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 under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Packed with Flavor: Enjoy a delicious blend of spices and fresh ingredients that will tantalize your taste buds.
- Versatile Options: Easy to adapt for gluten-free or vegetarian diets without sacrificing flavor.
- Perfect for Leftovers: Utilize leftover rotisserie chicken for a hassle-free meal that reduces food waste.
- Comforting and Hearty: A warm bowl of this soup is ideal for chilly evenings or when you’re feeling under the weather.
Tools and Preparation
Before you dive into cooking, gather the necessary tools to make your experience smoother. Having the right equipment will help you whip up this Copycat Carrabba’s Spicy Chicken Soup seamlessly.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: Ideal for simmering ingredients together to develop rich flavors.
- Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables efficiently.
- Knife: A sharp knife makes it easier to dice ingredients precisely and quickly.
- Wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring without scratching your pot’s surface.
Ingredients
For the 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
For the Base
- 1 (14 oz) can of tomatoes – drained & chopped
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp parsley
- 1 tbsp oregano
- 2 tbsp minced garlic
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
For the Broth
- 5 cups water
- 2 cups chicken broth
For Protein and Pasta
- 2 cups shredded chicken (use rotisserie for a time-saving hack)
- 2 cups cooked ditali pasta
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 Your Ingredients
Start by prepping all your vegetables. Dice them as indicated in the ingredient list. This will ensure even cooking and help flavors blend well.
Step 2: Sauté Vegetables
In a large pot over medium heat:
1. Add 3 tablespoons of olive oil.
2. Once hot, add the diced celery, carrot, onion, potato, and red pepper.
3. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until they start to soften.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Spices
Once your vegetables are tender:
1. Stir in 2 tablespoons of minced garlic.
2. Add 1 tablespoon of parsley, 1 tablespoon of oregano, and 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes.
3. Cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Incorporate Broth and Tomatoes
Next:
1. Pour in 5 cups of water and 2 cups of chicken broth.
2. Add the chopped tomatoes from the can.
3. Stir everything together well.
Step 5: Add Chicken and Pasta
After bringing it to a boil:
1. Reduce to a simmer.
2. Stir in 2 cups of shredded chicken and cooked ditali pasta.
3. Allow it to simmer for another 10-15 minutes so flavors meld.
Step 6: Serve Hot
Once everything is heated through:
1. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary.
2. Ladle into bowls and enjoy your Copycat Carrabba’s Spicy Chicken Soup!
How to Serve Copycat Carrabba’s Spicy Chicken Soup – Easy Recipe Guide
Serving your delicious Copycat Carrabba’s Spicy Chicken Soup can enhance the overall experience. Here are some creative serving suggestions to make your soup even more enjoyable.
Garnish with Fresh Herbs
- Parsley: Chopped parsley adds a fresh touch and brightens the soup.
- Basil: A sprinkle of fresh basil can introduce an aromatic flavor.
Add a Kick with Hot Sauce
- Hot Sauce: Drizzle your favorite hot sauce on top for an extra spicy kick.
- Chili Oil: Use chili oil for a flavorful finish that enhances the dish.
Serve with a Side of Bread
- Garlic Bread: Warm garlic bread pairs perfectly, offering a crunchy contrast.
- Crusty Baguette: A slice of baguette is ideal for dipping into the hearty soup.
Complement with Cheese
- Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds richness and depth to your bowl.
- Mozzarella: Melted mozzarella on top creates a creamy texture that balances spice.
Offer a Refreshing Salad
- Mixed Greens Salad: A light salad can balance the heat of the soup.
- Caprese Salad: Fresh tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella provide a refreshing side.
How to Perfect Copycat Carrabba’s Spicy Chicken Soup – Easy Recipe Guide
Perfecting your Copycat Carrabba’s Spicy Chicken Soup is key to achieving restaurant-quality flavors at home. Here are some tips to elevate your cooking experience.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh vegetables and herbs for maximum flavor and nutrition.
- Adjust Spice Levels: Feel free to tweak the amount of red pepper flakes based on your spice preference.
- Let It Simmer: Allow the soup to simmer longer for richer flavors; patience pays off!
- Broth Variations: Experiment with different broths like low-sodium or homemade for unique tastes.
Best Side Dishes for Copycat Carrabba’s Spicy Chicken Soup – Easy Recipe Guide
Pairing side dishes with your Copycat Carrabba’s Spicy Chicken Soup can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some delightful options:
- Garlic Bread: Crispy and buttery, perfect for dipping into the soup.
- Caesar Salad: Crunchy romaine lettuce topped with Caesar dressing adds freshness.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned roasted veggies offer a nice complement to the soup’s warmth.
- Cheesy Polenta: Creamy polenta adds comfort and pairs beautifully with spicy flavors.
- Antipasto Platter: Salami, olives, and cheese create a savory side that excites the palate.
- Stuffed Bell Peppers: Hearty stuffed peppers provide an additional filling option alongside the soup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Copycat Carrabba’s Spicy Chicken Soup, avoid these common pitfalls to ensure your soup turns out perfectly.
- Skipping the seasoning – Failing to adequately season can make your soup bland. Always taste as you go and adjust spices accordingly.
- Overcooking the vegetables – Cooking vegetables too long can lead to mushiness. Add them in stages based on their cooking times for better texture.
- Using cold chicken broth – Starting with cold broth can slow down cooking time. Warm it slightly before adding to the pot for quicker simmering.
- Neglecting pasta timing – Adding pasta too early can result in soggy noodles. Cook it separately and add it just before serving for the best results.
- Not using fresh herbs – Dried herbs can lack the punch of fresh ones. Whenever possible, opt for fresh herbs to enhance flavors.
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
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag.
- The soup can be frozen for up to 2–3 months.
- Leave some space at the top of containers for expansion.
Reheating Copycat Carrabba’s Spicy Chicken Soup – Easy Recipe Guide
- Oven – Preheat to 350°F and heat the soup in an oven-safe dish until warm.
- Microwave – Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring occasionally, until hot throughout.
- Stovetop – Place on medium heat and stir often until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions people have about Copycat Carrabba’s Spicy Chicken Soup.
What makes this a Copycat Carrabba’s Spicy Chicken Soup?
This recipe mimics the beloved flavors of Carrabba’s original dish, providing a similar spicy kick and hearty texture.
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes! Using rotisserie chicken is a great time-saving hack that adds flavor without extra effort.
How do I customize this recipe?
Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing red pepper flakes.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This soup stores well and tastes even better after a day in the fridge, making it perfect for meal prep.
Final Thoughts
Copycat Carrabba’s Spicy Chicken Soup is not just flavorful; it’s also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it with different veggies or protein options. Whether enjoyed on a chilly evening or as a comforting lunch, this soup is sure to impress. Give it a try and savor every spoonful!
Copycat Carrabba’s Spicy Chicken Soup
Welcome to your new favorite comfort food: Copycat Carrabba’s Spicy Chicken Soup! This easy recipe captures the bold flavors of the popular Italian-American dish, blending tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and zesty spices into a warm, satisfying bowl. Perfect for busy weeknights or using up leftovers, this soup is versatile enough to accommodate gluten-free or vegetarian diets without sacrificing taste. In just under an hour, you can indulge in a delightful meal that warms both the heart and soul.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
- 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
- 1 (14 oz) can of tomatoes, drained & chopped
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 5 cups water
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
- 2 cups cooked ditali pasta
Instructions
- Prep all vegetables by dicing as specified.
- In a large pot over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté celery, carrot, onion, potato, and red pepper for about 5-7 minutes until softened.
- Add minced garlic, parsley, oregano, and red pepper flakes; cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Pour in water and chicken broth; stir in chopped tomatoes and bring to a boil.
- Reduce to a simmer; add shredded chicken and cooked pasta. Let it simmer for 10-15 minutes to meld flavors.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (300g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
