If you’re craving a soup that feels like a warm hug from an old friend, the Cozy Copycat Carrabba’s Chicken Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. This rich and hearty Italian-American classic combines tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a savory broth that simmers with comforting flavors. Whether it’s a chilly evening or you’re simply after a bowl of nourishing goodness, this soup delivers a perfect balance of wholesome ingredients and satisfying textures. It’s an absolute crowd-pleaser that’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner yet special enough to share with loved ones.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients often make the best dishes, and this soup is no exception. Each component brings essential flavor, texture, or color to create a beautifully balanced bowl of warmth and comfort.
- Olive oil: For sautéing and infusing the base with a subtle fruity richness.
- Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and depth when softened.
- Carrots: Offer a natural sweetness and vibrant color.
- Celery stalks: Bring an aromatic crunch that complements the softer veggies.
- Garlic cloves: Their pungent aroma uplifts the entire broth.
- Tomato paste: Gives a concentrated sweetness and umami boost.
- Dried oregano: Infuses the soup with classic Italian herb notes.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): Add a gentle kick of heat for extra depth.
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts: The tender protein star of the dish.
- Chicken broth: Forms the flavorful foundation of the soup.
- Diced tomatoes with juices: Provide acidity and texture to brighten the soup.
- Russet potato: Adds a creamy texture and body when cooked.
- Zucchini: Lends freshness and a slight crunch.
- Small pasta (ditalini or orzo): Gives the soup heartiness and chewiness.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings that bring everything together.
- Fresh parsley: Sprinkles on brightness and color at the end.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional): Melts slightly on top for a savory finish.
How to Make Cozy Copycat Carrabba’s Chicken Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating olive oil over medium heat in a large pot. Add diced onion, sliced carrots, and celery, and sauté until they soften and release their natural sweetness—about 5 to 6 minutes. This step builds the aromatic foundation, creating a mellow, inviting base for your soup.
Step 2: Build Flavor with Garlic and Herbs
Stir in the minced garlic, tomato paste, dried oregano, and if you want a little extra warmth, red pepper flakes. Cook everything together for about a minute until fragrant. This combines the vibrant garlic punch with the rich tomato paste and herbs that will infuse the broth with authentic Italian flair.
Step 3: Add the Chicken and Broth
Now, nestle in the chicken thighs or breasts and pour in the chicken broth along with diced tomatoes and their juices. Toss in the diced potato and zucchini as well. Bringing all these ingredients together creates a wonderful blend of textures and flavors that simmer into soup perfection.
Step 4: Simmer to Tenderness
Bring the pot to a boil, then lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for about 25 to 30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender. This slow simmer allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making every spoonful deeply satisfying.
Step 5: Shred the Chicken and Add Pasta
Carefully remove the chicken from the pot and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the soup, then stir in your choice of small pasta like ditalini or orzo. Let it simmer uncovered for 10 to 12 minutes so the pasta cooks al dente and absorbs the soup’s essence.
Step 6: Final Seasoning and Serve
Taste your soup, adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary, and you’re ready to serve. The Cozy Copycat Carrabba’s Chicken Soup Recipe is best enjoyed hot, garnished for an extra touch of color and flavor.
How to Serve Cozy Copycat Carrabba’s Chicken Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley chopped over the top adds a burst of green freshness that is both eye-catching and flavor-brightening. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese will melt slightly into the piping hot soup, lending it a nutty and savory finish that feels so indulgent.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with warm crusty bread or garlic breadsticks to soak up every last drop of broth. For a lighter accompaniment, a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can balance the richness of the soup.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the soup in rustic bowls or even mini bread bowls for a fun and cozy presentation. For a dinner party, garnish each bowl with a sprig of fresh herbs and offer Parmesan on the side so guests can customize their bowls to taste.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen, making each subsequent serving even more enjoyable. Just give it a good stir before reheating to reincorporate all the delicious ingredients.
Freezing
You can freeze this soup for up to 3 months. To maintain the best texture, freeze it without the pasta and add fresh pasta when reheating. Make sure to cool the soup completely before freezing and use a freezer-safe container or bag.
Reheating
Reheat the soup gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat. Add a splash of broth or water if it feels too thick. If frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve the flavors and textures.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breast works well and will give you a leaner soup, though thighs tend to stay juicier and more flavorful during simmering. Either way, your soup will be delicious.
Is it possible to make this soup gluten-free?
Yes, just swap the regular pasta for a gluten-free variety or simply omit the pasta and add extra potatoes or white beans for additional texture and heartiness.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, replace the chicken and chicken broth with hearty vegetables and vegetable broth, and consider adding beans or plant-based protein to keep it filling.
How spicy is the soup with red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes add just a gentle warmth without overwhelming heat. You can easily reduce or omit them based on your preference for spice.
Can I use a rotisserie chicken for faster prep?
Yes! Using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut. Add the shredded chicken near the end of cooking and adjust simmering time accordingly to avoid overcooking the meat.
Final Thoughts
Treat yourself to a bowl of the Cozy Copycat Carrabba’s Chicken Soup Recipe and you’ll immediately understand why it’s a favorite for warming up from the inside out. The combination of tender chicken, fresh veggies, and savory broth makes it the perfect soup for any occasion. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this recipe as much as I do—it’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen!
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Cozy Copycat Carrabba’s Chicken Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This cozy Copycat Carrabba’s Chicken Soup recipe brings the comforting flavors of Italian-American cuisine right to your kitchen. Packed with tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and small pasta, this hearty soup is perfect for a nourishing meal any day of the week. Easy to prepare on the stovetop, it simmers to develop rich and savory flavors, making it ideal for chilly evenings or whenever you crave a warm bowl of homemade comfort.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Main Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes with juices
- 1 medium russet potato, peeled and diced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1/2 cup small pasta (ditalini or orzo)
Seasonings & Garnishes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion, sliced carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5 to 6 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Add Aromatics and Spices: Stir in the minced garlic, tomato paste, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook for about 1 minute until the mixture becomes aromatic and the tomato paste slightly darkens.
- Add Main Ingredients: Place the chicken thighs or breasts into the pot, then pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes with their juices. Add the peeled and diced russet potato and zucchini. Season with salt and black pepper.
- Simmer Soup: Bring the soup to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and cook for 25 to 30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
- Shred Chicken: Remove the cooked chicken from the pot and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the soup pot.
- Cook Pasta: Stir in the small pasta and simmer the soup uncovered for another 10 to 12 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked al dente.
- Final Seasoning and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen.
- To make a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta or omit the pasta entirely and add more potatoes or white beans instead.
- For a quicker preparation, substitute the raw chicken thighs with pre-cooked rotisserie chicken.
