Chicken Sopas – Filipino Creamy Macaroni Soup
A cozy, creamy, and comforting Filipino macaroni soup that's perfect for chilly days. This simple recipe combines chicken, macaroni, and vegetables in a flavorful broth.
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 320kcal
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound bone-in chicken pieces or diced chicken breast or thigh
- 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
- 1-1.5 cups evaporated milk or whole milk Use whole milk for a lighter taste
- 6 cups water or low sodium chicken stock Broth base
Aromatics and Vegetables
- 1 onion
- 4 cloves garlic
- 2 stalks celery
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 cup carrot slices
- 1 cup cabbage shreds Optional addition
- 1 cup peas or corn Optional addition
Spices and Fats
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 splash oil
- 1-1.5 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 pinch fish sauce Optional, for flavor
Optional Comforts
- 1 cup hot dog coins or ham bits Optional addition
- scallions Optional topping
- 1 calamansi or lemon For squeezing over soup
Instructions
Prepare the Broth
- In a large pot, warm a little oil and butter over medium heat.
- Add onion and celery with a pinch of salt, cooking until the onions are soft and sweet.
- Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Add the bay leaf and if using raw chicken, add it now along with water or stock.
- Bring to a gentle simmer and skim off any foam.
- Simmer until the chicken is tender (about 15-20 minutes for breasts). Shred or dice the chicken and return it to the pot.
- Taste the broth and adjust salt and pepper.
Add the Pasta and Vegetables
- Bring the broth to a steady simmer (not a full boil).
- Add the macaroni and stir to prevent sticking.
- Cook pasta for 1-2 minutes less than package instructions for al dente.
- Add carrot slices halfway through cooking.
- Stir in the shredded chicken once the pasta is almost done.
Finish with Cream
- Reduce heat to low and gently add the evaporated milk or whole milk.
- Let warm through without boiling for a minute or two.
- Stir in cabbage and optional peas or corn until everything is heated.
- Finish with a pat of butter and more pepper, adjusting seasoning as necessary.
Notes
For extra richness, stir in a spoon of butter before serving. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days; add more broth when reheating to maintain the consistency.