Chicken & Pasta Soup
Dairy free, Egg free, Nut free, Soy free
About the recipe
This is chicken noodle soup’s heartier, toddler-friendly cousin. The pasta cooks right in the broth and soaks up all that goodness, which means it turns thick, cosy and easy to scoop. No slippery noodles sliding everywhere. No watery broth left behind. Just a nourishing, comforting bowl that little ones can actually manage.
It’s packed with immune-supportive ingredients like bone broth, turmeric, ginger, garlic, leek and thyme, plus tender chicken for protein and iron. It’s one of those meals I make when someone has the sniffles, when we need something warming, or when I have leftover roast chicken to use up. Simple, filling and genuinely delicious for the whole family.
Age Appropriate
Suitable from 10 months when baby has developed pincer grasp. However you can puree the soup (pasta omitted) for puree feeding from 6 months.
Notes for Serving BLW or Puree
For baby-led weaning, shred the chicken into strips or small bites once baby has developed pincer grasp (around 9-10 months old).
For spoon-fed babies, this soup can be blended to a thick puree. You can thin with extra bone broth if needed.
Storage (Fridge and Freezer)
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The pasta will continue to absorb liquid, so you may need to add a splash of water or broth when reheating.
To freeze, allow to cool completely and portion into freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. For best texture, you can freeze without the pasta and add freshly cooked pasta when reheating, but it freezes well as is for convenience.
Ingredients
4–6 cloves garlic, minced
1 leek, white part only, sliced
2 carrots, diced
500 grams chicken thighs or leftover roast chicken
2 stalks celery, diced
2 teaspoons fresh turmeric, finely grated or ½ teaspoon dried turmeric
2 teaspoons fresh ginger, finely grated or minced
1 tablespoon fresh thyme or 2 teaspoons dried thyme
1 litre chicken bone broth
300 ml water
200 grams pasta of choice such as orzo, macaroni or gluten-free pasta – see notes.
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional
1 cob of corn, kernels removed or 1 cup frozen corn kernels
1–2 red chillies, finely chopped
Method
- Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chicken thighs (if using leftover chicken, skip this step and add chicken in on last step). Cook for a few minutes on each side until lightly browned. Remove from the pot and set aside.
- In the same pot, add the sliced leek, carrot and celery. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until softened and fragrant. Add a splash of the broth to deglaze the pot, scraping up any golden bits from the bottom.
- Stir in the garlic, turmeric, ginger and thyme. Cook for another minute until aromatic.
- Add the pasta to the pot, then pour in the remaining bone broth and water. Return the chicken to the pot. If using fresh corn, add it now.
- Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender and the pasta is soft. If using frozen corn or chopped chilli, stir through in the final 5 minutes of cooking.
- Remove the chicken thighs and shred with two forks, then return to the soup. Season to taste and serve warm.
Ingredient Swaps
Chicken thighs can be replaced with chicken breast, shredded roast chicken or even turkey.
Leek can be swapped for brown onion if preferred.
Bone broth can be substituted with a good quality salt-reduced stock if needed.
Fresh turmeric and ginger can be replaced with dried versions if that’s what you have on hand.
A note on the pasta:
Pasta works best in smaller shapes such as orzo, small macaroni, pulse pasta or fun shapes like dinosaur pasta (my kids fave), as they are easier for toddlers to scoop and self-feed and soak up the broth. You can also use gluten-free pasta if required. Alternatively, swap pasta for small rice or quinoa.
Let’s Search
What’s on your mind?
Slow-Cooker Roast Chicken
If you’ve got a copy of Toddler to Table, you might recognise this recipe! It’s inspired by our much-loved Lemon Butter Roast Chicken recipe, adapted for the slow cooker to make those busy days even easier. There’s something so comforting about a whole roast chicken, but standing over the oven for hours isn’t always practical. … Continued
Leftover Enchiladas
These Leftover Enchiladas are one of our favourite ways to transform slow-cooked meat into an entirely new meal. Soft tortillas are filled with tender shredded meat, black beans, sweet corn and melty cheese, then baked under a rich homemade enchilada sauce until bubbling and golden. They’re comforting, nourishing, freezer-friendly and a brilliant way to stretch … Continued
Baby Liver Pate
Introducing liver to babies doesn’t have to mean serving chunks of liver on a plate. This silky smooth pate is one of our favourite ways to introduce one of nature’s most nutrient-dense foods in a way that’s gentle, delicious and easy for little ones to enjoy. Chicken liver is one of the richest natural sources … Continued
Slow-Cooker Pork Carnitas
If you’ve ever thought slow cooker meals had to be bland, watery or lacking flavour, this recipe is here to change your mind. These Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas are one of my favourite recipes because they deliver juicy, fall-apart pork with crispy, caramelised edges that taste like they’ve come straight from your favourite Mexican restaurant. … Continued
Slow-Cooker Chicken, Bacon & Leek Pie
This recipe is adapted from one of our most-loved recipes in Toddler to Table. The original version comes together much more quickly on the stovetop, but I wanted to create a slow cooker version for those busy days when you want dinner to cook itself. As part of my slow cooker series, I’m on a mission … Continued
Lasagne Soup
This is one of those meals that tastes like you spent hours cooking… but really it’s just a throw-everything-in-a-pot situation. It has all the cosy flavours of lasagne without the layering, baking or dishwashing marathon. Rich tomatoey broth, tender pasta, hearty mince and creamy cheese on top… honestly the ultimate comfort food. I also love … Continued
Chicken Meatballs in a Gingery Broth
This is one of those meals that feels a little bit special, but is actually so simple to make. The meatballs are soft and full of flavour, and cooking them directly in the broth not only keeps them incredibly juicy, but also adds so much depth to the soup itself. It’s the kind of dinner … Continued
French Toast
There’s something so comforting about French toast, especially when it becomes one of those go-to meals you can rely on for everyone in the family. This version, from our book Toddler to Table, is exactly that. It’s simple, nourishing, and incredibly versatile. Whether you’re feeding a baby just starting solids, a busy toddler, or yourself … Continued