Rustic Chicken Soup: Supă de Pui cu Tăiței (With Homemade Noodles) Recipe
Warm your soul with this traditional Romanian chicken noodle soup, Supă de Pui cu Tăiței. Made with a rich broth and homemade noodles, this rustic dish is perfect for any season. Learn how to make it step-by-step with tips, variations, and serving suggestions.
🍲 Introduction: What Is Supă de Pui cu Tăiței?
Supă de Pui cu Tăiței, or Romanian Chicken Soup with Homemade Noodles, is one of the most beloved comfort foods in Romania. A clear golden broth filled with tender chicken, root vegetables, and thin homemade egg noodles, this soup is served at family meals, weddings, and on Sundays across the country.
Unlike creamy or thick Western soups, this Romanian version is clean and clear — light yet incredibly flavorful, thanks to the slow simmering of bone-in chicken and aromatic vegetables. It's a dish that generations have grown up with, passed down from grandmothers who always knew just what to cook when someone needed comfort.
💛 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ Comforting & Nourishing – Ideal for colds, rainy days, or a cozy weekend meal
✅ Made from Scratch – Clean ingredients, real flavors, no shortcuts
✅ Features Homemade Noodles – Elevates the soup to restaurant quality
✅ Kid-Friendly and Light – A hit with the whole family
✅ Traditional & Authentic – A taste of Romania’s culinary soul
🇷🇴 A Taste of Romanian Tradition
In many Romanian households, supă de pui is the first soup a child learns to love. It’s also the first that many home cooks learn to make, often with chickens raised in their own backyards. The homemade noodles (tăiței de casă) are the pride of the dish — thin, delicate, and made with just eggs and flour.
Whether served as a first course during festive meals or as a standalone dinner, this soup is more than food — it’s a tradition.
🛒 Ingredients (Serves 6)
🍗 For the Broth:
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1 whole chicken (about 1.5–2 kg / 3–4 lbs) or a mix of thighs and drumsticks
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2 large carrots, peeled
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1 medium celeriac or 2 celery stalks
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1 large onion, peeled but left whole
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1 parsnip
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1 parsley root (optional)
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2 teaspoons salt, or to taste
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1 teaspoon peppercorns
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2.5–3 liters (10–12 cups) cold water
🍝 For the Homemade Noodles (Tăiței):
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2 eggs
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200g (1 ½ cups) all-purpose flour
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¼ teaspoon salt
🌿 Optional for Serving:
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Fresh parsley, finely chopped
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Extra ground black pepper
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Lemon wedges or a dash of vinegar for brightness
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
🥣 Step 1: Prepare the Broth
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In a large pot, place the chicken (whole or cut into parts).
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Cover with cold water and bring to a gentle boil.
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Skim the foam that forms on the surface using a spoon or fine strainer.
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Once the broth is clear, reduce the heat to low.
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Add the peeled whole onion, carrots, parsnip, celeriac, parsley root, salt, and peppercorns.
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Simmer uncovered for about 2 to 2.5 hours for a rich, golden broth.
📝 Tip: Keep the heat low to maintain a clear broth — boiling will make it cloudy.
🧊 Step 2: Strain and Separate
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Remove the chicken and vegetables from the pot.
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Strain the broth through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a clean pot.
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Shred the chicken meat from the bones and discard the skin and bones.
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Optional: Dice or slice the carrots and return to the pot for garnish.
🍝 Step 3: Make the Homemade Noodles (Tăiței de Casă)
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In a bowl, mix flour and salt.
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Make a well in the center and add the eggs.
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Mix with a fork, then knead by hand until a firm dough forms (add a little water or flour as needed).
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Let the dough rest for 20–30 minutes.
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Roll out very thin using a rolling pin or pasta machine.
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Slice into very thin strips with a knife or pasta cutter.
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Dust lightly with flour to prevent sticking.
📝 Shortcut: You can also use store-bought thin egg noodles if needed.
🔥 Step 4: Cook the Noodles
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Bring the strained broth to a simmer.
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Add the fresh noodles directly to the pot and cook for 2–4 minutes until tender.
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Add shredded chicken back to the soup.
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Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper as needed.
🍽️ How to Serve Supă de Pui cu Tăiței
Serve hot in deep bowls with:
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Chopped fresh parsley on top 🌿
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A wedge of lemon or splash of vinegar for acidity 🍋
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Crusty bread or mămăligă on the side 🥖
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Optional: a dollop of sour cream for richness 🥄
This soup is especially comforting in fall and winter, but also makes a light first course in spring and summer.
🧠 Tips for Success
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Use bone-in chicken – It creates a richer broth full of natural collagen.
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Go low and slow – Simmer gently to develop a deep flavor and keep the broth clear.
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Don’t overcook the noodles – Fresh noodles cook fast, so add them at the end.
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Make a big batch – This soup freezes beautifully, and you’ll be glad you did.
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Add a splash of acid – Brightens the soup and balances the richness.
📦 Storage and Reheating
❄️ Storing:
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Fridge: Keeps up to 4 days in an airtight container.
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Freezer: Freeze without noodles for up to 3 months. Add fresh noodles when reheating.
🔥 Reheating:
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Gently reheat on the stovetop. Add a little water if it’s too thick.
🥄 Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)
Nutrient | Amount |
---|---|
Calories | 320 kcal |
Protein | 25g |
Fat | 15g |
Carbohydrates | 20g |
Fiber | 2g |
✅ High-protein
✅ Naturally low-carb (if you reduce noodles)
✅ Gluten-free option: Use rice noodles or gluten-free pasta
🧑🎓 Fun Fact: Why It’s Served First at Romanian Celebrations
In Romanian culture, supă de pui cu tăiței is often the first course at weddings, baptisms, and holiday feasts. Why? It’s light enough to open the appetite, but rich in symbolism and nourishment — a blessing of health, home, and tradition.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use only chicken thighs or breast?
Yes, but bone-in thighs and wings will give you better flavor and a richer broth.
Can I add other veggies?
Yes — some people like adding peas, green beans, or even zucchini in summer versions.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Try substituting chicken with root vegetables and vegetable broth. Serve with just noodles and carrots.
What flour should I use for noodles?
All-purpose is perfect. You can also use semolina for a firmer texture.
🧡 Final Thoughts
Supă de Pui cu Tăiței is more than just a soup — it's a bowl of tradition, comfort, and love. Whether you're feeling under the weather, nostalgic for your childhood, or just want to taste something homemade and real, this Romanian chicken noodle soup delivers.
With simple ingredients and a touch of care, you’ll have a heartwarming dish that brings people together — just like it does across Romanian homes every Sunday.