San Marino chicken fideo soup is a comforting, broth-based soup made with tender chicken, soft fideo noodles, and a simple vegetable base. The flavors stay light and balanced, with lemon adding a fresh finish and Parmesan bringing a subtle savory touch. It is easy to prepare, holds up well for leftovers, and works as a satisfying meal any day of the week.
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat in a large stockpot or Dutch oven. Add the onion and sauté for 2 minutes until just beginning to soften. Add carrots, celery (including leaves), and thyme. Sauté 4-5 minutes.
Add chicken, salt, pepper and 4 cups chicken stock. Partially cover and simmer for 20 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
While soup is simmering, cook Fideo according to package directions in remaining broth until al dente. Reserve 2 cups of cooking liquid before draining pasta. Drain pasta and transfer to a medium bowl, and toss with remaining olive oil. Cover and set aside.
Just before serving, add Fideo to Dutch oven. Stir and remove from heat.
Add lemon zest, lemon juice, nutmeg. If soup is too thick, add a little bit of the reserved cooking liquid to desired consistency.
To serve, divide Fideo among individual serving bowls and top with hot soup. Add freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Garnish with additional fresh cracked pepper and fresh parsley and thyme. Serve with crusty bread and/or a crisp, garden salad for a light and delicious meal. Enjoy!
Notes
Fideo is a short-cut spaghetti noodle commonly used in soups. If you cannot find it, break vermicelli into 1-inch pieces for a similar result.
Cook the fideo in a separate pot instead of the main soup for better control over texture.
Keeping the noodles separate prevents excess starch from releasing into the broth, which helps maintain a clearer soup.
Cooking the fideo separately also helps it hold its shape, so leftovers stay more appetizing and freeze better.