Chicken Sopas: Creamy Macaroni Soup
Sopas is the Filipino comfort soup: elbow macaroni, shredded chicken and vegetables in a milky broth. It is a rainy-day staple and a favorite children's meal.
About Chicken Sopas
Sopas is a Filipino macaroni soup with chicken, vegetables and evaporated milk. It is a staple comfort food, especially on cold or rainy days, and a favorite of children. The creamy broth, soft macaroni and shredded chicken make it filling.
Sopas, from the Spanish word for soup, is a Filipino comfort soup made with elbow macaroni, chicken, vegetables and evaporated milk. It is often served on cool or rainy days, at children's parties and as a merienda (snack) in many homes. The soup is creamy, mildly sweet and peppery.
Ingredient notes
- Evaporated milk: gives sopas its creamy, slightly sweet character and keeps the soup from curdling.
- Elbow macaroni: cooks in the soup and releases starch that thickens the broth.
- Vegetables: carrots, celery and cabbage are common; add them according to cooking time.
- Black pepper: generous seasoning is part of the flavor.
Tips for the best Chicken Sopas
- Cook the macaroni in the soup until just tender; it will keep absorbing broth.
- Add the evaporated milk near the end and keep the heat gentle.
- Shred the chicken finely so each spoonful has some.
- Season generously with salt and black pepper; creamy soups need it.
What to serve with Chicken Sopas
Serve in deep bowls with extra black pepper and, if you like, a piece of toasted bread.
Variations and substitutions
- Hotdog sopas: add sliced hotdogs or ham.
- Extra creamy: stir in a little more milk at the end.
- Thicker: cook the macaroni a bit longer for a porridge-like texture.
Storing and reheating
Sopas thickens as the pasta absorbs broth. Store for up to 3 days and thin with hot water or milk when reheating.
Frequently asked questions
Why did my sopas get thick?
The macaroni absorbs the broth as it sits. Add hot water or milk when reheating.
Can I use another pasta?
Yes, any small pasta such as shells or elbow noodles works.
Can I use fresh milk instead of evaporated milk?
Yes, but the soup will be less rich. Add it at the end and keep the heat gentle.
How do I keep the macaroni from getting mushy?
Cook it just until tender and serve soon after, or cook the pasta separately and add it to each bowl.
