Name: Lemon Chicken Soup with Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1-2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 ¼ lbs. boneless skinless chicken breast; Lemon pepper seasoning (to taste); ½ cup dry white wine; 2 tablespoons butter; 1 small yellow onion, diced; ¾ cup carrots, diced; 2 sticks celery, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 7 cups chicken broth; ½ chicken bouillon cube; 1 teaspoon soy sauce; Juice of 1 lemon (3-4 tablespoons); ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated; 1 Parmesan cheese rind (optional but recommended); 4 oz. angel hair pasta; ¾ teaspoon dried parsley; ¾ teaspoon dried basil; ¾ teaspoon dried oregano; ¾ teaspoon mustard powder; 1 pinch turmeric; Salt and pepper (to taste)

If you’re looking for a comforting, bright, and soul-warming bowl, you’ve got to try this Lemon Chicken Soup with Pasta Recipe. I absolutely love how the tangy lemon balances the rich chicken broth and tender noodles, making every spoonful feel like a cozy hug. Whether you want something easy for a weeknight or a crowd-pleaser for guests, this recipe is fan-freaking-tastic and surprisingly simple to pull together. Stick around—I’ll share all my tips so you can nail it every single time!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bright and Comforting: The lemon juice adds a fresh zing that really wakes up the traditional chicken soup flavors.
Simple, Clean Ingredients: You won’t find any complicated sauces or hard-to-find spices—just good, wholesome stuff.
Versatile and Easy to Customize: Feel free to swap pasta types or adjust seasonings to fit your mood or pantry.
Perfect Weeknight Meal: Ready in about an hour, it’s a great way to feed your family something nourishing without stress.

A large white pot filled with warm chicken noodle soup sits on a white marbled surface. The soup has several layers: clear golden broth with small green herbs floating on top, orange round carrot slices, thin white noodles spread evenly throughout, and shredded light tan chicken pieces mixed inside. Three thin lemon slices rest on one side of the soup near the edge of the pot. A silver ladle is placed inside the pot on the right side, partially submerged in the soup. The pot handle is visible on top right corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Lemon Chicken Soup with Pasta, lemon chicken soup, creamy lemon chicken noodle soup, easy chicken soup with lemon, comforting lemon chicken broth

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Lemon Chicken Soup with Pasta Recipe is in how the ingredients come together to create layers of flavor — from the savory broth to the citrus brightness and the creamy Parmesan finish. Keep an eye out for fresh veggies and good-quality chicken broth to really make this sing.

Flat lay of a whole raw boneless skinless chicken breast, a small bright yellow lemon cut in half showing juicy flesh, three fresh garlic cloves with papery white skins, a small yellow onion unpeeled, two crisp celery sticks with leaves, a handful of fresh orange carrot chunks, a small bunch of fresh green parsley sprigs, a small white ceramic bowl of golden olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl of white dry angel hair pasta nest, a small white ceramic bowl of light brown chicken bouillon cube, a small white ceramic bowl of shredded pale yellow Parmesan cheese, a small white ceramic bowl of light golden melted butter, a small white ceramic bowl of clear pale yellow lemon juice, a small white ceramic bowl of pale beige dried mixed herbs (parsley, basil, oregano, mustard powder), a small white ceramic bowl of deep amber dry white wine, and a small white ceramic bowl of rich amber chicken broth, all arranged in balanced perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p awthu7i m7354615311229779997 - Lemon Chicken Soup with Pasta, lemon chicken soup, creamy lemon chicken noodle soup, easy chicken soup with lemon, comforting lemon chicken broth

Olive oil: Use extra virgin if you can—it adds a nice fruity depth when searing the chicken and sautéing veggies.
Boneless skinless chicken breast: I like slicing them thin so they cook evenly, plus it shreds easily into the soup.
Lemon pepper seasoning: Adds that perfect citrus-pepper combo, but you can adjust based on how zesty you want it.
Dry white wine: Adds acidity and deglazes the pan beautifully—if you want, you can swap it for a splash of chicken broth or water.
Butter: For richness and to help soften those aromatic veggies.
Yellow onion: Diced finely to melt into the broth, giving a sweet base.
Carrots: Adds natural sweetness and color; diced small so they cook evenly.
Celery: Brings a subtle earthiness and crunch to the mix.
Garlic: Minced fresh garlic packs the soup with that beloved savory kick.
Chicken broth: The heart of your soup—go for low sodium if you want more control over salt.
Chicken bouillon cube: Boosts flavor intensity without adding too much liquid.
Soy sauce: Just a splash to deepen umami notes; I promise it won’t taste Asian, it just enriches.
Lemon juice: Fresh-squeezed is key here for maximum brightness and flavor.
Parmesan cheese (grated and rind): The rind is optional but trust me, it infuses the broth with incredible savory depth.
Angel hair pasta: Cooks super fast and makes for a delicate bite—but you can swap for other small noodles too.
Dried parsley, basil, oregano, mustard powder: These herbs and spices create a subtle Mediterranean vibe.
Turmeric: Just a pinch for color and a gentle earthy note.
Salt & pepper: To taste — seasoning at the end lets you control it better.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

This Lemon Chicken Soup with Pasta Recipe is like a blank canvas to me—it’s flexible and ready for your personal touch. Whether you want to keep it classic or mix things up with different veggies or protein, there’s room to experiment and still get great results.

Vegetable Boost: I sometimes toss in chopped spinach or kale near the end for extra greens that wilt perfectly without overpowering the lemony broth.
Gluten-Free: Swap angel hair for gluten-free pasta or even small rice noodles and the soup stays just as comforting.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic if you want a little warmth.
Chicken Variations: If you’re short on time, rotisserie chicken shredded into the soup works like a charm and saves cooking time.

How to Make Lemon Chicken Soup with Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Season Your Chicken

First things first—if your chicken breasts are thick, slice them lengthwise to even out the thickness. This little trick helps them cook faster and more evenly. Pat the pieces dry with paper towels, then season generously with lemon pepper seasoning on both sides. This seasoning really sets the tone for that citrusy, peppery punch I crave in this soup.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken for Flavor

Heat your olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. When it’s hot, add the chicken and sear each side for about 3-4 minutes until golden brown. Don’t worry if the chicken isn’t fully cooked inside—that’s what the simmering step is for. Once seared, remove the chicken and let it rest for 10 minutes so the juices redistribute. Then dice or shred it—whatever you prefer.

Step 3: Build Your Flavor Base

Deglaze the pan with white wine, using a spatula to scrape up all those tasty browned bits stuck to the bottom—they’re liquid gold for flavor. Then add butter, diced onions, carrots, celery, and garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-6 minutes until veggies soften and the wine reduces by half. Your kitchen is already smelling amazing, right?

Step 4: Add Broth and Seasonings

Now, stir in the chicken broth mixture I mentioned earlier—this includes broth, bouillon cube, soy sauce, lemon juice, and all those herbs and spices. Toss in the Parmesan rind if you have it; it’s tricky to explain but trust me, it makes the broth taste silky and savory. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.

Step 5: Simmer to Concentrate Flavors

Return the chicken to the pot and let the soup gently simmer for 15-20 minutes. This finishes cooking the chicken and lets all the flavors marry beautifully. I love this part because the warmth fills the house with that unmistakable comfort-food aroma.

Step 6: Cook the Pasta Separately

While the soup simmers, bring a separate pot of salted water to boil and cook the angel hair pasta for about 4 minutes (or according to package instructions). Don’t overcook here—angel hair is delicate and turns mushy quickly. Drain and add directly to each serving bowl when ready.

Step 7: Finish the Soup with Cheese and Seasoning

Remove the soup from heat and slowly stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy—this gives the broth a gorgeous, rich texture. Discard the Parmesan rind if you used one. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Pour the hot soup over the pasta in bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and enjoy!

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Pro Tips for Making Lemon Chicken Soup with Pasta Recipe

Searing for Flavor: Don’t skip the sear—it locks in juices and adds a golden crust that makes the soup taste richer.
Don’t Overcook Pasta in Soup: Cook noodles separately to avoid mushiness and keep texture perfect.
Use the Parmesan Rind: If you have it, adding the rind while simmering amps up the umami and makes the broth silky.
Adjust Lemon to Taste: Start with the juice of one lemon, but feel free to add more after simmering for extra brightness.

How to Serve Lemon Chicken Soup with Pasta Recipe

A white bowl filled with clear yellow broth soup containing three main layers: the base layer is thin white noodles forming loose spirals; the middle layer has orange carrot slices and shredded light brown cooked chicken mixed throughout; the top layer shows yellow lemon slices resting on the soup surface, with green herb specks scattered across. The edges of the soup glisten with a light oily shine. A silver spoon is partially dipped into the soup on the right side of the bowl. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with blurred green leaves in the background, and a white cloth is placed nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Lemon Chicken Soup with Pasta, lemon chicken soup, creamy lemon chicken noodle soup, easy chicken soup with lemon, comforting lemon chicken broth

Garnishes

I swear by a fresh sprinkle of chopped parsley right before serving—it adds color and an herbal freshness that lifts the whole bowl. Sometimes I also grate a little extra Parmesan on top because, well, why not? A few twists of cracked black pepper never hurt either.

Side Dishes

My family and I love pairing this soup with a crisp simple green salad or some crusty garlic bread to soak up every last drop. Roasted veggies or a light cucumber salad also complement the zesty notes in the soup perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I like to serve this soup in individual mini cocotte bowls with a lemon wedge on the side for extra zest. You could also float a delicate basil leaf on top or arrange the noodles in a nest shape for a restaurant-worthy presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I usually keep the pasta separate if I know I won’t finish the soup immediately—this prevents it from getting soggy.

Freezing

Freezing works well for the soup broth and chicken, but I recommend freezing without the pasta. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and cook fresh noodles to combine for best texture.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low-medium heat, stirring occasionally. If you kept pasta separate, cook new noodles and add them in after reheating the soup to keep everything perfectly tender.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add a bit more richness and stay moist during cooking. You might want to adjust cooking times slightly, but overall they’re a great swap and still work wonderfully for this soup.
Is it necessary to add white wine?

Nope, white wine adds acidity and flavor depth, but you can simply use extra chicken broth or even a splash of white grape juice as a substitute if you prefer not to cook with alcohol.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

You can adapt it for the slow cooker by adding all ingredients except pasta and cheese. Cook on low for 4-6 hours. Add fresh lemon juice and pasta at serving time for best freshness and texture.
What pasta can I use if I don’t have angel hair?

Feel free to substitute with other thin pasta like fettuccine, or even small shapes like orzo or small shells. Just adjust cooking times so the pasta doesn’t get mushy in the soup.

Final Thoughts

This Lemon Chicken Soup with Pasta Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen—it’s that perfect blend of simple ingredients coming together to make a meal that feels both light and satisfying. Honestly, every time I make it, my family goes crazy over that bright lemon hit paired with tender chicken and silky Parmesan. If you’re craving something easy, cozy, and just a little special, this is the one to try. I can’t wait for you to make it your own and enjoy it as much as I do!