On chilly days, a big hot bowl of slow cooker chicken noodle soup is the ideal comforting dish. It’s a simple set-it-and-forget-it recipe with lean white meat, hearty root vegetables, flavorful herbs, and large egg noodles.
Everyone has experienced the feeling of being a zombie when the cold and flu season arrives. I know that all I really want is a sizable bowl of warming soup. When you’re not feeling your best, this easy mom-approved recipe for crockpot chicken noodle soup can provide some relief.
Using a crock-pot makes the preparation nearly effortless. Just add some chicken breast pieces and the traditional trinity of onions, carrots, and celery to the pot. When you lift the lid, add some thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf to the pot to give it depth and a pleasant aroma. You’ll get the extra energy you need from the large, tender egg noodles swimming in the flavorful soup base.
This recipe makes a large batch of chicken noodle soup. I use a 6-quart Crock-Pot which works nicely. Reduce the recipe by half if you have a smaller appliance. Cooking takes approximately 3 12 hours on “high” or 5 12 hours on “low.”
I prefer boneless skinless chicken breasts. The hot soup liquid gently cooks the large pieces of lean meat. As an alternative, you can make this recipe with bone-in or boneless chicken thighs. Be aware that adding the skin when cooking will increase the amount of grease in the liquid. Adding fresh or leftover roasted chicken as a quick and simple source of protein at the end of cooking is another option.
Using carrots, onions, and celery in a mirepoix gives chicken noodle soup its traditional flavor. Fennel, butternut squash, any variety of potato, zucchini, green beans, or corn can all be added to the soup if preferred. For even cooking, be sure to chop each vegetable into roughly the same-sized bite-sized pieces.
Fresh and dried herbs give the soup flavor and dimension. I infuse the cooking liquid with bay leaves, rosemary, and thyme. Garlic that has been minced adds a spicy allium note that gradually becomes less pronounced. Use chicken broth or stock as a flavorful simmering liquid. I prefer chicken stock because the gelatin in the bones gives it more flavor and richness.
Can you cook pasta in a crock pot?
This is a frequently asked query that can cause a lot of confusion.
When using pasta in a recipe that calls for a slow cooker, there is no need to cook it on the stove. Instead, you can cook pasta in your crock pot.
It’s wonderful if the dish you’re preparing contains pasta.
Keep reading without worrying about lighting the stove!
Optional Additions:
You can also include any type of cheese, sour cream, and vegetables. Such a versatile dish!.
Please keep in mind that each crock pot is different, so the temperature of the liquid in your crock pot will determine when to add the noodles and how long they will need to cook. The liquid was extremely hot when I recently cooked this on high to speed up the process; the noodles took 12 minutes to cook.
One surefire way to prepare noodles or pasta in the slow cooker is to cook them in a pot on the stovetop when you’re about to eat. After draining the cooked noodles, stir them into the slow cooker’s prepared dish. This quick solution works and still gets dinner on the table in less than 15 minutes if you won’t be home to add noodles late in the cooking time.
Dinner can be made simpler with a slow cooker if you prepare it in the morning. The slow cooker is a carefree cooking option for many dishes, but foods that need to cook quickly, like noodles, present more difficulties. By adhering to basic slow cooker guidelines, you can prepare noodle dishes without stress, such as chicken noodle soup and macaroni and cheese.
Traditional pasta dishes like lasagna and baked ziti can also be prepared in a slow cooker. The ingredients for a slow cooker pasta casserole are the same as usual, but you’ll need more liquid; allow five to six cups of sauce for 12 oz. of noodles. Cook the ingredients in layers or combination, then on low for three to four hours.
When the meat and vegetables in your dish are fully cooked and you are at home, you can stir in some dry egg noodles or pasta. Check your soup’s liquid level before adding any starchy ingredients. Add your noodles, cover, and let the cooker work for an additional hour. Remember that you’ll need a little less pasta than you might anticipate; for a 4-qt. slow cooker.
You must cook the pasta or noodles and sauce separately before combining all of the ingredients in a slow cooker to complete a traditional baked pasta dish, such as macaroni and cheese or the family favorite tuna noodle casserole. When making the sauce, season your dish simply by using a dry salad dressing and seasoning blend. Fill your slow cooker with the ingredients, and cook on low for two to three hours. When you’re ready to serve dinner to the family, pull your pasta out of the oven just a little bit before it’s finished to make sure it’s done but not overdone. Even though it doesn’t save labor, you can prepare dinner in advance and keep it warm for those who arrive late.
FAQ
When should I add noodles to Crock-Pot?
For soups, add dry pasta after cooking. Dry pasta must be added to broth-based slow cooker meals at precisely the right time; if you add the pasta too soon, your noodles will be soggy by the time they reach the table. You can ensure perfectly cooked pasta in your soup by adding dry pasta 30 to 40 minutes prior to serving.
Can you put uncooked noodles in Crock-Pot?
This is a frequently asked question that can cause a lot of confusion, but the answer is yes. When using pasta in a recipe that calls for a slow cooker, there is no need to cook it on the stove. Instead, you can cook pasta in your crock pot. It’s wonderful if the dish you’re preparing contains pasta.
How long does it take to cook dry noodles in a Crock-Pot?
Instructions. A 4 to 6 quart slow cooker should be filled with chicken broth. Once the broth is hot and simmering around the edges of the slow cooker, cover and cook on LOW for 1 hour. When the noodles are ready, add the dry egg noodles, cover, and cook for an additional 10 to 15 minutes on LOW.
Can I add cooked noodles in Crock-Pot?
Tip. Pasta sauce can be prepared in the Crock-Pot, and after 30 minutes of cooking, you can add half-cooked pasta to the sauce. When the dish is finished cooking, switch the Crock-Pot to the “Warm” setting until serving time.