicious tastes of Carrabba’s right at home. So, gather your ingredients and enjoy a bowl of this delicious soup today!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this soup?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts in place of thighs, but the texture and flavor may be slightly different. Chicken thighs provide more moisture and richness to the soup, making it more flavorful. If you choose chicken breasts, make sure not to overcook them, as they can dry out quicker than thighs.
2. Can I make Carrabba’s Copycat Chicken Soup in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! To make this soup in a slow cooker, combine all the ingredients (except the pasta) in your slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Add the pasta during the last 30 minutes of cooking to ensure it doesn’t become too soft.
3. Can I freeze the soup?
Yes, this soup freezes very well. For best results, omit the pasta before freezing, as it will absorb the liquid and become mushy. After freezing, you can thaw the soup in the fridge overnight and add freshly cooked pasta when reheating.
More Relevant Recipes
- Creamy Roasted Garlic Potato Soup: This creamy potato soup combines the rich flavors of roasted garlic and tender potatoes, offering a comforting and savory alternative to chicken-based soups. It’s perfect for those who enjoy hearty, creamy soups with a garlic twist.
- Greek Lemon Chicken Soup: This refreshing soup brings a Mediterranean flair with a vibrant lemony broth and tender chicken, similar to Carrabba’s Copycat Chicken Soup. It’s a tangy and flavorful option for anyone who loves citrus-infused dishes.
- Snow Day Soup – Creamy Chicken Recipe: A creamy, rich chicken soup perfect for snowy days or when you need something cozy. Like Carrabba’s Copycat Chicken Soup, it’s loaded with tender chicken, vegetables, and a rich, comforting broth.
Carrabba’s Copycat Chicken Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
Carrabba’s Copycat Chicken Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish made with tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and hearty pasta in a savory homemade broth. Perfect for chilly nights or when you need a cozy meal.
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 medium onion, chopped (about 1 cup)
- 3 celery ribs, chopped (about 2 cups)
- 3 medium carrots, chopped (about 1 ½ cups)
- 1 large yellow bell pepper, chopped
- 2 medium russet potatoes, peeled and cut into ¾-inch cubes (about 1 lb)
- 4 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 (14.5 oz) can no-salt diced tomatoes
- 2 dry bay leaves
- 1 Tbsp kosher salt
- 1 (32 oz) carton low-sodium chicken stock
- 4 cups water
- ½ cup dry ditalini pasta
- ½ cup fresh chopped Italian parsley
- Fresh black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- In a large soup pot (at least 6-quart), combine chicken, onions, celery, carrots, bell pepper, potatoes, garlic, tomatoes, bay leaves, and salt.
- Pour in chicken stock and water, then season with black pepper to taste. Cover and bring to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce heat and let the soup simmer, partially covered, for about 30 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and easily pulls apart.
- Remove chicken thighs from the pot and set them aside. Add the ditalini pasta to the soup and continue cooking for 13-15 minutes, or until the pasta is tender. Stir occasionally.
- While the pasta cooks, shred the chicken using two forks, discarding the skin and bones. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.
- Discard the bay leaves and stir in fresh parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Notes
- For a thicker soup, mix 1 tablespoon of flour with a few tablespoons of the soup, then stir it back into the pot and let it simmer.
- If you prefer a spicier soup, add 1 ½ teaspoons of black pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- For better flavor, use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, which add richness to the broth.
- If storing leftovers, omit the pasta as it will absorb the liquid and become mushy. Cook fresh pasta when reheating.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1 ½ cups)
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 4.6 g
- Sodium: 177.3 mg
- Fat: 4.1 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.1 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 19.9 g
- Fiber: 3.5 g
- Protein: 34.7 g
- Cholesterol: 103.4 mg