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 no time, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavor Packed: The combination of spices and fresh ingredients creates a rich flavor profile that will warm you from the inside out.
- Versatile: Adjust ingredients easily to fit your dietary needs—try gluten-free or vegetarian versions!
- Great for Leftovers: Use leftover chicken or veggies you have on hand for a waste-free meal.
- Comforting and Hearty: This soup is filling enough to be a meal on its own, satisfying even the hungriest of appetites.
Tools and Preparation
To make this delicious Copycat Carrabba’s Spicy Chicken Soup, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment makes cooking easier and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Ladle
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: A must-have for simmering soups; it ensures even cooking and plenty of space for all your ingredients.
- Chef’s knife: A sharp knife saves time when chopping vegetables, ensuring uniform pieces that cook evenly.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are key to achieving the perfect flavor balance in your soup.
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
Base Ingredients
- 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
Broth and Protein
- 5 cups water
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups shredded chicken (use rotisserie for a time-saving hack)
Pasta
- 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 the celery, carrot, onion, potato, and red pepper. Having everything ready will make cooking smoother.
Step 2: Sauté Vegetables
In a large pot over medium heat, add:
3 tbsp olive oil
Once hot:
1. Add the diced onions and sauté until translucent.
2. Stir in the celery, carrot, potato, and red pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until softened.
Step 3: Add Garlic & Spices
Add:
2 tbsp minced garlic
Stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then sprinkle in:
– 1 tbsp parsley
– 1 tbsp oregano
– 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
Mix well to combine all flavors.
Step 4: Combine Liquids
Pour in:
– 5 cups water
– 2 cups chicken broth
Bring everything to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to low and let it simmer for about 10 minutes.
Step 5: Add Chicken & Pasta
After simmering:
1. Stir in:
– 2 cups shredded chicken
– 2 cups cooked ditali pasta
Allow it to simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes so all flavors meld together.
Enjoy your delicious Copycat Carrabba’s Spicy Chicken Soup! Serve hot with crusty bread or on its own for an amazing meal.
How to Serve Copycat Carrabba’s Spicy Chicken Soup – Easy Recipe Guide
Serving your Copycat Carrabba’s Spicy Chicken Soup is all about enhancing its flavors and providing a delightful dining experience. Here are some creative ways to serve this delicious soup.
Garnish with Fresh Herbs
- Parsley or Cilantro: A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or cilantro adds a burst of color and freshness.
- Chili Flakes: For those who love extra heat, a dash of chili flakes on top can enhance the spicy profile.
Pair with Bread
- Garlic Bread: Serve warm garlic bread on the side for dipping. Its buttery flavor complements the soup perfectly.
- Crusty Baguette: A slice of crusty baguette is perfect for scooping up every last drop of soup.
Add Cheese
- Parmesan Cheese: Grate some fresh Parmesan cheese on top just before serving to add a savory note.
- Cheddar Cheese: For a twist, shredded cheddar can bring creaminess and richness to each bowl.
Create a Soup Bar
- Toppings Station: Set up a toppings bar with options like diced avocado, sour cream, and tortilla strips so guests can customize their bowls.
How to Perfect Copycat Carrabba’s Spicy Chicken Soup – Easy Recipe Guide
Perfecting your Copycat Carrabba’s Spicy Chicken Soup is easy with these simple tips. Follow these suggestions to elevate your soup-making skills.
- Flavors: Use fresh herbs and spices for maximum flavor. They really make the soup pop!
- Cook Slowly: Allow the soup to simmer for longer to develop deeper flavors.
- Use Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality chicken broth and fresh vegetables for the best taste.
- Adjust Spice Levels: Feel free to tweak the amount of red pepper flakes based on your heat preference.
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 enhance your meal. Here are some great options that complement this flavorful soup beautifully.
- Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad provides a crunchy texture and tangy flavors that balance the spiciness of the soup.
- Caprese Salad: Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil create a refreshing contrast with rich flavors.
- Garlic Knots: Soft, buttery garlic knots are perfect for dipping into the spicy broth.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies add depth and nutrition to your meal.
- Rice Pilaf: Lightly seasoned rice pilaf serves as a mild base that pairs well with spicy soup.
- Stuffed Peppers: Bell peppers stuffed with quinoa or rice offer hearty, healthy sides that align perfectly with the soup’s flavor profile.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making the perfect Copycat Carrabba’s Spicy Chicken Soup can be tricky. Here are common mistakes to avoid to ensure your soup turns out delicious.
- Ignoring ingredient freshness: Using stale or old ingredients can compromise flavor. Always check your produce and spices for freshness before cooking.
- Overcooking vegetables: Cooking vegetables too long makes them mushy. Keep an eye on them and cook until just tender for the best texture.
- Neglecting seasoning adjustments: Every broth is different, so always taste and adjust your seasonings as you go. This ensures a balanced flavor profile.
- Not allowing flavors to meld: Rushing the cooking time can lead to bland soup. Allow it to simmer for at least 30 minutes to develop rich flavors.
- Using too much pasta: Adding excessive pasta can make the soup too thick. Measure carefully, and remember that it will absorb liquid over time.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Allow the soup to cool completely before sealing it in a container.
Freezing Copycat Carrabba’s Spicy Chicken Soup – Easy Recipe Guide
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Leave some space at the top of the container as the soup will expand when frozen.
Reheating Copycat Carrabba’s Spicy Chicken Soup – Easy Recipe Guide
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in a covered dish for about 20 minutes or until hot.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring in between until heated through; usually takes about 3-5 minutes.
- Stovetop: Pour into a pot and heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes this recipe a copycat of Carrabba’s?
This recipe mimics the bold flavors of Carrabba’s Spicy Chicken Soup, providing a homemade alternative that captures its essence.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit the chicken for a delightful vegetarian version.
How spicy is this Copycat Carrabba’s Spicy Chicken Soup?
The spice level can be adjusted by modifying red pepper flakes according to your preference. Start small if you’re unsure!
What is the best way to store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for longer storage.
Final Thoughts
This Copycat Carrabba’s Spicy Chicken Soup is not only comforting but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Whether you enjoy it as a hearty meal or a light lunch, we encourage you to give this easy recipe a try!
Copycat Carrabba’s Spicy Chicken Soup
Welcome to the comforting world of homemade soup! This Copycat Carrabba’s Spicy Chicken Soup is a delightful twist on a classic dish, bringing the bold flavors of Italian-American cuisine right to your kitchen. With its hearty ingredients and just the right amount of spice, this soup is perfect for busy weeknights or as a cozy meal any day of the week. Enjoy it with crusty bread or as a standalone dish that warms you from the inside out!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
- 1 ½ celery ribs, diced
- 1 carrot, peeled and diced
- ½ yellow onion, diced
- 1 small russet potato, peeled and diced
- ½ red pepper, diced
- 1 (14 oz) can of tomatoes, drained and chopped
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cups shredded chicken (preferably rotisserie)
- 5 cups water
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked ditali pasta (or gluten-free pasta)
Instructions
- Prepare all vegetables by dicing them into uniform pieces for even cooking.
- In a large pot over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, sauté onions until translucent. Add celery, carrot, potato, and red pepper; cook for 5-7 minutes until softened.
- Stir in minced garlic and spices (parsley, oregano, red pepper flakes) until fragrant.
- Pour in water and chicken broth; bring to a boil then reduce heat to simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Add shredded chicken and cooked pasta; simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 810mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 19g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
