1-Step 1: Cook the Pasta Al Dente Bring a medium pot of water to a boil and cook the baby shell pasta according to package instructions until al dente. This usually takes about 7-9 minutes. You want the pasta slightly firm since it will continue softening when combined with the hot soup. Once cooked, strain the pasta in a colander and set it aside. Drizzle with a tiny bit of olive oil to prevent sticking if you’re not serving immediately.

2-Step 2: Saute the Vegetables In a large stockpot over medium-high heat, melt the 3 tablespoons of butter. Once the butter is bubbling, add the diced celery and carrots. Saute these vegetables for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent browning. The celery should become fragrant and the carrots should start to soften slightly around the edges. Next, add the diced red bell pepper and 1 cup of green peas to the pot. Continue cooking for another 2 minutes. These vegetables add wonderful texture and sweetness to your copycat Tim Hortons chicken noodle soup. The peppers should be slightly softened but still retain some crunch for texture contrast.

3-Step 3: Build the Flavorful Broth Now it’s time to create that signature restaurant-style broth. Pour in the 10 cups of chicken stock, preferably homemade for the richest flavor. Add the seasonings: 1 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon yeast extract, and 1 teaspoon dried parsley (or 2 tablespoons fresh). Give everything a good stir and taste the broth. Add the 1 teaspoon of salt, but remember you can always add more later. The yeast extract might already contribute some saltiness depending on the brand. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 10 minutes to allow all the flavors to meld together beautifully.

4-Step 4: Add the Chicken and Vinegar Stir in the 1 tablespoon of vinegar and the 3 cups of shredded cooked chicken. The vinegar is crucial because it brightens all the flavors and adds that subtle acidity that makes the soup taste more complex and balanced. The chicken just needs to heat through since it’s already cooked, so 2-3 minutes of simmering is plenty. If you’re starting with raw chicken instead of cooked, you’ll need to adjust the timing. Dice raw chicken breast or thigh meat into bite-sized pieces and add them during step 3 when you add the broth. Let the raw chicken simmer for at least 15-20 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

5-Step 5: Thicken the Broth This step gives your Tim Hortons chicken noodle soup copycat that silky, restaurant-quality texture. In a small bowl, mix the 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 3 tablespoons of cold water. Stir until completely smooth with no lumps. This mixture is called a slurry, and it’s essential for proper thickening. Slowly pour the cornstarch slurry into the simmering soup while stirring constantly. Continue stirring for 1-2 minutes as the broth returns to a simmer. You’ll notice it thickening to a lovely, slightly velvety consistency. Taste the soup one final time and adjust any seasonings if needed. Some people like a bit more black pepper or an extra pinch of salt.

6-Step 6: Serve and Enjoy Now comes the best part! Divide your cooked pasta among serving bowls. Ladle the hot soup generously over the pasta, making sure each bowl gets plenty of vegetables, chicken, and that luscious broth. Serve immediately while steaming hot. You can garnish with extra fresh parsley if desired for a pop of color.