This Easy Asian-Inspired Chicken Noodle Soup is a warm, comforting dish that brings together the rich flavors of tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and fresh pak choi in a savory miso-infused broth. Perfect for those chilly evenings or whenever you crave a soothing, nourishing meal, this soup combines simplicity with depth of flavor. The addition of spaghetti gives it a satisfying heartiness, making it a complete meal in one bowl. With straightforward preparation and ingredients that are easy to find, this recipe is a wonderful way to enjoy a taste of Asian-inspired cuisine at home.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

For the Soup:

2 chicken breasts

100g chestnut mushrooms, sliced
50g shiitake mushrooms, quartered
2 pak choi, quartered and washed

2 garlic cloves, crushed
7g ginger, sliced
1 tablespoon miso paste

900ml water or chicken stock
2 teaspoons olive oil
Sea salt flakes to taste

Black pepper to taste
Spring onions, finely chopped for garnish
70g spaghetti, cooked

Directions:

Prepare the Chicken and Broth:
- Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with sea salt flakes and freshly ground black pepper. This simple seasoning helps to enhance the natural flavor of the chicken.
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts. Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. This step not only locks in the juices but also adds a depth of flavor to the soup. After searing, remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.

Build the Flavor Base:
- Using the same pot, add the crushed garlic and sliced ginger. Sauté these aromatics for 1-2 minutes, until they become fragrant and start to release their oils. This step is crucial as it forms the flavor foundation of the broth.
- Next, add the sliced chestnut mushrooms and quartered shiitake mushrooms to the pot. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms soften and develop a light brown color. The mushrooms will soak up the flavors of the garlic and ginger, adding an earthy richness to the broth.

Create the Broth:
- Pour in the water or chicken stock, depending on your preference. Using chicken stock will give the soup a richer, more robust flavor, while water will keep it lighter.
- Stir in the miso paste, ensuring it dissolves completely into the liquid. Miso adds a deep umami flavor, which is essential for achieving that authentic Asian-inspired taste.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Return the seared chicken breasts to the pot, cover, and let the soup simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. This slow simmering allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Add the Vegetables:
- Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the pot and let it rest for a few minutes before shredding it into bite-sized pieces.
- While the chicken rests, add the quartered pak choi to the pot. Cook the pak choi for 3-4 minutes, just until it becomes tender but retains its vibrant green color and slight crunch. Pak choi adds a refreshing contrast to the rich broth and makes the soup more visually appealing.
- Return the shredded chicken to the pot, along with the cooked spaghetti. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients, ensuring the flavors are evenly distributed.
Season and Serve:
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional sea salt flakes and black pepper if needed. The seasoning should be balanced, enhancing the natural flavors without overpowering the delicate broth.
- Ladle the soup into bowls, ensuring each serving has a good mix of chicken, mushrooms, pak choi, and spaghetti. Garnish with finely chopped spring onions, which add a fresh, crisp finish to the soup.

Tips for Success:

Quality Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh, high-quality ingredients. Fresh ginger, garlic, and mushrooms will impart the most aromatic and savory notes to your soup.

Alternative Noodles: If you want a more traditional Asian noodle soup, substitute the spaghetti with rice noodles, udon, or soba. Each noodle type brings a unique texture and taste to the dish.
Miso Paste: Miso paste is the star ingredient that gives the broth its deep, savory flavor. Be sure to dissolve it thoroughly to avoid clumps and to ensure its flavor is evenly distributed throughout the broth.
Garnishes: Don’t skip the garnish! Spring onions not only add a pop of color but also a subtle sharpness that complements the richness of the soup.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

Calories: 320 kcal
Protein: 28g
Fat: 10g

Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 4g
Sugars: 2g

Sodium: 800mg

This soup is a well-balanced meal, providing plenty of protein from the chicken, fiber from the vegetables, and energy from the spaghetti. It’s light enough to be enjoyed as a healthy meal, yet hearty enough to be satisfying.

Storage Tips:

Refrigeration: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, gently warm the soup on the stove over medium heat to preserve the texture of the ingredients.

Freezing: This soup freezes well, making it a great option for meal prep. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight and then warm it on the stove. You may need to add a bit of water or stock if the noodles have absorbed too much liquid.

Conclusion:

This Easy Asian-Inspired Chicken Noodle Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re battling a cold, seeking comfort on a chilly night, or just in need of a quick and healthy dinner, this soup is sure to satisfy. The combination of tender chicken, savory mushrooms, and crisp pak choi in a miso-infused broth creates a delightful symphony of flavors and textures. The addition of spaghetti makes it a filling and complete meal, while the ginger and garlic provide a warming, healing quality. Easy to make and packed with wholesome ingredients, this soup is a must-try recipe that’s sure to become a favorite in your household.