Name: Chicken Pasta Soup with Lemongrass Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups diced carrots (3 medium, diced small); 1 1/2 cups diced celery (3 stalks, diced small); 1 1/2 cups chopped yellow onion (1 medium); 2 Tbsp peeled and minced ginger; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 1/2 Tbsp lemongrass paste; 2 Tbsp olive oil; 4 (14.5 oz) cans low-sodium chicken broth; 3/4 tsp ground turmeric; Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, pounded evenly to 1/2-inch thickness; 2/3 cup dry acini di pepe or orzo pasta; 1/3 cup chopped fresh parsley; 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice

Jump to Recipe·5 from 115 reviews

If you’re craving something cozy but with a fresh, vibrant twist, this Chicken Pasta Soup with Lemongrass Recipe is exactly what you need. I absolutely love how the lemongrass and ginger add a subtle brightness to a classic chicken and pasta soup, giving it that comforting warmth but with a lovely fragrant lift. Trust me, once you try this soup, it quickly becomes one of those go-to recipes that you want to whip up on chilly nights or when you need a soothing, nourishing meal. Keep reading — I’ll share all my tips to help you nail it perfectly every time.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bright and Comforting Flavor: Lemongrass and fresh ginger create a fresh twist without being overpowering.
Simple Ingredients, Incredible Taste: Pantry staples come together for a satisfying, healthy meal anyone can make.
Perfect for Meal Prep: Hearty enough to reheat beautifully for dinners all week long.
Family Friendly: My kids adore it, and you’ll find it’s a crowd-pleaser with adults too.

Chicken Pasta Soup with Lemongrass Recipe - Recipe Step

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Chicken Pasta Soup with Lemongrass Recipe is in how simple, fresh ingredients build layers of flavor. Opt for fresh veggies and good-quality lemongrass paste to get that authentic, bright taste.

Chicken Pasta Soup with Lemongrass Recipe - Ingredients

Olive oil: A quality extra virgin olive oil gives a smooth base for sautéing your aromatics.
Carrots: Dice these small to ensure they soften perfectly and blend into the soup texture.
Celery: Adds that classic soup flavor and a nice crunch-to-softness balance.
Yellow onion: Medium-sized and chopped finely for natural sweetness and depth.
Ginger: Fresh, peeled, and minced for the perfect spicy brightness.
Garlic: Minced fresh garlic hits the savory notes needed to round out this broth.
Lemongrass paste: This is your flavor game-changer; you can find it near fresh herbs in many grocery stores.
Low-sodium chicken broth: Low sodium lets you control the saltiness as you cook.
Ground turmeric: Adds a beautiful golden hue and a subtle earthy note.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Season to taste, adjusting as the soup simmers.
Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Pounded evenly helps them cook uniformly and slice easily.
Dry acini de pepe or orzo pasta: Small pasta shapes that cook quickly and are perfect in soup.
Fresh parsley: Chopped and stirred in at the end for a fresh herbal finish.
Fresh lemon juice: A squeeze right at the end to brighten the whole bowl with acidity.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I like to keep this Chicken Pasta Soup with Lemongrass Recipe versatile because sometimes you want it light, and other times you want it to feel heartier. Feel free to get creative and tweak based on what you have on hand or your family’s preferences.

Vegetable Boost: I often add chopped spinach or kale in the last few minutes of cooking for extra greens—it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies.
Spice it Up: A pinch of chili flakes gives the soup a gentle kick that wakes up the flavors.
Gluten-Free Option: Swap acini de pepe for gluten-free pasta or even rice noodles, just adjust cooking time accordingly.
Protein Swap: Tried it with shredded rotisserie chicken for a super quick fix—and my family didn’t mind the shortcut!

How to Make Chicken Pasta Soup with Lemongrass Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Your Veggies and Aromatics

Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, toss in your diced carrots, celery, and onion. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re soft and fragrant. Then, add your minced ginger, garlic, and lemongrass paste, cooking another minute to release those vibrant aromas—you’ll notice that fresh zing right away!

Step 2: Build the Broth and Cook the Chicken

Pour in your chicken broth, sprinkle in the turmeric, and season with salt and black pepper. Give it a gentle stir. Lay the chicken breasts gently into the pot, bring everything up to a steady boil, then reduce heat, cover, and let it simmer. After about 10 to 15 minutes—use a thermometer and look for 165°F in the center—you’ll have tender, juicy chicken infused with the fragrant broth flavors.

Step 3: Rest Chicken and Cook Pasta

Once cooked, move the chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes. This brief rest helps keep it moist when chopped. Meanwhile, add the pasta to your simmering soup. Cover and let it cook according to the package instructions—around 10 minutes—stirring once or twice to keep the pasta from sticking. This step is super important so your pasta is perfectly tender, not mushy.

Step 4: Combine and Finish with Freshness

Dice your rested chicken into small, bite-sized pieces and stir it back into the pot. Then fold in chopped parsley and fresh lemon juice to brighten everything up. Give it a final taste and adjust seasoning if needed, then ladle it into bowls and get ready to dig in!

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Pro Tips for Making Chicken Pasta Soup with Lemongrass Recipe

Even Chicken Thickness: Pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness ensures they cook evenly and stay juicy, which I learned after undercooked chicken surprised me once.
Lemongrass Paste Placement: Adding the lemongrass with the aromatics early on really helps its flavor infuse the soup deeply without being overwhelming.
Don’t Rush the Rest: Letting the chicken rest before dicing keeps it juicy instead of drying out, which makes a big difference in texture.
Pasta Timing: Stir the pasta occasionally while it cooks in the broth to prevent clumping, ensuring every bite is perfectly tender and separate.

How to Serve Chicken Pasta Soup with Lemongrass Recipe

Chicken Pasta Soup with Lemongrass Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

I love sprinkling a little extra fresh parsley on top—it adds a pop of color and freshness that pairs beautifully with the lemony broth. Sometimes, I also add a thin slice of fresh chili or a drizzle of chili oil if I’m craving a touch of heat. A lemon wedge on the side never hurts either, for those who want to brighten each bite even more.

Side Dishes

Since this soup is hearty on its own, I usually keep sides simple—a crisp green salad or some crusty bread to soak up the broth works perfectly. For family dinners, garlic naan or focaccia bread make delicious companions that everyone enjoys.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I sometimes serve this soup in individual mini cocotte pots or ceramic ramekins for a cozy, elegant vibe. Garnish with edible flowers or microgreens for a restaurant-worthy presentation that still feels super approachable.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just be mindful that the pasta continues to absorb broth and soften over time, so the texture changes slightly but remains delicious. To counter this, you can store the pasta separately if you plan further out.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this soup before without the pasta (add that fresh when reheating). The broth and chicken freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. When thawed, the flavors still shine bright, but pasta tends to get mushy if frozen together, so keep them separate.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup thickens too much, add a splash of water or broth to adjust consistency. Add any reserved pasta near the end to warm through without overcooking. A quick squeeze of lemon before serving refreshes the flavor nicely.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts in this Chicken Pasta Soup with Lemongrass Recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully and add extra richness to the soup. Just adjust the cooking time slightly since thighs may take a bit longer to become tender, and be sure to check that they reach 165°F internally before shredding or dicing.
Where can I find lemongrass paste for this recipe?

Lemongrass paste is often located in the produce section near fresh herbs or in the refrigerated aisles of Asian markets. You can also find it in the international or specialty foods aisle at many grocery stores. If you can’t find paste, finely minced fresh lemongrass stalks work too—just increase the quantity slightly.
Can I make this Chicken Pasta Soup vegetarian?

Definitely! Swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and omit the chicken or replace it with tofu or chickpeas for protein. The lemongrass and ginger flavors still shine and make a delicious, warming vegetarian soup.
What pasta works best in Chicken Pasta Soup with Lemongrass Recipe?

Small, quick-cooking pastas like acini di pepe, orzo, or tiny ditalini are best for this soup. They cook quickly and evenly, so you get little bursts of chew without overwhelming the broth.
How do I avoid overcooking the pasta in this soup?

Add the pasta toward the end of cooking and keep a close eye on it, stirring occasionally. If making leftovers, consider cooking the pasta separately and adding it right before serving to keep its texture firm and prevent sogginess.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Pasta Soup with Lemongrass Recipe really holds a special place in my kitchen rotation. It’s one of those meals that feels like a warm hug—comforting yet surprisingly refreshing thanks to the bright lemongrass and lemon. I remember the first time I made it; the whole family gathered around the table asking for seconds. My hope is that you find it just as satisfying, easy, and endlessly adaptable. Give it a try next time you want a bowl of comfort with a beautiful twist—you might just fall in love like I did.