Is there anything more comforting than a big bowl of soup? I don’t think so! But sometimes, you want something a little *more* than just your average soup. That’s where this Creamy Thai Red Curry Chicken Noodle Soup comes in! It’s got all the cozy vibes you crave, but with a flavor explosion that’ll make your taste buds sing. Plus, it’s seriously fast – perfect for those crazy weeknights when you need dinner on the table, like, yesterday. Seriously, I’ve been making Thai-inspired soups for years (my family is obsessed!), so trust me, you’re in for a treat.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Thai Red Curry Chicken Noodle Soup
Okay, seriously, you NEED this Creamy Thai Red Curry Chicken Noodle Soup in your life! Here’s why:
- It’s SO quick to make!
- Super easy – even if you’re not a pro in the kitchen.
- The flavor? Rich, satisfying, and totally addictive.
- It’s like a warm hug in a bowl.
- You can make it as spicy (or not!) as you like.
- And…pumpkin! Trust me, it works!
Quick and Easy Weeknight Meal
Seriously, who has hours to spend cooking on a Tuesday? Not me! This Creamy Thai Red Curry Chicken Noodle Soup comes together in under 45 minutes. From chopping veggies to slurping up the last drop, it’s speedy, simple, and satisfying. I promise!
Customizable Spice Level
Okay, so spice is a personal thing, right? If you like it mild, start with just 2 tablespoons of the red curry paste. Want to kick it up a notch? Go for 4 tablespoons! You can even add a pinch of red pepper flakes at the end if you’re feeling extra brave. Taste as you go and adjust to your liking – it’s your soup, after all!
Creamy Thai Red Curry Chicken Noodle Soup Ingredients
Okay, let’s talk ingredients! Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this amazing Creamy Thai Red Curry Chicken Noodle Soup. Don’t worry, it’s mostly stuff you can easily find at any grocery store. And trust me, each ingredient plays a starring role in making this soup taste incredible!
- 2 tablespoons salted butter (because butter makes everything better, right?)
- 2 shallots, finely chopped (they’re like little onions, but fancier!)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (garlic = flavor bomb!)
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger (adds a nice little zing!)
- 1/2 cup fresh Thai basil or cilantro, roughly chopped (I usually go with basil, but cilantro works too!)
- 3-4 tablespoons Thai red curry paste (adjust to taste – more for more heat!)
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces (thighs are juicier, but breasts work in a pinch!)
- 1 red bell pepper, diced (for color and crunch!)
- 6 cups chicken broth (low sodium is always a good idea!)
- 1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk (don’t skimp on the fat – it’s what makes it creamy!)
- 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree (trust me on this one, it adds a subtle sweetness and creaminess!)
- 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter (for richness and depth of flavor!)
- 1/4 cup low-sodium tamari/soy sauce (adds saltiness and umami!)
- 1 pound rice noodles or egg noodles (your choice!)
- pomegranate arils, for garnish (okay, these are optional, but they add a pretty pop of color and sweetness!)
How to Prepare Creamy Thai Red Curry Chicken Noodle Soup
Alright, let’s get cooking! This Creamy Thai Red Curry Chicken Noodle Soup is easier than you think. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll be slurping up a delicious bowl in no time!
Sauté Aromatics and Curry Paste
First, grab your favorite big pot (a Dutch oven is perfect if you have one!). Melt the butter over medium-high heat. Once it’s melted and bubbly, toss in the shallots, garlic, ginger, and basil. Cook for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the shallots are softened and everything smells amazing. Then, add the red curry paste and cook for another 2 minutes, stirring constantly. You’ll notice it thickens up a bit – that’s exactly what you want!
Cook Chicken and Bell Pepper
Now, add the chicken and bell pepper to the pot. Give everything a good toss to coat the chicken and bell pepper in that flavorful curry paste. Pour in the chicken broth, bring it to a simmer, then cover the pot and let it cook for about 15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. Just make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), okay?
Shred Chicken and Add Creamy Ingredients
Carefully remove the chicken from the pot (it’ll be hot!). Use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces. Then, put the shredded chicken back into the pot. Now for the good stuff! Stir in the coconut milk, pumpkin puree, tamari/soy sauce, and peanut butter. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until everything is warmed through and nicely combined. Don’t worry if it looks a little weird at first – it’ll all come together beautifully!
Cook Noodles and Assemble the Creamy Thai Red Curry Chicken Noodle Soup
While the soup is simmering, cook your noodles according to the package instructions. I usually prefer rice noodles, but egg noodles work great too! Once the noodles are cooked, drain them well. Now, divide the noodles into bowls and ladle that creamy, dreamy soup over the top. For the final touch, drizzle with a little extra coconut milk, sprinkle with cilantro, and add a generous handful of pomegranate arils. And that’s it! Dig in and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Creamy Thai Red Curry Chicken Noodle Soup
Want to make this Creamy Thai Red Curry Chicken Noodle Soup *perfect*? Here are a few little secrets I’ve learned along the way! We’re talking next-level deliciousness here!
Adjusting the Thickness
Is your soup too thick? No problem! Just add a little extra broth until it reaches your desired consistency. On the other hand, if it’s too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes uncovered to let some of the liquid evaporate. Easy peasy!
Enhancing the Flavor
Sometimes, a little extra oomph is needed, right? A squeeze of fresh lime juice brightens everything up and adds a zing. Or, for a more authentic Thai flavor, try a splash of fish sauce. But be careful – a little goes a long way! Trust me!
Creamy Thai Red Curry Chicken Noodle Soup Variations
Okay, so you’ve made the basic Creamy Thai Red Curry Chicken Noodle Soup and you’re obsessed (I knew you would be!). Now what? Let’s mix things up! This recipe is super versatile, so feel free to get creative and make it your own. Seriously, you can’t mess this up!
Vegetarian Creamy Thai Red Curry Noodle Soup
Want to skip the chicken? No problem! Just swap it out for some firm or extra-firm tofu (pressed to remove excess water, of course!), or even some tempeh. Both absorb the flavors beautifully. I love using crispy tofu for added texture – yum!
Spicy Creamy Thai Red Curry Noodle Soup
Okay, spice lovers, this one’s for you! Want to turn up the heat? Add a pinch (or a generous sprinkle!) of red pepper flakes to the soup while it’s simmering. Or, if you’re feeling brave, finely chop a Thai chili pepper and toss it in. Just be careful – those little peppers pack a serious punch!
FAQ About Creamy Thai Red Curry Chicken Noodle Soup
Got questions about this Creamy Thai Red Curry Chicken Noodle Soup? I bet you do! Here are a few of the most common questions I get asked – hopefully, this helps!
Can I make this Creamy Thai Red Curry Chicken Noodle Soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, some people (including me!) think it tastes even BETTER the next day. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. I’d wait to add the noodles until you’re ready to serve, though, or they can get a little mushy.
Can I freeze this Creamy Thai Red Curry Chicken Noodle Soup?
Yep, you sure can! Let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It’ll keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. Again, I’d recommend cooking the noodles fresh when you’re ready to eat, as they don’t always freeze well.
What kind of noodles are best for this Creamy Thai Red Curry Chicken Noodle Soup?
That’s totally up to you! I usually go for rice noodles (they’re gluten-free!), but egg noodles are also delicious. Wide rice noodles are my personal favorite, but thinner ones work too. Feel free to experiment and see what you like best!
Storing and Reheating Your Creamy Thai Red Curry Chicken Noodle Soup
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This Creamy Thai Red Curry Chicken Noodle Soup stores like a dream. Just pop it in an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. When you’re ready for round two, reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave. Just maybe add a splash of broth if it’s thickened up too much. So easy!
Nutritional Information for Creamy Thai Red Curry Chicken Noodle Soup
Okay, so here’s the deal: I’m not a nutritionist, and nutritional info can vary *wildly* depending on the exact ingredients you use (brands, cuts of chicken, etc.). So, while I can give you an estimate, please remember that this is just a rough guide. If you need precise numbers, plug the recipe into a nutrition calculator yourself, okay?
Rate and Review this Creamy Thai Red Curry Chicken Noodle Soup
Hey, if you try this Creamy Thai Red Curry Chicken Noodle Soup, I’d LOVE to know what you think! Leave a comment below and give it a star rating – it really helps other people find the recipe. Thanks so much!
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Devastating Creamy Thai Red Curry Chicken Noodle Soup
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmer
- Cuisine: Thai-inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A comforting and flavorful Creamy Thai Red Curry Chicken Noodle Soup perfect for a weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- 2 shallots, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 cup fresh Thai basil or cilantro, chopped
- 3–4 tablespoons Thai red curry paste
- 1 pound chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cups broth
- 1 can (2 cups) coconut milk
- 1 can (1 1/2 cups) pumpkin puree
- 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup tamari/soy sauce
- 1 pound rice or egg noodles
- pomegranate arils, for serving
Instructions
- Melt butter in a Dutch oven over high heat. Add shallots, garlic, ginger, basil, and curry paste. Cook until thickened, about 5 minutes.
- Add chicken and bell pepper. Toss in curry. Pour in broth, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
- Shred chicken in the pot. Add coconut milk, pumpkin puree, tamari/soy sauce, and peanut butter. Cook for 5 minutes until warmed.
- Cook noodles per package instructions.
- Divide noodles into bowls and ladle soup over. Top with coconut milk, cilantro, and pomegranate.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of red curry paste to your spice preference.
- Use any type of noodles you prefer.
- Garnish with your favorite toppings.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 75mg