Sopa de Fideos con Pollo

All Mexican Recipes, Chicken, Entrees, Pasta, Recipe, Soups

August 14, 2023

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Sopa de fideos con pollo or caldo de fideo con pollo, is a Mexican version of chicken noodle soup. Served warm and packed with bright flavors, this is the perfect comfort meal and a classic family favorite.

Sopa de Fideos con Pollo, a Mexican version of chicken noodle soup in a Mexican blue bowl with a side of lemons

This one-pot recipe is made extra easy with the help of pasta and marinara sauce. With these pantry staples, you can have a nutritious, homemade meal on the table on any weeknight.

Why I Love This Recipe

Sopa de fideo (Mexican vermicelli soup) is one of those pure comfort foods that transports me back to childhood with one bite. This version tastes similar to caldo de pollo – it is loaded with chicken and chock full of spring vegetables. It’s a soup that tastes equal parts Italian minestrone and classic American chicken noodle soup – how can you go wrong with that?

For this recipe, I’ve opted to use inexpensive chicken drumsticks. Not only are they budget friendly, they’re also made of dark meat. In my opinion, dark meat is not only more flavorful, but is also unlikely to get overcooked and dry. I call that a win-win-win!

Finally, this yummy soup gets made in just one pot, making clean up a real snap. On those nights when I’m frayed at the edges and running on fumes, I’m all about making dinnertime as easy as possible. Less dishes equals a happy mama, and I’m pretty sure you’ll agree.

Why I Love this Recipe

Being the mom to two kids while working from home is no easy task, which is something I’m sure many of you can relate to.

carrots, onion, garlic, potato, and Barilla pasta and sauce in a wooden bowl on a brown surface

Fideos are sometimes challenging to find, but spaghetti or angel hair pasta are thankfully not. Spaghetti or angel hair pasta are a great substitute.

If tomatoes aren’t in season, a fire roasted marinara is an excellent substitute. I also love that it has bits of charred tomatoes and peppers for a real, homestyle feel for the soup. And I love that I don’t need to get out my blender!

How to Make Sopa de Fideos con Pollo

Heat two tablespoons oil in a large stock pot over medium heat. Generously season chicken with salt, pepper, and lemon pepper. Brown skins of drumsticks on both sides until golden, about 5 to 7 minutes. Set aside.

NOTE: Chicken will not be fully cooked at this point.

Brown skins of drumsticks on both sides until golden in a stockpot

Add the other tablespoon of oil to the pot and add the carrots. Cook for about 2 to 3 minutes. Add potatoes, onion, and zucchini. Cook and stir for about 5 minutes. Set aside.

carrots, potatoes, onion, and zucchini chopped and cooking in white stock pot

Add cut pasta to pot and stir for 1 to 2 minutes until pasta is slightly toasted, but not burned. Set aside.

toasting pasta in a white pot to make Fideo

Add the sauce and garlic to the pot and stir. Lower heat and simmer for 5 minutes.

Place chicken, chicken broth, sautéed veggies, and bring to a boil, lower heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes.

Add pasta and a couple of stalks of green onions and simmer for 3 to 5 more minutes.

tight shot of fideos con pollo in a pot with green onions on top

Check the salt and adjust to taste before serving.

Serve in bowls and garnish with chopped cilantro and lime or lemon wedges if desired. Enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make sopa de fideos con pollo ahead of time?

Sure! Just note that the pasta will tend to absorb a lot of the liquid. You may want to add more water or some chicken broth while reheating to get it to the proper soup-y consistency.

What can I substitute for the chicken drumsticks?

As long as the chicken is cooked and cut, shredded or chopped, you can swap in any kind that you’d like! To make this meal even easier, there’s no shame in grabbing a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken and using that instead.

What do I do with leftover sauce?

Leftover marinara sauce makes a great pizza sauce or a great dipping sauce for crunchy mozzarella sticks.

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If you made this yummy recipe for Sopa de Fideos con Pollo, please do me the honor of rating and reviewing the recipe below! I always love hearing from my hungry readers.

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