Vietnamese Chicken Pasta Soup – Sup Nui Ga

Vietnamese Chicken Pasta Soup, or “Súp nui gà,” is indeed a delightful blend of Vietnamese and Western culinary traditions. Despite its name, this hearty dish is not entirely Vietnamese in origin. It reflects a fusion with Western cuisine, particularly noticeable in the inclusion of Elbow macaroni, a pasta type commonly found in Western dishes.

The inclusion of Elbow macaroni in Vietnamese Chicken Pasta Soup stems from its role as a substitute for traditional Vietnamese noodles. Although the dish originates from Vietnam, the use of readily available pasta makes it more accessible and convenient for those wanting to recreate the dish worldwide, without needing to hunt for specific Vietnamese ingredients. This modification not only eases the cooking process but also introduces an interesting fusion twist to the recipe.

The Vietnamese Chicken Pasta Soup, or “Súp nui gà,” carries the healthy sweetness of vegetable broth, the tender and robust flavor of chicken, making it a suitable dish for various meals. Whether it’s a family meal or entertaining friends, this versatile dish caters to all. Its mouth-watering blend of flavors is not only appealing but also a testament to the rich, cultural diversity embodied in Vietnamese cuisine.

The recipe isn’t overly complicated, and the preparation is relatively simple. Let’s dive in to understand how to make this delightful Vietnamese dish.

Ingredients

• 1 whole chicken (about 2kg)
• 1 large onion
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fish sauce
• sugar to taste
• salt to taste
• 2 teaspoons black pepper
• 1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
• 8 cups vegetable broth or chicken stock or water
• 6 ounces uncooked elbow macaroni (about 2 cups)
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 tablespoons fresh chopped cilantro (optional)

Instructions

• Rinse the chicken with cold water and pat it dry. Place in a large pot and cover with 8 cups of vegetable broth/stock/water.
• Add the onion, garlic, fish sauce, sugar and salt into the pot with the chicken. Simmer for 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked.
• During the simmering process, if any foam or scum surfaces on the water, make sure to skim it off to keep the broth clear. Continue to simmer until the chicken is fully cooked.
• Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it up using two forks or chop it into bite-sized pieces, reserving both the meat and bones in separate bowls.
• Add the macaroni and simmer for 15 minutes or until cooked through.
• Add in the carrots and shredded chicken meat into the soup and simmer for another 15 minutes, then season with black pepper, chili flakes (optional) and cilantro (optional) to taste.
• Serve hot and enjoy!

Expert Tips

• To save cooking time, you can use pre-cut chicken or any chicken parts like breasts or thighs, and the cooking time would be reduced to just around 20 minutes.
• For an extra touch of sweetness to the broth, you can include additional vegetables such as daikon radish or straw mushrooms. These will enrich the flavor profile of the soup, while also adding a nutritious boost. Remember, the beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility, so feel free to incorporate your favorite veggies and make it your own!
• To ensure your chicken remains juicy and doesn’t dry out, it’s best to shred the chicken just before you’re about to use it. Keeping the chicken whole retains the moisture within, keeping the meat succulent.
• If you opt not to use a whole chicken but rather separate pieces, or if you only use chicken breast, you should still consider purchasing an additional 1-2 sets of chicken bones. Simmering these bones along with the rest of the ingredients will make your broth richer and more flavorful, enhancing the overall taste of your Súp nui gà. Remember, a good soup is built on a rich, savory broth, so don’t skip this important step!

What To Do With The Leftovers?

To store the leftover broth in the refrigerator, it’s essential to let it cool down completely before transferring it to an airtight container. The sooner you consume the leftovers, the better they will taste. As the broth sits in the refrigerator over time, it may lose its flavor and freshness. Therefore, it’s recommended to use the leftovers as soon as possible for the best taste.

Leftover broth from the “Súp nui gà” can be turned into a warm, comforting soup for the next meal. Simply strain the broth, store it in an airtight container, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to use it, pour it into a pot, add in fresh vegetables or leftover meat, and bring it to a boil. Season with salt, pepper, and herbs or spices of your choice.

Conclusion

Sup Nui Ga is an incredibly versatile dish – it can be served as a main meal or as part of a banquet – and it’s no wonder that this hearty soup has become so popular throughout Vietnam. It can easily be adapted to suit the tastes of many different cultures and cuisines, and it can even be enjoyed as a light snack if desired. Whether you’re looking for a comforting bowl of soup to warm up on a cold winter night or just want something tasty and filling for lunchtime, Sup Nui Ga is sure to satisfy.

FAQs

Is This Dish Healthy?

“Sup Nui Ga” or Vietnamese Chicken Pasta Soup is indeed a healthy dish. It is packed with protein from the chicken and complex carbohydrates from the pasta, making it a balanced meal that can keep you satiated for hours. The inclusion of vegetables like carrots not only adds color and flavor but also brings a wealth of vitamins and minerals to the soup. Moreover, the preparation method of boiling makes it a low-fat option, as it doesn’t involve the use of excessive oil. The dish can be further tailored to your nutritional needs by opting for whole wheat pasta or adding more vegetables. However, as with any dish, moderation is key to consuming it within a balanced diet.

Is This Dish Suitable For Vegetarians?

“Sup Nui Ga” or Vietnamese Chicken Pasta Soup can be adapted to suit vegetarian diets. Simply replace the chicken with your favorite type of vegetable protein such as seitan, tempeh or tofu. You could also add a variety of vegetables like mushrooms, broccoli, bell peppers and zucchini which will not only add flavor and texture but also provide an abundance of vitamins and minerals. Don’t forget to swap out the chicken broth for a vegetable stock as well! With a few simple swaps, this traditional Vietnamese dish can be easily transformed into a delicious vegan meal.

Godfrey Jensen

I’m Godfrey Jensen, CEO and head chef at Lapps Meats. We’re a top-quality butcher with over 70 years of experience. Our goal is to provide our customers with the best, freshest products possible. We take our food seriously, and we love serving the community by providing them with quality meat products.