chicken noodle soup

Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 cups chicken broth (homemade or store-bought)
• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (from a rotisserie chicken or poached chicken breasts)
• 1 tsp dried thyme (or 2 sprigs fresh thyme)
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
• 1/2 tsp black pepper (or to taste)
• 2 cups egg noodles (or any short pasta)
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional, for a fresh finish)

Instructions:

1. Sauté the Vegetables:
   • In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables start to soften.
   • Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute, until fragrant.
2. Add the Broth and Spices:
   • Pour in the chicken broth and stir in the thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
   • Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for about 15-20 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
3. Cook the Noodles:
   • While the broth simmers, cook the egg noodles separately in a pot of salted boiling water according to the package instructions (usually 6-8 minutes). Drain and set aside. Cooking the noodles separately helps prevent them from absorbing too much broth and becoming mushy.
4. Add the Chicken:
   • Once the vegetables are tender, stir in the cooked, shredded chicken. Let it heat through for 5-7 minutes.
5. Combine Noodles and Finish:
   • Stir the cooked noodles into the soup. Remove the bay leaf and thyme sprigs (if using fresh thyme).
   • Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper, if needed. If desired, stir in the lemon juice for a bright, fresh flavor.
6. Serve:
   • Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot with crusty bread or crackers on the side.

Cooking Time:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

Nutritional Information (per serving, about 6 servings):

• Calories: ~300 kcal
• Protein: ~25g
• Fat: ~10g
• Carbohydrates: ~30g
• Fiber: ~3g
• Sugars: ~4g

This Chicken Noodle Soup is a comforting, wholesome meal that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion. The tender chicken, flavorful broth, and soft noodles make it a family favorite, especially when served with a sprinkle of fresh parsley!