Save A cozy, homemade classic that cooks itself while you get on with your day. Tender shredded chicken, soft vegetables, and twirly noodles come together in a warm, comforting broth that tastes like its been simmering all afternoon.
I first served this to my family on a chilly evening and it was an instant hit. The ease of preparing it in the crockpot means I can enjoy more time with my loved ones while dinner cooks itself.
Ingredients
- Poultry: 1½ pounds (680 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Vegetables & Aromatics: 1 small yellow onion, peeled and diced, 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced or cut into coins, 3 celery stalks, sliced, 3 large garlic cloves, finely minced
- Herbs & Seasonings: 2 fresh rosemary sprigs, 1 bay leaf, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- Broth & Noodles: 6 cups (1.4 L) low sodium chicken broth, 6 ounces (170 g) fusilli noodles
- Optional Garnish: Fresh chopped parsley, for serving
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Add the chicken breasts, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, rosemary sprigs, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper to the slow cooker. Pour the chicken broth over the top and gently stir to combine.
- Step 2:
- Cover and cook on low for 68 hours or high for 46 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Step 3:
- Remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and shred them with two forks. Discard the bay leaf and rosemary sprigs.
- Step 4:
- Meanwhile, cook the fusilli noodles separately on the stovetop according to package instructions drain and set aside.
- Step 5:
- Return the shredded chicken and cooked noodles to the slow cooker. Stir to combine and let everything warm through for about 5 minutes.
- Step 6:
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Serve hot.
Save Preparing this soup always brings my family together around the table, sharing stories and laughter over warm bowls of comfort.
Required Tools
Slow cooker (crockpot), Chefs knife, Cutting board, Measuring cups and spoons, Medium saucepan, Ladle
Allergen Information
Contains Wheat (pasta) May contain Celery Always double check broth and pasta ingredient labels for potential allergens
Nutritional Information
Calories 265 Total Fat 3 g Carbohydrates 27 g Protein 33 g
Save This soup is a perfect blend of simple ingredients and slow cooking magic resulting in a hearty meal that warms the soul.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I use other pasta shapes instead of fusilli?
Yes, you can substitute fusilli with egg noodles, ditalini, or any pasta shape that holds up well in soup without becoming mushy.
- → Should the chicken be shredded before or after cooking?
It's best to cook the chicken breasts whole, then shred them once tender. This helps keep the meat juicy and easy to shred.
- → Is it necessary to sauté the vegetables before adding them?
Sautéing the onion, carrot, celery, and garlic before slow cooking enhances their flavor but can be skipped for convenience.
- → How do herbs like rosemary and bay leaf affect the dish?
Rosemary and bay leaf add earthy, aromatic notes that deepen the broth's flavor, making the soup more fragrant and rich.
- → Can this dish be made gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free pasta and confirm that the broth ingredients are gluten-free for a suitable alternative.
- → What garnishes work best with this dish?
Fresh chopped parsley adds a bright, fresh finish, but a squeeze of lemon juice can also enhance the overall flavor.