Curry Noodle Soup is a quick, family-friendly dinner with tender chicken, ramen noodles, and peas in a rich coconut-curry broth—ready in 30 minutes!

Curry Noodle Soup

Red Curry Noodle Soup

After testing and perfecting this Green Curry Noodle Soup, I knew I needed a red curry version—especially for when I have leftover red curry paste from making coconut chicken curry.

This one is the ultimate comfort food. It’s packed with flavor and so simple to make. One of my sisters tried it and told me it was “restaurant quality”—and I couldn’t agree more.

Process shots of Curry Noodle Soup: browning the aromatics in coconut oil; adding spices; continuing to cook

Ingredients In Curry Noodle Soup

  • Chicken: Use any pre-cooked chicken—no need to reheat it first; the broth will warm it up.
  • Noodles: Use instant ramen noodles—just leave out the seasoning packets. Chow mein, lo mein, or thin spaghetti also work.
  • Coconut milk: Use canned coconut milk—look for it in the international foods section. I used Imperial Kitchen® to test this recipe.
  • Red curry paste: Thai Kitchen® is mild and great for kids, while Maesri® tastes really good but is spicier.
  • Garlic and ginger: Use garlic and ginger paste to speed things up.

Quick Tip

No matter what noodles you use, make sure to use about 5–6 ounces—that amount works best with the soup and chicken.

Process shots: add chicken stock to the pan; mix in the coconut milk; stir in peas, soy sauce and lime juice.

 Curry Noodle Soup Tips

  • After the soup gently boils, add salt to bring out the flavor.
  • Fish sauce gives it that classic Thai flavor—but you can use soy sauce instead.
  • Don’t like peas? Try frozen edamame without the pods.
Process shots: boil and drain ramen; divide noodles between serving bowls; add chicken; add broth and serve.

Storage


Curry Noodle Soup Storage: This soup gets more flavorful over time but stores best with the broth kept separate from the noodles and chicken.
If you’re not eating it all the same day, store the noodles and chicken in one container and the broth in another.
To reheat, warm the broth and pour it over to heat everything through.

More Comforting Curry Recipes

5 from 1 vote

Curry Noodle Soup

This Curry Noodle Soup is a weeknight win—ready in 30 minutes with a rich coconut-curry broth, tender chicken, ramen noodles, and bright peas!
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 large bowls

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon melted coconut oil
  • 1/2 cup thinly sliced shallots or use green onions
  • 1 tablespoon minced ginger see note 1
  • 1 tablespoon garlic paste
  • 2 tablespoons red curry paste see note 2
  • 1 tablespoon yellow curry powder
  • 1 (32-ounce) carton chicken stock 4 cups
  • 1 (13.5-ounce) can coconut milk full-fat, see note 3
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 lime
  • 1-1/2 cups frozen peas
  • 2 (3-ounce) packets instant ramen noodles
  • 2 cups cooked chicken diced rotisserie or leftover grilled chicken
  • Serving suggestions see note 4

Instructions 

  • Add oil to a large soup pot over medium heat. Thinly slice shallots and add to pot along with ginger and garlic. Sauté until golden, 3–5 minutes. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to boil for the noodles.
  • Once the shallots are golden, add in curry paste and powder. Stir constantly for 2–4 minutes or until very fragrant—don’t rush this; we’re creating the foundation of flavor. Increase heat to medium high, and while stirring constantly and scraping the bottom of the pot, gradually add in 1 cup of chicken stock until incorporated. Add in the rest of the chicken stock and the coconut milk. Stir until smooth.
  • Bring to a simmer. Once simmering, reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer and cook (uncovered) for 5 minutes. Add in frozen peas, soy sauce, and 2 tablespoons lime juice. Taste and season with salt and pepper. (I typically add 1/4 teaspoon of each.) Here’s where you can take a minute to adjust other flavors—see note 5.
  • Meanwhile, the water should be boiling. Discard seasoning packets and boil the noodles according to package directions. Drain but do not rinse. Right after draining, use tongs to divide the noodles equally among 4 soup bowls. Dice the chicken and divide evenly among the bowls (1/2 cup per bowl).
  • When ready to serve, ladle broth and peas right on top of the noodles and chicken. Garnish bowls, if desired, with fresh cilantro, thinly sliced green onions, additional lime wedges, and a drizzle of Sriracha if desired. Enjoy immediately.

Recipe Notes

Note 1: To keep things quick, use refrigerated minced garlic and refrigerated ginger paste.
Note 2: Red curry paste provides the main flavor for this soup. You’ll likely find it in the international section of your grocery store, at an Asian grocery store, or online. I’ve tested both Maesri® and Thai Kitchen® in this recipe. The intensity and flavor will vary from brand to brand. Add to preference, and if you aren’t sure, start with less since you can always add more later.
Note 3: The coconut milk really offsets the spice of the curry paste, so be sure to get a full-fat one. (Lite coconut milk also won’t thicken as nicely.)
Note 4: Serving suggestions: 2–3 teaspoons light brown sugar if needed, cilantro, extra lime wedges, green onions, and Sriracha.
Note 5: After the soup has simmered, it’s time to bring the flavors alive! Add extra fresh lime juice, soy sauce, curry paste salt, etc. all to personal preference. You may even need to add a few teaspoons of sugar. The amounts will vary based on the curry paste and coconut milk used and your taste preferences. Salt is important in helping to bring out and enhance existing flavors.
Storage: If you’d like to have this soup for leftovers, keep the noodles and chicken separate from the broth. Combine the two just before eating.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 493kcal | Carbohydrates: 53.7g | Protein: 24.4g | Fat: 20.7g | Cholesterol: 34.2mg | Sodium: 1308.5mg | Fiber: 5.4g | Sugar: 9g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Meet Chelsea


Hello, and welcome to Chelseaโ€™s Messy Apron! Iโ€™m Chelsea, the recipe developer, food photographer, and writer behind the site. Iโ€™m passionate about creating simple, reliable, and delicious recipes that anyone can make.

Thanks for stopping byโ€”I hope you find something delicious to make!

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5 from 1 vote

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1 Comment

  1. Bryan says:

    5 stars
    10/10. Made this and itโ€™s restaurant quality