Welcome, soup lovers! If you’re a fan of spicy, hearty soups, then this Copycat Carrabba’s Spicy Chicken Soup recipe is exactly what you need. This dish, inspired by the bold flavors from Carrabba’s, combines the warmth of Italian-American comfort food with just the right amount of kick to spice up your meal. Whether you’re looking for a quick, flavorful dinner or the perfect way to use leftover chicken, this soup will become your go-to favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavor-Packed: Each bowl is bursting with spices and fresh ingredients that create a satisfying taste experience.
- Versatile Options: Easily adapt this recipe for gluten-free or vegetarian diets without sacrificing flavor.
- Comfort Food: The combination of tender chicken and hearty vegetables makes it a cozy choice for chilly days.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Make a big batch and store leftovers for easy lunches throughout the week.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools to ensure a smooth experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Wooden spoon
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Ladle
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: Essential for simmering all ingredients evenly without spilling.
- Wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring without scratching your cookware and allows better control while mixing.
- Cutting board: Provides a safe space for chopping vegetables and preparing ingredients.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 1/2 celery ribs – diced
- 1 carrot – peeled & diced
- 1/2 yellow onion – diced
- 1 small russet potato – peeled & diced
- 1/2 red pepper – diced
Canned Ingredients
- 1 (14 oz) can of tomatoes – drained & chopped
Seasonings and Oils
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp parsley
- 1 tbsp oregano
- 2 tbsp minced garlic
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
Liquids and Proteins
- 5 cups water
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups shredded chicken (use rotisserie for a time-saving hack)
Pasta
- 2 cups cooked ditali pasta
Dietary Alternatives
For a gluten-free option, replace ditali pasta with gluten-free pasta. For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit the chicken.
How to Make Copycat Carrabba’s Spicy Chicken Soup – Easy Recipe Guide
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Start by washing and dicing all your vegetables as listed in the ingredients section.
Step 2: Heat the Oil
In a large pot over medium heat, add 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Allow it to warm up for about 1 minute.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics
Once the oil is hot:
1. Add the diced onion, celery, carrot, and red pepper.
2. Stir occasionally until they soften—about 5 minutes.
3. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Add Remaining Ingredients
Next, incorporate:
1. The chopped tomatoes,
2. Diced potato,
3. Seasonings (parsley, oregano, red pepper flakes),
4. Water,
5. Chicken broth.
Bring everything to a boil.
Step 5: Simmer
Reduce heat to low:
– Let the soup simmer uncovered for about 15 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
– Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 6: Final Touches
Add in:
– Shredded chicken
– Cooked ditali pasta
Mix well and let it heat through for an additional 5 minutes before serving.
Enjoy your delicious Copycat Carrabba’s Spicy Chicken Soup!
How to Serve Copycat Carrabba’s Spicy Chicken Soup – Easy Recipe Guide
Serving your Copycat Carrabba’s Spicy Chicken Soup can enhance the overall experience of this delightful dish. Here are some fantastic serving suggestions to elevate your soup game.
Pair with Crusty Bread
- Freshly baked baguette or ciabatta makes a perfect companion, ideal for dipping into the spicy broth.
Add a Salad
- A light mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the heat of the soup and refreshes your palate.
Top with Fresh Herbs
- Garnishing your soup with fresh parsley or cilantro adds a burst of flavor and enhances its visual appeal.
Serve with Cheese
- Grated Parmesan or crumbled feta cheese sprinkled on top can add creaminess and richness to every spoonful.
Include a Side of Rice
- A small bowl of rice can help balance the spiciness while providing a hearty side that soaks up the delicious broth.
How to Perfect Copycat Carrabba’s Spicy Chicken Soup – Easy Recipe Guide
Perfecting your Copycat Carrabba’s Spicy Chicken Soup is all about fine-tuning flavors and textures. Here are some tips to make it even better.
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: This saves time and adds great flavor without extra cooking.
- Adjust Spice Levels: Feel free to modify the amount of red pepper flakes based on your heat preference.
- Add Fresh Vegetables: Experiment with seasonal vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for varied taste.
- Simmer Longer: Letting the soup simmer for an additional 20 minutes can deepen the flavors.
- Garnish Wisely: Consider adding lime wedges for a zesty kick just before serving.
- Store Properly: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
Best Side Dishes for Copycat Carrabba’s Spicy Chicken Soup – Easy Recipe Guide
Completing your meal with complementary side dishes can elevate your dining experience. Here are some excellent options to consider.
- Garlic Bread: Crunchy and buttery, it’s perfect for soaking up that delicious broth.
- Caesar Salad: The crisp romaine and creamy dressing provide a refreshing contrast to the spicy soup.
- Bruschetta: Topped with tomatoes and basil, this appetizer brings a fresh taste that pairs well with the soup.
- Stuffed Mushrooms: Savory stuffed mushrooms add an earthy flavor that complements the spices in the soup.
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and balances out the heat perfectly.
- Cornbread: Sweet cornbread offers a delightful contrast to the spiciness, making it a comforting side option.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies provide extra nutrients and texture alongside your main dish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding common mistakes can elevate your soup game. Here are some pitfalls to steer clear of when making Copycat Carrabba’s Spicy Chicken Soup.
- Overcooking the Vegetables: Cooking vegetables too long can make them mushy. Sauté just until tender to keep them vibrant and flavorful.
- Ignoring Spice Levels: If you love spice, don’t skip the red pepper flakes. Adjust the amount based on your preference but start with small increments.
- Using Cold Ingredients: Adding cold ingredients can lower the temperature of your soup. Make sure all components are at room temperature before adding them to the pot.
- Not Tasting as You Go: Skipping this step may lead to a bland soup. Regularly taste and adjust seasoning throughout the cooking process for the best flavor.
- Choosing Low-Quality Broth: The broth is a key flavor component. Opt for high-quality chicken broth or homemade broth for a richer taste in your soup.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover soup in an airtight container.
- It will last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Copycat Carrabba’s Spicy Chicken Soup – Easy Recipe Guide
- Cool the soup completely before freezing.
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags to prevent freezer burn.
- The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Copycat Carrabba’s Spicy Chicken Soup – Easy Recipe Guide
- Oven: Heat at 350°F (175°C) in a covered dish for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Microwave: Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between until hot throughout.
- Stovetop: Simmer over medium heat, stirring often until heated properly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Copycat Carrabba’s Spicy Chicken Soup.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes! Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and omit the chicken for a delicious vegetarian version.
How spicy is Copycat Carrabba’s Spicy Chicken Soup?
The spice level depends on how much red pepper flakes you add. Feel free to adjust it according to your taste preference.
Can I use frozen chicken?
Absolutely! You can add frozen shredded chicken directly into the pot; just ensure it’s cooked through before serving.
What type of pasta works best?
Ditali pasta is traditional in this recipe, but any small pasta shape will work well, including gluten-free options if needed.
Final Thoughts
This Copycat Carrabba’s Spicy Chicken Soup is not only comforting but also versatile. You can customize it by adding different vegetables or adjusting spice levels to suit your taste. It’s perfect for using up leftovers or enjoying a cozy meal on chilly days. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy its delightful flavors!
Copycat Carrabba’s Spicy Chicken Soup
If you crave a warm and satisfying meal, look no further than this Copycat Carrabba’s Spicy Chicken Soup. This delicious recipe beautifully merges the rich flavors of Italian-American comfort food with a zesty kick.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 portions 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 celery ribs (diced)
- 1 carrot (peeled and diced)
- 1/2 yellow onion (diced)
- 1 small russet potato (peeled and diced)
- 1/2 red pepper (diced)
- 1 (14 oz) can of tomatoes (drained and chopped)
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cups shredded chicken
- 5 cups water
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked ditali pasta
Instructions
- Prepare your vegetables by washing and dicing them.
- In a large pot over medium heat, heat the olive oil for about one minute.
- Sauté the onion, celery, carrot, and red pepper for five minutes until softened; add minced garlic for an additional minute.
- Stir in the chopped tomatoes, diced potato, seasonings, water, and chicken broth; bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for about 15 minutes until potatoes are tender.
- Add shredded chicken and cooked pasta; mix well and heat through for another five minutes before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 19g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
