Authentic Sopas Filipino Soup Recipe: Chicken Macaroni Soup

Sopas is a beloved Filipino chicken macaroni soup featuring tender chicken, vegetables, and elbow macaroni in a creamy, comforting broth. This traditional Filipino comfort food combines savory chicken broth with milk or evaporated milk for a uniquely creamy texture that distinguishes it from other chicken soups worldwide.

What Makes Sopas a Filipino Comfort Food Classic

Sopas represents the perfect fusion of Spanish culinary influence and Filipino ingenuity. Unlike Western chicken soups, authentic sopas filipino soup recipe includes milk or evaporated milk, creating a creamy texture that comforts during the Philippines' rainy season. The dish typically features chicken, carrots, cabbage, onions, garlic, and the signature elbow macaroni that gives this soup its distinctive character.

Traditional Sopas Filipino Soup Recipe Ingredients

Creating an authentic Filipino sopas requires fresh ingredients that balance savory and subtle sweetness. Here's what you'll need for a traditional 6-serving batch:

Ingredient	Measurement	Notes
Chicken thighs or breasts	1 lb (450g)	Bone-in adds more flavor
Elbow macaroni	1 cup (100g)	Do not overcook
Carrots	2 medium, diced	¼ inch cubes
Cabbage	2 cups, shredded	Add toward end of cooking
Onion	1 medium, chopped	Yellow or white
Garlic	3 cloves, minced	Fresh is best
Chicken broth	6 cups	Homemade preferred
Evaporated milk	1 cup	Key for creamy texture
Salt and pepper	To taste	Season gradually

Step-by-Step Sopas Cooking Instructions

Follow these steps for perfect Filipino chicken macaroni soup every time:

Prepare the chicken broth: Simmer chicken with 6 cups water, onion, and 2 cloves garlic for 30 minutes until cooked through. Remove chicken, shred, and set aside. Strain broth to remove solids.
Sauté aromatics: In a clean pot, sauté remaining garlic and onion until translucent. Add carrots and cook for 3 minutes.
Build the broth: Pour strained chicken broth into the pot with sautéed vegetables. Bring to a gentle boil.
Cook the macaroni: Add elbow macaroni and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Do not overcook as it will continue softening in the hot soup.
Add remaining ingredients: Stir in shredded chicken, cabbage, salt, and pepper. Cook for 3 more minutes until cabbage wilts.
Create creamy texture: Reduce heat to low and slowly stir in evaporated milk. Do not boil after adding milk to prevent curdling.
Final seasoning: Adjust salt and pepper to taste. Some Filipinos add a pinch of sugar to enhance flavor balance.

Pro Tips for Perfect Sopas Every Time

Mastering this Filipino comfort food requires attention to detail:

Macaroni timing: Add pasta early enough to cook properly but not so early that it becomes mushy. Test 2 minutes before package instructions suggest.
Creaminess secret: For richer texture, some families use a combination of evaporated milk and all-purpose cream.
Vegetable variations: Traditional versions include potatoes or green peas, while modern takes might incorporate corn or bell peppers.
Chicken preparation: Poaching chicken in the broth creates more flavor than using pre-cooked chicken.
Serving temperature: Sopas tastes best served piping hot, especially during cool or rainy weather.

Regional Variations of Filipino Sopas

Across the Philippines, families put their unique spin on this classic:

Luzon style: Often includes more vegetables like potatoes and uses chicken broth as base
Visayas variation: May incorporate a touch of sweet corn for subtle sweetness
Mindanao adaptation: Sometimes features local spices for added complexity
Vegetarian sopas: Uses vegetable broth and replaces chicken with tofu or mushrooms
Creamier versions: Some households add a roux (butter and flour mixture) before adding milk for extra thickness

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Sopas traditionally serves as a main course rather than a starter. Pair it with:

Filipino pandesal (bread rolls) for dipping
Sinigang (sour soup) for a complete Filipino meal experience
Simple green salad with vinegar dressing to cut through the richness
Calamansi (Filipino lime) wedges for those who prefer a touch of acidity

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Proper storage maintains quality for later enjoyment:

Refrigerate in airtight container for up to 3 days
Freeze without macaroni (add fresh when reheating) for up to 2 months
Reheat gently on stove over medium-low heat
Add a splash of broth or milk when reheating as soup thickens when chilled
Never boil after adding dairy to prevent separation

Frequently Asked Questions About Sopas

What makes sopas different from regular chicken soup?

Sopas differs from regular chicken soup primarily through its creamy texture achieved by adding evaporated milk or fresh milk to the broth. It also features elbow macaroni as a key ingredient and typically includes specific vegetable combinations like carrots and cabbage that create its distinctive Filipino character.

Can I make sopas without evaporated milk?

Yes, you can substitute evaporated milk with fresh whole milk, coconut milk for a dairy-free option, or even all-purpose cream for extra richness. Some traditional recipes use a small amount of cornstarch slurry to achieve creaminess without dairy, though this creates a different texture than the classic version.

Why does my macaroni get mushy in sopas?

Macaroni becomes mushy when cooked too long in the hot broth. To prevent this, add the pasta when the soup is nearly finished cooking and remove the pot from heat as soon as the macaroni reaches al dente texture. Remember that pasta continues cooking in the residual heat, so slightly undercooking it initially yields perfect texture when served.

Is sopas considered a healthy Filipino dish?

Traditional sopas provides balanced nutrition with protein from chicken, vitamins from vegetables, and carbohydrates from pasta. To make a healthier version, use whole wheat macaroni, increase vegetable content, use low-sodium broth, and reduce the amount of added milk while maintaining the creamy texture with a small amount of cornstarch slurry.

What's the best way to reheat leftover sopas?

Reheat sopas gently over medium-low heat on the stove, stirring frequently. Add a small amount of broth or water if the soup has thickened too much during storage. Avoid boiling after adding dairy components to prevent curdling. Microwave reheating works but requires careful monitoring with 30-second intervals and stirring between each interval.