Filipino Sopas Soup Recipe - Cook Now

There's nothing quite like a steaming bowl of Filipino Sopas Soup to bring warmth and comfort to your day. This beloved sopas soup recipe is a creamy, hearty noodle soup that's a staple in Filipino households, especially cherished during cooler weather or when someone needs a little pick-me-up. Unlike other "sopas" recipes you might encounter, our version dives deep into the authentic flavors of the Philippines, offering a rich, milky broth brimming with tender chicken, elbow macaroni, and a medley of colorful vegetables. It’s a complete meal in a bowl, incredibly satisfying, and surprisingly easy to whip up. Whether you're a beginner cook looking for an easy sopas recipe or an experienced home chef craving a taste of home, get ready to discover why Filipino Sopas Soup is the ultimate comfort food. Let's get cooking!

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons cooking oil (vegetable or canola)
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 4-5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup elbow macaroni
• 1 cup evaporated milk (or whole milk)
• 1 medium carrot, peeled and diced
• 1 celery stalk, thinly sliced
• 1 cup shredded green cabbage
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Optional garnishes: chopped green onions, hard-boiled egg slices, a drizzle of fish sauce (patis)

Directions

1. Sauté Aromatics: Heat the cooking oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
2. Brown Chicken: Add the cubed chicken pieces to the pot. Sauté, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is lightly browned on all sides and no longer pink.
3. Add Broth & Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
4. Cook Macaroni: Stir in the elbow macaroni. Cook according to package directions, usually 7-10 minutes, or until al dente. Make sure to stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
5. Add Vegetables & Milk: Once the macaroni is nearly done, add the diced carrots, sliced celery, and shredded cabbage. Cook for another 3-5 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
6. Finish with Milk & Seasoning: Pour in the evaporated milk (or whole milk). Stir gently to combine and heat through for 1-2 minutes. Do not let the soup come to a rolling boil after adding the milk to prevent curdling.
7. Season to Taste: Season the sopas soup generously with salt and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. If desired, add a dash of fish sauce (patis) for an extra layer of savory flavor.
8. Serve Hot: Ladle the hot Filipino Sopas Soup into bowls. Garnish with chopped green onions and hard-boiled egg slices, if using. Serve immediately and enjoy this comforting meal!