If you’re anything like me, there’s nothing quite as comforting on a chilly day as a big, steaming bowl of soup. That’s why I’m so excited to share this Lemony Pesto Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe with you—it’s bursting with fresh flavors, cozy broth, and just the right hint of brightness from lemon and pesto. This soup isn’t your average chicken noodle; it’s my go-to when I want something nourishing but exciting, and I can promise once you try it, you’ll be hooked too.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bright and Bold Flavor: The lemon and pesto add a fresh zing that transforms traditional chicken noodle soup into a delightful taste experience.
Hearty and Nourishing: Loaded with vegetables, chicken, and egg noodles, it’s the perfect balanced meal in a bowl.
Easy to Make: Requires simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making it great for weeknight dinners.
Flexible and Customizable: You can easily swap veggies or add your favorite herbs to make it your own.

A bowl of clear broth soup filled with light yellow pasta pieces that have jagged edges floating on the surface, with small orange carrot slices peeking through and fresh green dill sprigs scattered on top. The soup has a slightly oily surface with specks of black pepper visible, and thin shavings of a pale yellow cheese resting on some pasta. The bowl is rough-textured and earthy in tone, set against a dark background with a spoon resting inside. In the background, there is a white bowl with yellow cheese wedges and dill, and a round brown loaf of bread on a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Lemony Pesto Chicken Noodle Soup, lemon chicken noodle soup, pesto chicken soup recipe, healthy chicken noodle soup, easy lemon pesto soup

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Lemony Pesto Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe is chosen to build layers of flavor and comfort. From the richness of butter and olive oil to the bright touch of lemon juice, these ingredients work together beautifully. When shopping, fresh herbs and good-quality chicken broth really shine here.

Flat lay of a small bowl of extra virgin olive oil and salted butter, one chopped yellow onion, two sliced shallots, six garlic cloves, four ribs of chopped celery, six chopped carrots, a small pile of fresh thyme leaves, a tablespoon of chopped fresh rosemary, a teaspoon of crushed fennel seeds, a large pot of chicken bone broth, two boneless chicken breasts, a small bowl of chopped broccoli florets, a small bowl of basil pesto, a handful of chopped baby spinach, a lemon wedge with juice dripping, a small heap of egg noodles, a small bowl of chopped parsley, parmesan cheese wedges and fresh dill sprigs placed on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Lemony Pesto Chicken Noodle Soup, lemon chicken noodle soup, pesto chicken soup recipe, healthy chicken noodle soup, easy lemon pesto soup

Extra virgin olive oil: Adds a fruity, rich base fat and boosts the flavor of the veggies when sautéed.
Salted butter: Gives the soup a silky texture and depth of flavor when combined with the oil.
Yellow onion: Provides a sweet aromatic foundation when cooked gently.
Shallots: Their subtle flavor gives extra nuance without overpowering the soup.
Garlic: Adds a punch of savory warmth essential for that homey soup feeling.
Celery: Brings a mild bitterness and crunch that balances the richness.
Carrots: Their natural sweetness brightens up the broth as they cook down.
Fresh thyme leaves: Offers a herbaceous aroma that’s classic with chicken dishes.
Fresh rosemary: Lends a piney, earthy note to deepen the flavor profile.
Crushed fennel: The subtle anise flavor adds complexity without being overpowering.
Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings that you’ll adjust to taste along the way.
Chicken bone broth: The heart of the soup—a rich, nourishing base that builds incredible depth.
Boneless chicken breasts or thighs: Thighs keep the meat juicy, but breasts work well too—your call!
Broccoli florets: Adds a fresh, slightly crunchy veggie boost and nice green color.
Basil pesto: This secret ingredient amps up the herbal flavor and adds a gorgeous creamy texture.
Baby spinach: Folds in leafy greens for extra nutrients and bright color.
Lemon juice: The key to that fresh, tart zing that wakes up the whole soup.
Egg noodles: Classic comfort carbs absorb the flavors without getting mushy.
Chopped parsley: A last-minute fresh herb boost for aroma and brightness.
Parmesan and fresh dill (for serving): Optional toppings that add salty, savory, and herby notes to each bowl.

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 love how versatile this Lemony Pesto Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe is. You can easily tweak it depending on what you have on hand or your dietary preferences, making it perfect for all seasons and tastes.

Vegetarian variation: I once made this using vegetable broth and swapped the chicken for chickpeas—still comforting with pesto and lemony brightness.
Low-carb version: Try spiralized zucchini noodles in place of egg noodles if you’re watching carbs; they add great texture without the heaviness.
Seasonal swaps: Roasted butternut squash or sweet potatoes instead of carrots bring warm sweetness perfect for fall.
Spicy twist: Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce really wakes things up if you like heat.

How to Make Lemony Pesto Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

Step 1: Build Your Flavor Base

Start by melting the olive oil and butter together in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. I like this combo because the butter adds richness while the olive oil prevents it from burning. Next, add your chopped onion and cook for about 3-5 minutes until it turns translucent and soft. Then toss in the shallots, garlic, celery, carrots, thyme, rosemary, and fennel, seasoning everything generously with salt and pepper. Let these cook down for another 5 minutes—the kitchen will start smelling incredible, and the veggies will soften just enough to release their sweetness.

Step 2: Simmer with Broth and Chicken

Pour in your chicken bone broth and bring it all to a vigorous boil over high heat. Stir in the chicken pieces and broccoli florets. If you happen to have a parmesan rind, toss it in here—it adds the most amazing savory depth! Cover the pot and lower the heat to let it simmer gently for about 20 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked through. This is when the flavors really meld. Something I’ve learned is that if you want to prep ahead, you can keep it simmering on very low for up to 4-6 hours; the soup only gets better.

Step 3: Finish with Pesto, Greens, and Noodles

Once the chicken is ready, shred it into bite-sized pieces right in the pot or on a cutting board—whichever you prefer. Remove that parmesan rind if you used one. Next, stir in the basil pesto, chopped spinach, and lemon juice. Give it a taste and add more salt and pepper if needed. Bring the soup back to a boil before adding your egg noodles, and cook them until tender—about 6-8 minutes. Finally, stir in the chopped parsley for a fresh hit of color and flavor.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!

Ladle the soup into bowls and top with generous shavings of parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh dill if you like. The herbs really lift the whole dish, and the parmesan adds a lovely saltiness that complements the lemon and pesto perfectly. I absolutely love how this soup brings so many layers together in every spoonful.

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Pro Tips for Making Lemony Pesto Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

Use Bone Broth: I’ve noticed this makes the broth richer and more nourishing than plain chicken stock—totally worth the effort.
Add Pesto Off Heat: Stir pesto in at the end off the heat or on low to keep those fresh basil flavors vibrant and prevent it from getting bitter.
Don’t Overcook Noodles: Cook noodles just until tender to keep their texture—overcooked noodles can mush up and soak too much broth.
Lemon Juice Last: Adding lemon juice right at the very end keeps that bright citrus flavor fresh and prevents it from becoming dull or cooked out.

How to Serve Lemony Pesto Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

A white bowl filled with a clear broth soup that has soft textured vegetable pieces like white dumpling strips, bright orange carrot slices, and green herbs floating on top, including fresh dill and chopped green onions; a silver spoon rests inside the bowl with a woman's hand holding it gently from the side. Behind the bowl, another white bowl contains light yellow cheese wedges and extra sprigs of fresh dill. To the right, there is a piece of crusty brown bread on a piece of brown paper. All items are set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Lemony Pesto Chicken Noodle Soup, lemon chicken noodle soup, pesto chicken soup recipe, healthy chicken noodle soup, easy lemon pesto soup

Garnishes

I’m all about the simple finishing touches that make a meal feel special. For this soup, I always top it with a handful of freshly grated parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh dill—it’s the perfect herbaceous, salty combo. Sometimes I even add a drizzle of extra pesto or a squeeze of extra lemon juice at the table if I want that really vibrant kick.

Side Dishes

Since the soup is so hearty on its own, I usually keep sides light. Crusty bread or garlic toast is a classic pairing, perfect for dipping. Occasionally, I’ll serve a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette on the side to echo those fresh citrus notes in the soup.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve this soup in individual, wide-rimmed bowls with a sprig of dill or basil on top for a restaurant-style touch. Using pretty bowls or rustic crocks makes the experience even cozier—your guests will think you spent hours on it, even though it’s deceptively simple.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After I’ve finished eating, I let the soup cool to room temperature before transferring any leftovers into airtight containers. Stored in the fridge, it stays delicious for up to 3 days. I recommend keeping any noodles separate if you think you’ll have leftovers because they can get mushy.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this soup both with and without noodles—freezing without noodles produces the best texture when reheated. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge and add fresh noodles before serving fresh after warming it up on the stove.

Reheating

When reheating, I warm the soup gently over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If the broth feels too thick, I add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up. For best results, add fresh pesto, lemon juice, and noodles during reheating to bring back that fresh pop of flavor and texture.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought pesto for this soup?

Absolutely! While homemade pesto adds extra freshness, store-bought pesto works wonderfully too and saves time. Just choose a quality brand with good basil flavor for the best results.
What’s the best type of chicken to use?

Both boneless chicken breasts and thighs are great, but I prefer thighs because they stay juicy and flavorful after simmering. If you only have breasts, just be careful not to overcook them so they don’t get dry.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes! Simply swap chicken broth for vegetable broth and omit the chicken. Adding beans or extra vegetables will keep it hearty and satisfying.
How do I prevent noodles from getting mushy?

Cook noodles just until al dente and avoid simmering them for too long in the soup. Alternatively, cook noodles separately and add them just before serving.
Can I prepare the soup in advance?

Definitely! The flavors deepen when you let it sit, so making it a day ahead is a great idea. Just add noodles and fresh herbs right before serving.

Final Thoughts

When I first tried making this Lemony Pesto Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe, I discovered a new favorite that’s since become a family staple—especially when the weather turns cooler and everyone craves comfort with a twist. It’s simple, satisfying, and full of fresh flavors that dance together so well. Give it a try soon; I’m sure you’ll find yourself making it over and over, just like me.