High-Protein Chicken & Quinoa Noodle Soup: A Comforting, Nutrient-Packed Bowl for Any Day

When you need a warm, nourishing, and protein-rich meal that fuels your body without feeling heavy, High-Protein Chicken & Quinoa Noodle Soup is the perfect solution. This soup blends tender chicken, hearty quinoa noodles, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs into a creamy yet healthy broth that satisfies your cravings while supporting your nutrition goals. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week, trying to increase your protein intake, or craving something comforting after a long day, this recipe checks every box.

In this article, you’ll find a deep dive into ingredients, step-by-step instructions, cooking variations, expert tips, and nutrition benefits—all optimized for SEO so readers searching for healthy chicken soup recipes can easily find what they need.


Why You’ll Love This High-Protein Chicken & Quinoa Noodle Soup

If health, flavor, and simplicity matter to you, this soup is a winning choice. Here’s why:

1. High in Protein Without Extra Calories

Both chicken breast and quinoa noodles contribute substantial protein, making this a perfect meal for athletes, busy parents, and anyone trying to add more lean protein to their diet.

2. Comforting Yet Clean Ingredients

Unlike many creamy soups loaded with flour and heavy cream, this recipe relies on Greek yogurt or coconut milk for lighter creaminess.

3. Naturally Gluten-Free Option

Quinoa noodles are gluten-free by nature, making this soup ideal for those with sensitivities.

4. Ready in Under 40 Minutes

A wholesome, home-cooked meal that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen.

5. Perfect for Meal Prep

This soup stores well, reheats beautifully, and tastes even better the next day.


SEO Keyphrase Focus:

High-Protein Chicken Soup, Quinoa Chicken Noodle Soup, Healthy Chicken Noodle Soup, Protein-Packed Soup Recipe, Chicken Quinoa Soup


Ingredients You’ll Need

Protein & Broth Base

  • 2 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3 medium carrots, sliced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 1 ½ lbs chicken breast (or chicken thighs for extra moisture)
  • 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth

Noodles & Enhancers

  • 1 ½ cups quinoa noodles (or swap with cooked quinoa)
  • 1 cup baby spinach or kale
  • 1 tsp turmeric (adds color + reduces inflammation)
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Creamy High-Protein Finish (optional)

  • ½ cup plain Greek yogurt (adds creaminess + protein)
    or
  • ½ cup coconut milk for a dairy-free creamy version

Garnishes (optional)

  • Fresh parsley
  • Lemon wedge (recommended for brightness)
  • Chili flakes for extra heat

How to Make High-Protein Chicken & Quinoa Noodle Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until tender and fragrant. This step builds the soup’s flavorful base.

Step 2: Add the Chicken & Broth

Place the chicken breast into the pot and pour in the chicken broth.
Add the turmeric, smoked paprika, thyme, and oregano.
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

Step 3: Simmer Until Chicken is Tender

Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 18–20 minutes, or until the chicken is tender enough to shred.

Step 4: Shred the Chicken

Remove chicken pieces, shredding them with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.

Step 5: Cook the Quinoa Noodles

Add quinoa noodles to the soup and cook for 8–10 minutes, or until tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 6: Stir in the Greens

Add spinach or kale and let them wilt into the broth for 1–2 minutes.

Step 7: Optional Creamy High-Protein Boost

If using Greek yogurt, temper it first by mixing it with ½ cup warm broth before adding it in.
This prevents curdling and keeps the soup silky.

Step 8: Taste & Adjust Seasoning

Add salt, pepper, herbs, and lemon juice to taste.
Your protein-packed chicken and quinoa noodle soup is ready!


Nutrition Benefits: Why This Soup Is a Powerhouse

This recipe isn’t just delicious—it’s engineered for nourishment. Here’s what your body gets:

1. Lean Protein from Chicken

High-protein meals help:

  • Build and repair muscle
  • Improve satiety
  • Balance blood sugar levels

2. Amino Acid-Rich Quinoa Noodles

Quinoa contains all nine essential amino acids, making it a rare complete plant protein. The noodles provide both energy and nutrition.

3. Antioxidant-Rich Vegetables

Carrots, celery, onions, and garlic add:

  • Vitamin A
  • Vitamin C
  • Gut-supporting compounds

4. Anti-Inflammatory Spices

Turmeric and paprika help reduce inflammation while deepening flavor.

5. Fiber for Digestion

Between quinoa, vegetables, and greens, this soup supports a healthy gut.

6. Optional Greek Yogurt for Extra Protein

More creaminess + more protein = a win for anyone following a macro-focused lifestyle.


Tips for Making the Best High-Protein Chicken & Quinoa Noodle Soup

1. Don’t Overcook the Quinoa Noodles

They soften quickly—check them early to keep their perfect texture.

2. Add Lemon at the End

Acid brightens the entire soup and balances the richness.

3. Let the Soup Rest for 10 Minutes Before Serving

This allows the flavors to blend beautifully.

4. Make It Spicy

Add chili flakes, cayenne pepper, or jalapeños for heat.

5. Switch Up the Greens

Kale holds up better for meal prep, while spinach adds silkiness.


Ingredient Substitutions & Variations

🔄 Swap the Protein

  • Chicken thighs
  • Turkey breast
  • Shredded rotisserie chicken
  • Vegetarian: chickpeas + quinoa

🔄 Make It Dairy-Free

Use coconut milk instead of Greek yogurt.

🔄 Add More Vegetables

Try:

  • Zucchini
  • Mushrooms
  • Sweet potatoes
  • Peas

🔄 Broth Enhancements

For deeper flavor:

  • Add 1 bay leaf
  • A dash of soy sauce
  • Fresh rosemary sprigs

🔄 Low-Carb Variation

Skip the noodles and add extra shredded chicken + vegetables.


How to Store, Freeze, and Reheat

Refrigerator:

Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer:

Freeze soup without the noodles for up to 3 months.
(Quinoa noodles can become mushy when frozen.)

Reheat:

Warm gently over medium heat.
Add fresh noodles when reheating for best texture.


Serving Suggestions

Turn your soup into a complete meal with:

  • A side of garlic toast
  • Whole-grain crackers
  • A fresh garden salad
  • Parmesan or feta sprinkled on top

You can also serve it with fresh herbs for a restaurant-style touch.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I use regular pasta instead of quinoa noodles?

Absolutely! Whole-wheat pasta or egg noodles work well.

2. Is this soup good for weight loss?

Yes. It’s low-calorie, high-protein, and full of fiber—ideal for satiety and balanced eating.

3. Can I meal prep this?

Yes! Store broth + chicken separately from noodles if prepping more than 2 days ahead.

4. How can I increase protein even more?

Add:

  • More chicken
  • White beans
  • Greek yogurt
  • Collagen powder (unflavored)

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a hearty, delicious, and macro-friendly meal, High-Protein Chicken & Quinoa Noodle Soup is one of the best recipes to keep in your rotation. It’s comforting yet nutrient-dense, quick to prepare, and completely customizable. Whether you’re focusing on healthy eating, staying fit, or just enjoying wholesome homemade meals, this soup brings everything you want in a warm, satisfying bowl.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

High-Protein Chicken & Quinoa Noodle Soup: A Comforting, Nutrient-Packed Bowl for Any Day


  • Author: WAFA LI

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 2 carrots, thinly sliced
• 2 celery stalks, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
• ½ cup uncooked quinoa, rinsed (adds 8g protein per cup cooked!)
• 2 cups spiralized zucchini or yellow squash (“noodles”)
• 1 cup chopped kale or spinach
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Salt & black pepper to taste

Protein boosters (optional but recommended):
• 1 hard-boiled egg, halved (per bowl)
• 2 tbsp hemp seeds or nutritional yeast (sprinkled on top)
• ¼ cup white beans, rinsed (added with quinoa)

Garnish:
• Fresh parsley or dill
• Lemon zest
• Red pepper flakes


Instructions

  1. In a large pot, heat oil over medium. Sauté onion, carrots, and celery 6–8 mins until softened. Add garlic; cook 1 min.
  2. Pour in broth and quinoa. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer 12–15 mins—until quinoa is tender and “tails” pop out.
  3. Stir in zucchini noodles, kale/spinach, thyme, and chicken. Simmer 3–4 mins until greens wilt and soup is heated through.
  4. Remove from heat. Stir in lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper.
  5. Ladle into bowls. Top with hard-boiled egg, hemp seeds, and fresh herbs.

PREP TIME & NUTRITION :
Prep Time: 10 mins, Cook Time: 20 mins, Total Time: 30 mins, Servings: 6
Calories: 210, Net Carbs: 18g, Fats: 7g, Protein: 22g
Naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and low-sodium (if using unsalted broth).
Quinoa + chicken + optional add-ins = complete amino acid profile.

Leave a Comment

Recipe rating

Videos