Name: Lemongrass Chicken Pasta Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups diced carrots (3 medium carrots, diced small); 1 1/2 cups diced celery (3 stalks, diced small); 1 1/2 cups chopped yellow onion (1 medium); 2 Tbsp peeled and minced ginger; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 1/2 Tbsp lemongrass paste (found in the produce by the herbs); 2 Tbsp olive oil; 4 (14.5 oz) cans low-sodium chicken broth; 3/4 tsp ground turmeric; Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice; 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, pounded evenly to 1/2-inch thickness; 2/3 cup dry acini di pepe or orzo pasta; 1/3 cup chopped fresh parsley

If you’re craving something fresh, comforting, and just a little bit different, you’re in for a treat with this Lemongrass Chicken Pasta Soup Recipe. I absolutely love how this soup combines bright, zesty lemongrass with tender chicken and little pearls of pasta—it’s like a hug in a bowl but with a vibrant twist. It’s perfect for cozy nights or when you want something that feels both nourishing and exciting. Stick around because once you try this, it just might become a regular in your meal rotation!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bright, Fresh Flavors: The lemongrass and turmeric bring a lively, aromatic twist that balances the comforting chicken and pasta perfectly.
Wholesome & Hearty: This soup is loaded with veggies, lean chicken, and pasta for a satisfying meal that doesn’t skimp on nutrition.
Simple to Prepare: With easy-to-find ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe fits into busy weeknights or lazy weekends effortlessly.
Versatile for Everyone: You can easily switch up pasta types or add your favorite herbs to make it your own.

A white bowl filled with yellow broth soup sits on a white plate with small pieces of light yellow pasta pearls, orange carrot cubes, green herbs, and light beige chicken pieces. The soup looks thick with visible fresh chopped green parsley sprinkled on top and around the plate. There are square light brown crackers placed on the right side of the plate. The bowl and plate rest on a white marbled surface with a red cloth blurred in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Lemongrass Chicken Pasta Soup, Asian-inspired chicken noodle soup, healthy lemongrass soup recipe, comforting chicken and pasta soup, vibrant lemongrass chicken dish

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together beautifully to create a broth that’s both comforting and bright, with a lovely balance from the lemongrass paste. When I shop for this soup, I always look for fresh lemongrass paste in the produce section—it’s a game-changer compared to dried versions.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of golden olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl of minced fresh ginger, four whole uncracked brown garlic cloves, a small white ceramic bowl of bright yellow lemongrass paste, a small white ceramic bowl of rich yellow ground turmeric powder, a small white ceramic bowl of fresh lemon juice, three medium diced orange carrots, three diced green celery stalks, one medium chopped yellow onion, one whole raw boneless skinless chicken breast, a small white ceramic bowl of dry acini de pepe pasta, and a small pile of fresh green parsley leaves all arranged in perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Lemongrass Chicken Pasta Soup, Asian-inspired chicken noodle soup, healthy lemongrass soup recipe, comforting chicken and pasta soup, vibrant lemongrass chicken dish

Olive oil: Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil for that perfect sauté and subtle fruitiness.
Carrots: Dice them small so they soften quickly and add natural sweetness.
Celery: Provides an essential savory base and crunchy texture before cooking down.
Yellow onion: Adds depth and soul to the broth, don’t skip it!
Fresh ginger: Mince finely to release its warming zing.
Garlic: Use fresh minced garlic for that sharp aromatic punch.
Lemongrass paste: The star of the show, this brings fresh citrusy brightness, so grab it fresh—not powdered.
Low-sodium chicken broth: Controls the saltiness and lets your other flavors shine.
Ground turmeric: Provides earthiness and that sunny golden color (plus a health boost!).
Salt and black pepper: Season carefully—start with little and adjust to taste.
Boneless skinless chicken breasts: I like to pound them evenly so they cook quickly and stay juicy.
Dry acini di pepe or orzo pasta: These tiny pastas absorb all that flavorful broth perfectly.
Fresh parsley: Stir in at the end for a fresh herbaceous finish.
Fresh lemon juice: Brightens every spoonful with a subtle tang—don’t skip it!

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

This Lemongrass Chicken Pasta Soup Recipe is wonderfully flexible—over time I’ve played with it a bit to suit mood and pantry availability, and you might find yourself wanting to tweak it, too!

Vegetarian twist: Swap chicken broth for vegetable broth and omit chicken; add tofu or mushrooms for protein. I tried this once and the lemongrass still shined brilliantly without the meat.
Spicy kick: Add a pinch of red chili flakes or fresh sliced chili during the sauté step if you want a bit of heat—you’ll love the warmth it brings!
Pasta alternatives: I sometimes use small whole wheat pasta or even gluten-free options to cater to different dietary needs—both work nicely.
Seasonal veggies: Feel free to throw in zucchini or snap peas near the end for extra color and crunch when those veggies are in season.

How to Make Lemongrass Chicken Pasta Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start heating your olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat—this step is crucial because it’s where all those incredible base flavors develop. Toss in your diced carrots, celery, and onion, and let them soften gently for about 5 minutes. You’re looking for veggies that are tender but not mushy, with a little bit of sweetness shining through. Then add in your freshly minced ginger, garlic, and lemongrass paste—this combo releases such a fragrant aroma that I always take a moment to breathe it in deeply. Saute everything together for 1 more minute, stirring often so it doesn’t burn.

Step 2: Build the Broth

Now pour in the chicken broth and stir in the ground turmeric. Adding turmeric here not only brings a beautiful golden hue but also layers in a mild earthiness that complements the lemongrass perfectly. Season with salt and pepper to taste—I usually start with just a pinch because you can always adjust later, but you want that broth to sing. Bring everything to a boil before moving to the next step.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Add your pounded chicken breasts directly into the boiling broth. You want them evenly submerged and cooking gently, so reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot with a lid, and simmer for about 10 to 15 minutes. I always double-check with an instant-read thermometer—in the center, chicken should reach 165°F. When done, transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes. You’ll notice it’s a pretty golden color from the turmeric, which is normal and looks especially pretty against the pale chicken meat.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta and Finish the Soup

While the chicken rests, stir your dry acini di pepe or orzo pasta into the simmering soup. Cover the pot again and let the pasta boil for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally so nothing sticks to the bottom. Once tender, dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces and return it to the pot along with fresh chopped parsley and a generous squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Give everything a good stir, take a quick taste, and adjust salt or lemon juice if needed. Serve the soup warm and watch your family go crazy for it!

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Pro Tips for Making Lemongrass Chicken Pasta Soup Recipe

Pound Chicken Thinly: Even thickness helps the chicken cook evenly and stay tender—otherwise, you risk dry edges.
Watch the Pasta Timing: Acini di pepe cooks fast, so start checking early to avoid mushiness.
Fresh Lemongrass Paste is Key: I discovered this when swapping dried lemongrass for paste—the fresh stuff gives a brighter, more vibrant flavor.
Don’t Skip Resting the Chicken: Resting locks in juices, making the chicken moist and tender instead of dry.

How to Serve Lemongrass Chicken Pasta Soup Recipe

A close-up of a metal ladle full of clear yellow broth with small round pasta pieces, diced orange carrots, and small white meat cubes, all sprinkled with green herbs, held above a white pot filled with the same soup. The soup has a light, slightly oily surface with visible bits of herbs floating. The background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Lemongrass Chicken Pasta Soup, Asian-inspired chicken noodle soup, healthy lemongrass soup recipe, comforting chicken and pasta soup, vibrant lemongrass chicken dish

Garnishes

I love topping this soup with a sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro or parsley, and sometimes a few extra lemon wedges on the side if anyone wants a zesty boost. A drizzle of chili oil is another favorite of mine when I’m feeling bold, adding a beautiful red contrast and a touch of heat.

Side Dishes

Serve this with a slice of crusty sourdough bread to soak up all the delicious broth. Or, for something lighter, a simple cucumber salad tossed with rice vinegar and a touch of sesame oil complements the soup’s bright flavors really well.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties, I like serving this soup in wide, shallow bowls so the pasta and chicken are showcased beautifully, and garnishing with edible flowers or microgreens for an elegant touch. It’s fun to share this recipe at gatherings because the lemongrass aroma always gets people curious and excited.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Because the pasta soaks up broth overnight, I usually add a splash of chicken broth or water when reheating to keep it nice and soupy.

Freezing

This soup freezes well, but I recommend freezing it without the pasta for best texture. When you reheat, just cook fresh pasta and stir it in at the end. That way, you avoid the dreaded mushy pasta surprise!

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat, adding a bit of broth or water if it’s too thick. Stir often and avoid boiling after adding pasta to keep everything tender and intact.

FAQs

Can I use fresh lemongrass instead of lemongrass paste?

Yes, you can use fresh lemongrass—just finely mince about one stalk (white part only) and bruise it before sautéing to release its flavor. It takes a bit more prep but offers a wonderfully fresh taste. The paste is just a convenient shortcut.
What pasta can I substitute in this soup?

Orzo or acini di pepe work best due to their small size, but you can also use small shells, ditalini, or even tiny elbow macaroni. Just adjust cooking time accordingly and keep an eye on texture to avoid mushiness.
Can I make this soup vegetarian or vegan?

Absolutely. Swap chicken broth for vegetable broth, omit the chicken, and use tofu or mushrooms for protein. The lemongrass and turmeric will still give you that beautiful aromatic base.
How long does this soup keep in the fridge?

Stored properly in an airtight container, this soup will stay fresh for up to 3 days. If you notice the pasta has gotten too soft, try adding a bit more broth when reheating.

Final Thoughts

When I first tried this Lemongrass Chicken Pasta Soup Recipe, it completely won me over with how fresh and comforting it felt all at once. I love that it’s quick enough for weeknights but fancy enough to impress friends. Give it a try—you can trust that it’s a bowlful of bright, soothing goodness that you and your family will want again and again.