Crack Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 medium carrot, diced into thin half slices (about 1/2 cup)
• 1/2 small yellow onion, finely minced (about 1/4 cup)
• 1 stalk of celery, finely chopped (1/4 cup)
• 1 tbsp salted butter
• 4 ounces cream cheese, cut into chunks
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups cheddar cheese
• 2 cups chopped rotisserie or cooked chicken
• 1 pound bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 9 cups water
• 8 oz thin spaghetti, vermicelli, or angel hair pasta
• 1 oz packet Ranch seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions

1. 1

   Prepare the vegetables: Dice the carrot into thin half slices, finely mince the yellow onion, and chop the celery. These aromatic vegetables will form the flavor base of the soup.

2. 2

   Sauté vegetables: In a large soup pot, melt the salted butter over medium heat. Add the diced carrot, minced onion, and chopped celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender and fragrant.

3. 3

   Add water and bring to a boil: Pour 9 cups of water into the pot with the sautéed vegetables. Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a rolling boil.

4. 4

   Cook noodles: Once boiling, add the 8 oz of thin spaghetti, vermicelli, or angel hair pasta. Cook according to the package directions until the noodles are al dente, about 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

5. 5

   Add cream cheese and heavy cream: Lower the heat to medium-low. Stir in the chunks of cream cheese and the ½ cup of heavy cream until the cream cheese melts completely, creating a smooth, creamy broth.

6. 6

   Add cheese and Ranch seasoning: Stir in 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese and the 1 oz packet of Ranch seasoning until fully incorporated, giving the soup a rich, tangy flavor.

7. 7

   Add chicken and bacon: Fold in the 2 cups of chopped rotisserie or cooked chicken and the crumbled cooked bacon. Heat through for 3-5 minutes so the flavors meld together.

8. 8

   Season and adjust: Taste the soup and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed to enhance the flavor balance.

9. 9

   Garnish and serve: Optionally, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top for a bright, fresh finish. Serve hot and enjoy your comforting crack chicken noodle soup.