Imagine a warm, creamy bowl of comfort that transports you straight to the vibrant kitchens of the Philippines. Sopas, a beloved Filipino macaroni soup, is more than just a dish – it's a culinary embrace that soothes the soul and warms the heart. This incredibly simple yet delicious recipe combines tender pasta, succulent chicken, and a medley of vegetables in a rich, creamy broth that will have your family begging for seconds. Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight meal or a comforting dish to chase away the blues, this Sopas recipe is your ultimate solution!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Filipino
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup macaroni pasta
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded chicken
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 cup evaporated milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by washing and chopping vegetables. Dice the onion, carrots, and celery into uniform small pieces. If using raw chicken, shred or chop into small bite-sized pieces.
- In a large pot, heat a small amount of oil over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onions until they become translucent and fragrant, approximately 2-3 minutes.
- Add the diced carrots and celery to the pot. Sauté the vegetables together with the onions for an additional 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, add the macaroni pasta and reduce heat to medium-low.
- Cook the pasta for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Add the shredded chicken to the pot and continue cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes until the chicken is heated through.
- Pour in the evaporated milk and stir gently to combine. Allow the soup to simmer for another 2-3 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Remove from heat and let the soup rest for 2-3 minutes before serving. The soup will continue to thicken slightly as it cools.
- Ladle the hot Sopas into serving bowls. Optionally, garnish with chopped parsley or green onions for added freshness.
Tips
- Use freshly shredded chicken for the best flavor and texture. If you're short on time, rotisserie chicken works wonderfully.
- Chop your vegetables into uniform, small pieces to ensure even cooking and a consistent texture throughout the soup.
- Don't overcook the pasta – aim for al dente, as it will continue to soften in the hot broth.
- For extra creaminess, you can substitute half of the evaporated milk with heavy cream.
- Make sure to stir occasionally while cooking to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Season gradually and taste as you go – the chicken broth and evaporated milk already contain some salt.
- Let the soup rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the flavors to meld and the soup to slightly thicken.
- For a more authentic touch, you can add a splash of fish sauce (patis) for additional depth of flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
