Grandma's Chicken Soup

Sunday, October 27, 2019
Grandma knew how to make us all feel better with her version of chicken soup to take the chill out and this vintage Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe always did just that!

If Grandma didn't have time to make homemade egg noodles from scratch she just broke up any pasta we had most of the time it was spaghetti.

She always boiled the pasta in a separate pan of salt water so it wouldn't make the soup broth disappear!.

I can remember how soothing her chicken soup made me feel when I was a kid and was a little under the weather with the sniffles.

This basic chicken soup is so easy to make with just a few ingredients and very economical to feed a whole family.

The bowl of chicken soup was loaded with chicken off the bone, carrots, and celery and the broth was fabulous tasting alone with just crackers, I didn't even care if it had noodles in it.

Those curly egg noodles were a bonus when we could afford them and of course, as a child, we all thought they were a fun addition but we didn't always have the money for them.

Being an Italian-style soup, piling on the grated Pecorino Romano cheese on top of that hot bowl of chicken goodness, the soup was the perfect spoonful of yummy delight every time.


We use homemade plain chicken broth in many of our recipes, Classic Pastine and Egg, and using broth instead of water for Stew Recipes, and in our Minestrone soup made all these meals tastier!

My grandma and mom knew how to make a banquet out of just simple ingredients that just shouted comfort and always looked forward to a hot steamy bowl.


Scroll to the bottom for this printable recipe and give what we think is the best of the best Chicken Noodle Soups ever!



this is a bowl of chicken soup with spinach carrots and cut up spaghetti




collage of chicken noodle soup


Grandma Said Everything goes in the Soup!


I can't tell you how many versions of soup came out of this recipe.

It was different every time she made it just by her leftover mix-ins.

I was the picky eater who just liked carrots in it and nothing else.

I am going to list a bunch of suggestions to recreate several meals with one chicken soup recipe.

Our family always had one recipe for everything, stew, cookie dough, pizza, and bread dough the list goes on and on and all of those recipes could be adapted differently.


chicken noodle soup homemade


Basic Ingredients for Grandma's Old Fashioned Chicken Soup Recipe


  • chicken legs or thighs, ( you can also use cubed breast meat if you prefer or leftover turkey from a holiday meal)
  • chopped fresh parsley
  • sliced carrots or fingerling carrots
  • minced garlic
  • celery chopped with leaves
  • large can of whole tomatoes chopped or two pounds fresh plum chopped
  • small onion minced finely minced
  • 1 or 2 leaves fresh when possible) oregano, garlic powder, thyme, rosemary, fresh basil, black pepper and a pinch of cayenne pepper.
  • sea salt to taste
  • packaged pasta any of your favorites, broken up spaghetti, pastina, rice, noodles, baby shells, orecchiette pasta, wagon wheels, alphabets, orzo, acini de pepe, cooked separately until tender in salted water. Drain.


homemade chicken soup with chicken an spinach, carrots, celery in a rich homemade chicken broth


Other Ingredient Suggestions


  • Cubed Zucchini
  • Fresh Spinach leaves
  • Escarole
  • Mini meatballs ( you can turn this into an Italian wedding soup)
  • Any kind of white beans canned and rinsed
  • Mixed canned or frozen vegetables
  • Italian cubed sausage links
  • Any kind of root vegetables you like
  • Fresh or dried herbs IE basil, parsley, oregano, thyme, sage,
  • Poultry seasoning
  • Chopped fresh plum tomatoes or canned
  • Any kind of cooked pasta is always added at the end when the soup is done
  • Freshly grated pecorino romano cheese




They say Chicken Soup Will Fix What Ails You


Chicken has always been an economical meat to use for meals.

Soup recipes can be found in history to be dated as far back as 7,000 to 10,000 years ago, which probably took place either in ancient India or Southeast Asia.

Grandma grew up in the Depression days and was born in the 1800s, this soup was always a weekly meal.

Chicken soup can be made from any part of the chicken primarily legs or thighs for richer broths because of the fat content it gives off.

Then it's simmered in water, usually with various root vegetables or even combinations of meats that can be added ingredients after the rich broth is made.

Chicken noodle soup has been known to be the ultimate comfort food which will help soothe aches, stuffy noses, and scratchy throats which is comforting when flu and cold season strikes.

Mom and Grandma would always make large pots for the freezer to have on hand during those sick times.




Cooking the Soup Tips


  • Always use a big 7 to  8-quart soup pot
  • If the broth boils away add more water
  • Always boil the pasta in a separate pan of boiling water with salt added and drain adding at the end
  • Cook on a low simmer for at least two hours or use a crockpot/slow cooker on low for 4 to 6 hours
  • Use only fresh vegetables when possible IE tomatoes, spinach, and celery for the best results in the flavor
  • Chicken soup must be tasted for salt and pepper content adding more or less to taste
  • Recipes are for adapting and anything can go in the pot
  • Don't worry if you added too much water, just let it boil off and increase the simmer to medium heat until the broth gets to a richer taste again
  • For plain broth just strain all the vegetables and chicken out and freeze for another time using the chicken for chicken salad or topping for salads.


Grandma's Old Fashioned Chicken Soup Pin for later


homemade chicken soup grandma's recipe using raw chicken and how to make chicken soup from scratch old fashioned chicken soup with pasta in it and carrots.


Try Some of My Other Favorite Recipes



Our Best Soup Recipes
Escarole and Beans (green and beans)
15 Bean Soup
Italian Wedding Soup
25 Ways to Repurpose Rotisserie Chicken




Grandma's Chicken Soup

Grandma's Old Fashioned Chicken Soup

Yield: 10
Author:
prep time: 10 Mcook time: 2 hourtotal time: 2 H & 10 M
This is vintage recipe Grandma always made all winter long. Chicken soup is the most comforting soup on the planet and made from scratch, this made everyone feel better with whatever ails you.

ingredients:

  • 8 to 10 chicken legs or thighs, ( you can also use cubed breast meat if you prefer or leftover turkey from a holiday meal)
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 cup sliced carrots or fingerling carrots
  • 4 cloves of minced garlic
  • 1/4 cup celery chopped with leaves
  • 1 large can of whole tomatoes chopped with juice
  • 1 small onion minced finely minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon of each (use 1 or 2 leaves fresh when possible) oregano, garlic powder, thyme, rosemary, fresh basil, black pepper and a pinch of cayenne pepper.
  • sea salt to taste
  • 1/2 lb package pasta any of your favorites, broken up spaghetti, pastina, rice, noodles, baby shells, orecchiette pasta, wagon wheels, alphabets, orzo, acini de pepe, cooked separately until tender in salted water. Drain.

instructions:

How to cook Grandma's Old Fashioned Italian Chicken Soup

  1. In a large saucepan saute garlic for two minutes in 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
  2. Add Chicken and 4 quarts of water, boil for an hour, skimming off the top as it cooks to get a clear broth.
  3. Put on low to simmer for at least an hour and a half. 
  4. Take chicken out cool and pull off the bone into pieces put back into the pot.
  5. Add all the vegetables and seasonings. 
  6. Simmer until vegetables are soft another 40 minutes or so. 
  7. Add cooked drained pasta.
  8. Just before serving, add 1/2 cup of Romano grated cheese into the pot and stir. 
  9. Grandma served her soup with more cheese on top and crackers.
  10. Note: never add raw pasta to the soup, it will absorb all the broth and leave you with a starchy film from the flour and starch in the pasta.
Calories
165
Fat (grams)
11
Sat. Fat (grams)
4
Carbs (grams)
12
Net carbs
6
Sugar (grams)
4
Protein (grams)
22
homemade chicken noodle soup, Italian chicken soup, chicken soup, comfort soup, soup for a cold, healthy chicken soup, health food, Grandma's Italian Chicken Soup
chicken, chicken noodle soup, soup, comfort food
Italian
Created using The Recipes Generator


Grandma's Old Fashioned Chicken Soup Pin for later



homemade chicken soup grandma's recipe using raw chicken and how to make chicken soup from scratch old fashioned chicken soup with pasta in it and carrots.



Try Some of My Other Favorite Recipes



Our Best Soup Recipes
Lasagna Soup Holiday Side Dishes


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55 comments

  1. Delicious! Nothing says comfort quite like chicken soup!

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  2. One word(or couple more) Soup is full of goodness;)

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  3. I like plain chicken noodle soup, but Bev is not a fan, but with the addition of tomatoes, I'm sure she'll go for this as will I.

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  4. Can I have a bowl? My cold won't go away.

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  5. Oh, this soup looks fantastic, Claudia! And I love that it's a recipe from your grandmother :)

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  6. Grandma sure did have some great recipes!

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  7. This does steal my heart - love chicken soup in all its glory. Perfectly spiced, delicately herbed - and that ladle says it all - pure goodness. Very similar to my mother's and mine - so of course I approve and would love some for breakfast.

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  8. yum Claudia, I know I will love this version of chicken soup, an Italian one for sure... like the cayenne too
    hey, this made today's paper.....

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  9. Nothing like chicken soup, I usually cook it in the French method with the aromatics and a bouquet garni but I'll have to give this recipe a try.

    The Vintage Recipe Blog

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  10. Thanks for sharing this wonderful, warm recipe!

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  11. The meat from the best parts of the chicken, fresh veggies and a touch of spices--your grandma knew how to cook. This is a real treasure-delicious -thanks for sharing

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  12. Although my Nonna made a tasty chicken soup...somehow my Grandpa managed to make it better.

    Thanks for the memories and of course chicken soup with love ;o)

    Ciao foir now,
    Claudia

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  13. This is soup for the soul Claudia! Nourishing and comforting!

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  14. Chicken soup is so good, especially on a cold night. Chicken soup from your Grandma's recipe is priceless.
    I'm bookmarking this recipe.

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  15. Chicken soup is the best. I could go for a bowl of this soup right now.

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  16. I am getting hungry just reading through the ingredient list. What a perfect comfort dish.

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  17. I don't usually use tomatoes in chicken soup but this does look fabulous.
    Thank You.

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  18. This looks yummy! Grandma's recipes are always good, isn't it? Right now, I am down with cold and all I want is just a bowl of satisfying soup like this!

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  19. Now, you're gonna have me in tears, Claudia!
    Nothing like soup that Nonna used to make, and you have managed to save those beloved old recipes!
    Chicken soup for the "soul!"...big time!
    Yumm:DDD

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  20. Claudia - This is sooooo comforting. Wish I could just grab a bowl for supper.

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  21. This looks delicious! I am a complete soup fiend and always looking for a good recipe. -Jen

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  22. Dear Claudia, Claudia, I could just go for a bowl of that soup right now!! It sounds so comforting and good. Blessings, my dear friend, Your friend, Catherine xo

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  23. I loove chicken noodle soup (especially in a bread bowl!), there's nothing more soothing and grounding. And how lovely to share your family recipe! :)

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  24. I'm convinced it will cure whatever ails you. Looks yummy!

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  25. Nothing like Chicken Soup, delicious and comforting.

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  26. This is the kind of soup that warms the soul! Nothing beats soup the way Grandma makes it!

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  27. Yum! Nothing more comforting then a bowl of chicken soup!

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  28. I have this scheduled for tomorrow night. I am sure, we are going to thoroughly enjoy it.

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  29. Sounds delishious. I remember going to the market with my grandmother and buying chicken feet. She would make the most wonderful soup with all these chicken feet floating in it :) You cant find chicken feet anymore.

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  30. You can't beat a comforting bowl of soup and homemade is always best.

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  31. I love chicken soups. This reminds me of when my Mom makes soup, she always cooks it with the bones in.

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  32. So excited for soup season to begin! This chicken soup reminds me so much of my mom's! She never used tomatoes though - bet it's delicious!

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  33. What could be more special than your grandmother's recipe! :) This looks delicious and so nourishing, thanks for sharing!

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  34. I love a big bowl of chicken soup, and am always looking for different recipes to try, so this is wonderful! Thank you!

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  35. this looks delicious! love all the pastas in it! yum

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  36. THIS is perfect for fall! We are HUGE soup fans and I can't wait to try this!

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  37. Yup...those grandma's know what they are doing. Mine sure did...and I miss here cooking so much. Now that I am a gramma...my grandson often tells me "you are a good cooker gramma" LOL. This soup is the best when you are not feeling well. Like a hug from gramma in a bowl.

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  38. This is indeed a hearty and filling soup.And I too find that stuffs that my grandma cooked were far more delicious and hearty that what I cook now, even if it is the same recipe!

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  39. Grandma's right about the thighs and legs. Perfect for soup making. I like your version, it's different from mine, so will be trying this recipe when I get a soup craving.

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  40. Love those grandma recipe - there is always something so homey and nutritious about them. Love the flavors in this soup and look so delicious.

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  41. That broth looks sooo perfect. Healthy to the bone! This soup heals everything and I mean EVERYTHING Love this old grandmas recipe. Our grandparents were so smart about food they ate. That's why my grandma is 90 and still kick it!

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  42. There is nothing to compare to good old chicken soup. My mamma made the best and I swear that just a few sips cured me of anything that ailed me. This soup I can see why it would be a cure-all.

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  43. Wait so this recipe is over 200 years old!? I love how you kept your grandmas legacy going through this soup recipe. Really Really cool! (:

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  44. A good old chicken soup is all I need now. This recipe is gem, nothing can be compared to Grandma's recipes. Keeper for sure

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  45. This reminds me of a soup my mother in law used to make! I will be adding this to my Fall must cook list so hubby and I can enjoy and share memories of her <3

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  46. This soup brings back such good memories.. My Nana made this kind of soup whenever i was sick.TO think that this recipe is that old it really is a piece of history!

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  47. This looks like the soup I used to enjoy as a kid when I was sick. Absolutely delicious! I hadn't saved the recipe from my Mom, I'm definitely saving this one though.

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  48. Good Chicken soup is needed for the when we are down little bit. Grandmas recipes are always precious, best part is that taste is guarantied . Glad you are keeping the tradition.

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  49. What a marvelous recipe, C! I love all those old-fashioned recipes passed down. Keeping traditions are the best and I bet this one is a real treasure :)

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  50. Looks delectable, warming and comforting! Perfect for the cold rainy season now.

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  51. Do you drain the can of tomatoes?

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  52. Hope you are having a great week and thanks so much for sharing your post with us at Full Plate Thursday,456. We look forward to seeing you again very soon!
    Miz Helen

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  53. This chicken soup is delicious! Full of rich flavor and even better the next day! I personally only use dark meat for chicken soup like you, but also because I really don’t like the strings white meat creates!

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Remember to use the search option for a recipe you're looking for and thanks for all your kind words and support. We love our readers all the best Claudia