Spicy Chicken Soup (Carrabba’s Copycat)

There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of spicy chicken soup on a chilly evening, especially when it’s inspired by your favorite Italian restaurant. This Carrabba’s copycat spicy chicken soup brings together tender chicken, vegetables, small pasta, and a subtle heat that keeps you coming back for more with every spoonful. The aroma of garlic, basil, oregano, and simmering broth will fill your kitchen, creating a comforting, cozy atmosphere as the soup bubbles away on your stovetop. Not only is this soup incredibly flavorful, but it’s also a versatile, family-friendly dish that works perfectly for meal prep, busy weeknight dinners, or lazy weekend lunches. You can adjust the heat to your preference by adding more or less crushed red pepper, and it pairs wonderfully with freshly baked bread or a crisp green salad for a complete, hearty meal that will quickly become a staple in your home.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 onion, diced

• 2 carrots, diced

• 2 celery stalks, diced

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, chopped

• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

• 1 teaspoon dried basil

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 6 cups chicken broth

• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes

• 1 zucchini, diced

• 1 cup ditalini or small pasta

• Salt and black pepper to taste

• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

• Freshly grated Parmesan, for serving

Directions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery, and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.

2. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.

3. Stir in the chopped chicken thighs, crushed red pepper flakes, basil, and oregano. Cook for 5-6 minutes until the chicken is lightly browned.

4. Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes.

5. Add the diced zucchini and pasta to the soup. Continue simmering until the pasta is al dente, about 10 minutes.

6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

7. Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley and grated Parmesan.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes

Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 6 servings

Discover the Comfort of Spicy Chicken Soup (Carrabba’s Copycat)

If you’ve ever craved a comforting yet flavorful soup that leaves you feeling warm, satisfied, and nourished, this Spicy Chicken Soup inspired by Carrabba’s is exactly what you need. Bringing together tender chicken, vegetables, and a subtle yet noticeable kick from crushed red pepper, this soup is a bowl of hearty comfort that can transform a busy weeknight dinner into a cozy Italian dining experience at home.

What sets this soup apart is its ability to blend the rustic charm of homestyle cooking with the layered flavors of an Italian restaurant dish. It is a versatile recipe you can adjust to your spice tolerance and ingredient availability, making it ideal for families, busy professionals, and anyone who enjoys comfort food that does not compromise on taste or nutrition.

The Charm of a Hearty Italian Soup

Italian soups have always held a special place in global cuisine due to their simplicity and rich, layered flavors. Carrabba’s Spicy Chicken Soup is a customer favorite for good reason: it combines the wholesome heartiness of chicken and vegetables with the gentle warmth of Italian herbs and spices.

The beauty of this dish lies in its rustic feel while delivering restaurant-level flavor in every spoonful. The combination of carrots, celery, onions, and zucchini creates a comforting vegetable base, while tender chicken pieces provide satisfying protein. The inclusion of small pasta adds substance, turning the soup into a complete meal on its own.

If you are looking to introduce a dish to your readers that is both comforting and exciting, this spicy chicken soup will not disappoint. It can be prepared in under an hour, making it a convenient option for those who want a quick yet wholesome meal that warms the soul and pleases the palate.

A Flexible Meal for Any Occasion

One of the best features of this spicy chicken soup is its flexibility. It can easily be customized based on your preferences or the ingredients you have on hand. If you prefer a thicker consistency, you can let it simmer a bit longer or add a handful of extra pasta. If you wish to enhance the vegetable content, throw in spinach, kale, or even bell peppers for added color and nutrients.

The spice level can also be adjusted to your liking. If your family prefers a mild version, simply reduce the amount of crushed red pepper flakes, or leave them out entirely for a comforting chicken and vegetable soup. For those who love a bit of heat, adding more pepper flakes or even a dash of hot sauce can turn this into a fiery delight, perfect for cold evenings or when you need a comforting pick-me-up.

Why Spicy Chicken Soup is Good for You

This Carrabba’s-inspired soup is not only flavorful but also packed with nutritional benefits:

• Protein-Rich: The chicken provides high-quality protein, essential for muscle repair and keeping you fuller for longer.

• Vegetable-Packed: Carrots, celery, onions, and zucchini offer vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, supporting overall wellness.

• Hydrating and Light: As a broth-based soup, it hydrates your body while being lighter than cream-based soups, making it easier to digest.

• Customizable Carbs: The small pasta included offers carbohydrates for energy, but you can swap it for whole-grain pasta or gluten-free options if needed.

• Immune Boosting: The garlic and spices add not just flavor but immune-boosting properties, which are especially beneficial during the colder months.

For readers looking to maintain a balanced diet while still enjoying hearty meals, this soup offers the best of both worlds.

Ideal for Meal Prep and Freezing

For busy families or individuals who prefer to prepare meals ahead, this spicy chicken soup is a dream come true. It reheats exceptionally well and the flavors deepen as it sits, making it even more delicious the next day.

You can double the batch and store portions in airtight containers, freezing them for up to three months. This makes it an excellent option for those meal-prep Sundays, ensuring you have a healthy, comforting meal ready to go on days when you are too tired to cook.

Serve it with freshly baked bread, garlic knots, or a crisp side salad for a complete meal. You can also pair it with grilled cheese sandwiches for a comforting lunch or dinner that feels like a warm embrace.

The Story Behind Spicy Chicken Soup

Carrabba’s Spicy Chicken Soup is a beloved dish for many, reflecting the comforting, family-centered approach to Italian cuisine. Traditionally, soups in Italian households are a way to bring people together, utilizing simple, wholesome ingredients to create something warm and satisfying.

This copycat recipe preserves that philosophy while adding a modern twist with its customizable spice levels and quick preparation time. It embodies the warmth and comfort of Italian hospitality, transforming simple ingredients into a meal that feels special with minimal effort.

If your readers are looking to bring a taste of Italy into their homes, this spicy chicken soup can be the perfect introduction to Italian-inspired comfort cooking.

Tips for Serving and Pairing

While this soup can be enjoyed on its own, you can enhance your dining experience by pairing it with:

• A rustic Italian focaccia or sourdough bread for dipping into the flavorful broth.

• A side of olives and marinated vegetables for a light antipasto to complement the meal.

• A glass of light-bodied red wine such as Chianti, which pairs beautifully with the herbal and spicy notes of the soup.

• A simple arugula or Caesar salad to add freshness to the meal.

For presentation, serve the soup in deep bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese for added richness and color.

The Perfect Comfort Food for All Seasons

While this spicy chicken soup feels particularly comforting during the fall and winter seasons, its light broth and vegetable content make it suitable even for warmer months. If you are feeling under the weather, the warmth from the broth and the soothing spices can help clear your sinuses and comfort your body, making it a natural remedy during flu season.

For your readers, highlighting this soup as a go-to recipe for when they need a wholesome, feel-good meal will position your article as a practical, evergreen resource on your website.

Conclusion:

Carrabba’s Spicy Chicken Soup is more than just a meal; it is an experience of warmth, comfort, and Italian-inspired simplicity that can be prepared in under an hour using accessible ingredients. It is perfect for families seeking hearty, nourishing meals, individuals looking for cozy recipes to add to their meal plans, or anyone who simply loves a good bowl of soup.

It is customizable, freezer-friendly, and deeply satisfying while offering a balance of protein, vegetables, and flavor. With minimal prep and a simple cooking process, your readers can enjoy a restaurant-style dish in the comfort of their homes.

Encouraging your readers to try this recipe will add value to your website, positioning you as a trusted source for delicious, practical, and comforting recipes that they will keep coming back to when they need a dish that warms both the body and soul.