There’s something about a bowl of chicken noodle soup that hits just right on those days when you need a little lift but don’t want to feel weighed down. This low calorie chicken noodle soup manages to strike that balance perfectly. It’s packed with tender chicken, fresh veggies, and whole wheat noodles, but it doesn’t tip the scale on calories. I remember one chilly afternoon when I made this on a whim—halfway through stirring, I realized I’d been distracted by a call and almost added the noodles too early. No big deal, though; it still turned out cozy and satisfying, just a bit more noodly than usual.
The aroma of garlic and thyme filled the kitchen, mingling with the sweetness of sautéed carrots and celery. Those few minutes of stirring and simmering felt like a tiny pause in a busy day, and the spinach wilted in at the end brought a fresh pop of color and a subtle earthiness. It’s the kind of soup that invites you to slow down, maybe curl up with a book or just enjoy the quiet.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Light but filling — this soup warms you up without feeling heavy.
- Whole wheat noodles add a bit of texture and fiber, making it more satisfying.
- It’s simple — and that’s kind of the point. No complicated steps, just good ingredients.
- Fresh spinach stirred in at the end adds a vibrant freshness that balances the savory broth.
- Because it’s low calorie, you can enjoy a generous bowl guilt-free, but it’s not so bland you’ll miss anything.
If you’re wary about making soup from scratch, don’t be. It’s mostly about layering flavors and giving ingredients time to mingle. Plus, you can tweak it to match whatever you have on hand.
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Low Calorie Chicken Noodle Soup
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
A light and healthy chicken noodle soup packed with tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and whole wheat noodles, perfect for a comforting low-calorie meal.
Ingredients
8 cups low sodium chicken broth
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
2 celery stalks, sliced
1 medium yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 ounces whole wheat egg noodles
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
Instructions
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add diced onion, sliced carrots, and sliced celery to the pot and sauté for 5 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.
Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Pour in the low sodium chicken broth and bring to a boil.
Add the chicken breast pieces to the boiling broth and reduce heat to a simmer.
Stir in dried thyme, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper.
Simmer the soup for 15 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
Add whole wheat egg noodles and cook for an additional 7 minutes until noodles are tender.
Stir in chopped fresh spinach and cook for 2 more minutes until wilted.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, then remove from heat and serve warm.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
Kitchen Notes:
I usually cook this soup in a heavy-bottomed pot that holds heat well, but any large pot will do. When serving, it pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or crusty bread if you’re okay with a few extra calories. If you want to switch things up, try using different leafy greens like kale instead of spinach, or swap the whole wheat noodles for gluten-free options if needed. I haven’t tested all these variations extensively, but they worked fine in a pinch. For a bit more flavor, a squeeze of fresh lemon before serving brightens the whole bowl.
FAQ:
Can I make this ahead? Yes, but I recommend storing noodles separately and adding them when reheating to avoid mushiness.
Is this soup spicy? Not at all — it’s mild and comforting, perfect if you want soothing flavors.
Can I use other proteins? You can try turkey or even tofu if you prefer, but cooking times might vary.
Ready for a soup that feels like a warm hug but won’t slow you down? Dive in and save this recipe for your next cozy day.