Ben Kenwood June 4, 2026

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The Best High Protein Chicken Noodle Soup

Name: The Best High Protein Chicken Noodle Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h 10 min
Total time: 1 h 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 bone-in, skin-on chicken leg quarters or breasts; 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil; 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped; 3 celery ribs, thinly sliced; 3 medium carrots, peeled and thinly sliced; 10 garlic cloves, minced; 2 quarts low sodium chicken bone broth; 4 thyme sprigs; 1 bay leaf; Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste; 8 oz high protein pasta shells, such as Banza; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped; Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

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Cozy evenings are best spent with a warm bowl of homemade soup, especially when it’s The Best High Protein Chicken Noodle Soup. This hearty dish fills your kitchen with inviting aromas that celebrate wholesome ingredients. Perfect for a family dinner or a comforting lunch, this soup packs a nutritional punch with tender chicken and nutritious vegetables, making it a meal you can feel good about.

What Makes This The Best High Protein Chicken Noodle Soup So Special

When it comes to comfort food, few dishes resonate like chicken noodle soup. Here are just a few reasons why you’ll adore this version:

Rich in protein to fuel your body
Flavorful, aromatic broth that warms your soul
Packed with fresh vegetables
Easy to prepare, making it a perfect weeknight dinner

Gather These Ingredients

The key to a delicious chicken noodle soup lies in using fresh, quality ingredients. For this recipe, you’ll need:

2 bone-in, skin-on chicken leg quarters or breasts
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
3 celery ribs, thinly sliced
3 medium carrots, peeled and thinly sliced
10 garlic cloves, minced
2 quarts low sodium chicken bone broth
4 thyme sprigs
1 bay leaf
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
8 oz high protein pasta shells, such as Banza
1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

These ingredients come together to create a delicious and nutritious meal that everyone will appreciate.

Step by Step: How to Cook The Best High Protein Chicken Noodle Soup

Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat until it shimmers. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté the vegetables for about 6 to 8 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Add the minced garlic and continue to cook for one more minute until the garlic becomes aromatic.
Place the chicken pieces into the pot, pour in the chicken bone broth, and add thyme and the bay leaf. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 60 to 70 minutes.
Meanwhile, cook the high protein pasta in a separate pot of salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and toss it with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking.
After the chicken has cooled slightly, remove it from the pot. Using two forks, shred the meat from the bones, discarding the bones and skin. Remove the thyme and bay leaf from the soup.
Return the shredded chicken to the soup, stir in most of the parsley, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
To serve, place the cooked pasta in each bowl, ladle hot soup over the pasta, and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and the remaining parsley.

Prep ~ 15 minutes, Cook ~ 70 minutes, Total ~ 85 minutes, Servings ~ 6, Kcal ~ 450 per serving.

Prepare Ahead and Make It Your Own

You can prepare components of The Best High Protein Chicken Noodle Soup ahead of time to make dinnertime smoother. Chop the vegetables a day in advance and store them in the fridge. The shredded chicken can also be stored separately, ready to be combined with fresh broth when you’re ready to enjoy.

How to Store Leftovers

Leftover soup can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you’d like to freeze some for future meals, it can be placed in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to reheat, gently warm it on the stove over low heat to maintain the soup’s flavor and texture, ensuring to check for freshness before serving again.

Perfect Pairings

To enhance your meal, consider serving The Best High Protein Chicken Noodle Soup with:

A fresh garden salad
Warm, crusty bread
Cheese toast or grilled cheese sandwiches
Homemade biscuits
Roasted vegetables

Variations and Swaps

Feel free to customize your bowl of chicken noodle soup to your liking. Here are a few ideas to make it your own:

Add spinach or kale for extra nutrients and color.
Substitute the protein with diced turkey sausage for a different twist.
Incorporate other vegetables like bell peppers or green beans for added texture.
Use zoodles (zucchini noodles) instead of pasta for a low-carb option.
Spice it up by adding crushed red pepper flakes to the broth for a kick.

Cook’s Notes and Secrets

For the best results, ensure the chicken is fully cooked and tender before shredding.
Use a thermometer to confirm the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
When sautéing the vegetables, allow them to caramelize slightly for deeper flavor.
Always taste and adjust seasoning before serving to suit your palate.

Your Questions Answered

What type of chicken should I use?
Use bone-in, skin-on chicken for extra flavor and depth in the broth.

Can I use different pasta?
Yes, feel free to substitute with any pasta on hand; just be mindful of cooking times.

How do I make this soup gluten-free?
Substitute traditional pasta with gluten-free pasta shells or use zoodles for a lighter option.

Is this soup low in calories?
With high protein content and nutritious vegetables, it’s both filling and reasonably low in calories.

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Add all ingredients except the pasta to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, then add cooked pasta before serving.

Wrapping Up

The Best High Protein Chicken Noodle Soup is more than just a meal; it’s a comforting experience that invites warmth into your home. With its rich flavors and nourishing ingredients, it’s the perfect dish to bring everyone together. Don’t hesitate—whip up a batch soon to enjoy on those chilly days or any day you crave something delicious. For a delightful pasta experience, consider trying our high protein chicken Alfredo lasagna or pair it with a unique take by making a high protein chicken enchilada casserole. Enjoy!

The Best High Protein Chicken Noodle Soup

Author: anastasia-rice
Total Time: 85 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: High Protein

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Description

A hearty and nutritious chicken noodle soup packed with protein and fresh vegetables, perfect for cozy evenings.

Instructions

Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat until it shimmers. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté the vegetables for about 6 to 8 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Add the minced garlic and continue to cook for one more minute until the garlic becomes aromatic.
Place the chicken pieces into the pot, pour in the chicken bone broth, and add thyme and the bay leaf. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 60 to 70 minutes.
Meanwhile, cook the high protein pasta in a separate pot of salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and toss it with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking.
After the chicken has cooled slightly, remove it from the pot. Using two forks, shred the meat from the bones, discarding the bones and skin. Remove the thyme and bay leaf from the soup.
Return the shredded chicken to the soup, stir in most of the parsley, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
To serve, place the cooked pasta in each bowl, ladle hot soup over the pasta, and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and the remaining parsley.