Introduction
The quintessential comfort food that many of us treasure, hearty chicken noodle soup embodies the essence of autumn with every spoonful. Renowned for its warm, inviting flavors and nourishing ingredients, this delightful soup is perfect for cozy family dinners or serving on a chilly evening. There’s something inherently soothing about a steaming bowl of chicken noodle soup, especially when it’s filled with tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and comforting noodles. This dish not only warms your body but also your soul, making it an all-time favorite in many households.
With the chill of autumn setting in, there’s no better time to embrace the season with a hearty homemade soup. This recipe invites you to enjoy the therapeutic process of making your own chicken noodle soup from scratch, using fresh, wholesome ingredients that come together effortlessly. You’ll find yourself surrounded by the aromatic scents of sautéed onions and garlic while the vegetables simmer to perfection, creating a nourishing meal that embodies the spirit of fall.
Whether you’re hunting for a satisfying weeknight dinner, meal prep for a busy week ahead, or a comforting dish to serve to family and friends, this hearty chicken noodle soup will fulfill all those needs. It showcases a balance of flavors that are both savory and hearty, making it a staple in American kitchens, especially as the leaves begin to turn.
Recipe Overview
– Prep Time: 15 minutes
– Cook Time: 30 minutes
– Total Time: 45 minutes
– Course: Soup
– Cuisine: American
– Servings: 6
– Calories: ~350 per serving
Hearty Chicken Noodle Soup is a wholesome dish that seamlessly combines tender chicken, nutritious vegetables, and hearty egg noodles in a low-sodium chicken broth. This recipe is designed to serve six, making it an ideal meal for gatherings or meal prepping for the week ahead. With a prep time of just 15 minutes and a cook time of 30 minutes, you can have a nourishing and delicious soup ready in no time.
Ingredients
– 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
– 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
– 2 cups egg noodles
– 1 medium onion, finely diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 medium carrots, sliced into rounds
– 2 stalks celery, sliced
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
– Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
In crafting the perfect bowl of chicken noodle soup, each ingredient plays a vital role, contributing not only to the overall taste but also to the nutritional value of the dish. The chicken serves as the main protein source, providing both flavor and texture. Using cooked, shredded chicken makes preparation quicker, allowing you to spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the dish with loved ones.
The base of the soup is anchored in low-sodium chicken broth, which not only provides moisture but enriches the soup with flavor. The choice of a low-sodium version allows for better control of the saltiness, which is particularly beneficial for those monitoring their sodium intake.
In addition to the chicken and broth, the selection of vegetables brings depth and character to the soup. Onions, garlic, carrots, and celery are classic choices in many soups, as they combine to create a fragrant and robust base. Carrots add a subtle sweetness, while celery provides a slight crunch and earthiness to the mix.
Thyme and rosemary are the chosen herbs here, each offering a distinct personality to the soup. They infuse the broth with aromatic flavors that pair beautifully with chicken, enhancing the comforting essence of the soup. Finally, the touch of freshly chopped parsley not only serves as a garnish but also offers a burst of color and a hint of freshness that elevates each bowl.
Instructions
1. In a large pot, drizzle a small amount of olive oil and heat it over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion turns translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Incorporate the sliced carrots and celery into the pot, continuing to cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the vegetables start to soften.
3. Carefully pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and increase the heat until the mixture reaches a gentle simmer.
4. Stir in the shredded chicken, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Mix well to combine all the flavors.
5. Allow the soup to simmer for approximately 10 minutes, giving the ingredients time to meld together and enhance the flavor profile.
6. Add the egg noodles to the pot and cook according to the package instructions, which typically takes about 8-10 minutes, until they are tender yet firm.
7. Once the noodles are cooked to your liking, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
8. Remove the pot from heat and generously garnish the soup with freshly chopped parsley to add a pop of color and freshness.
9. Serve the soup hot, allowing the comforting flavors of autumn to warm you up!
The instructions guide you through creating the soup step-by-step in a straightforward manner, ensuring that even novice cooks can follow along with ease. Starting with the sautéing of onions and garlic creates a flavorful base that forms the foundation of the entire soup. The progressive addition of vegetables and herbs ensures that each component has the time to meld into a harmonious blend of flavors.
As the soup simmers, the aroma wafts through the kitchen, drawing in anyone nearby eager to experience a taste of the finished product. The final touch with the egg noodles not only brings texture but also transforms the dish into a filling meal, perfect for those cool autumn evenings.
Presentation tips suggest using rustic bowls to enhance the charm of your homemade soup, and pairing it with warm, crusty bread or homemade croutons can transform this dish into a robust fall meal. The interplay of colors, from the vibrant orange carrots to the bright green parsley, makes your bowl as visually appealing as it is delicious, inviting everyone to dig in and enjoy the heartwarming experience that is the essence of hearty chicken noodle soup.
Cooking Method
The preparation of Hearty Chicken Noodle Soup begins with a well-defined cooking method that enhances the flavor of the final dish. The use of a large pot is essential for evenly distributing heat and flavor. As with many soups, the process starts by heating a small amount of olive oil over medium heat. Here, the diced onion and minced garlic are introduced to the pot. Sautéing these ingredients for about 3-4 minutes until the onion turns translucent helps to build a flavor base, as the heat encourages the release of their natural oils and aromas.
Following the initial sauté, the sliced carrots and celery are added. This step is critical as it allows the vegetables to soften slightly, contributing to both the texture and resilience of the final soup. Cooking for an additional 5 minutes gives the ingredients time to meld, resulting in a robust flavor profile. Once the vegetables have softened, it’s time to incorporate the low-sodium chicken broth. The increase in temperature to reach a gentle simmer is vital; simmering allows the flavors from the chicken, herbs, and vegetables to blend harmoniously. This melding process enhances each ingredient’s inherent flavors, resulting in a gratified soup.
The next steps follow closely behind. Stir in the shredded chicken and seasoned herbs of thyme and rosemary, adding depth to the dish. Allowing the soup to simmer for an additional 10 minutes ensures the overall flavor intensifies. When it comes time to add the noodles, the cooking process will conclude with a balance of textures and flavors that makes for an inviting bowl of soup.
Noodle Choices and Cooking Time
When it comes to chicken noodle soup, traditional egg noodles are a popular choice thanks to their tender texture and ability to absorb flavors beautifully. It is essential to cook the noodles according to the package instructions, which usually takes about 8-10 minutes, ensuring they remain tender yet firm for the perfect bite. However, if you’re feeling adventurous, various noodle types can also bring unique appeal to the dish. For instance, fettuccine or wide rice noodles can provide a heartier texture while those with gluten sensitivities can opt for gluten-free pasta alternatives.
Incorporating the noodles into your soup efficiently is just as important. It is best to add them once the broth and other ingredients have simmered well together, as this allows the noodles to absorb the rich flavors of the broth without becoming overcooked. Stir the noodles into the soup right before serving to maintain their ideal texture. If you prepare a larger batch to store for leftovers, consider cooking the noodles separately and adding them fresh when reheating to prevent them from becoming mushy.
Adjusting Seasoning
One of the keys to a flavorful chicken noodle soup lies in the balancing of its seasoning. After simmering, it’s wise to taste the broth to determine if it requires additional enhancement. Salt and freshly ground black pepper play a significant role in bringing out the natural flavors in the ingredients. A modest pinch of salt may be necessary to elevate the other flavors, while black pepper lends a subtle spiciness that can invigorate the overall dish.
For those seeking additional flavor layers, you might consider incorporating optional additions such as a splash of lemon juice to brighten the soup or a few dashes of hot sauce for those who prefer a kick. These adjustments can create an even more personalized dining experience, catering to individual palates.
Presentation Tips
A beautiful presentation can elevate your Hearty Chicken Noodle Soup from simple comfort food to a visually appealing dish. Consider serving the soup in rustic bowls that complement the warm, inviting tones of the dish. Garnishing with freshly chopped parsley not only adds a vibrant splash of greenery but also enhances the flavor and aroma.
For a complete meal, serving the soup alongside warm, crusty bread or homemade croutons is ideal. These additions provide excellent contrast in texture, with the crunchy bread soaking up some of the flavorful broth.
Creating an inviting table setting can enhance the dining experience. Consider adding textured cloth napkins and rustic bowls to embrace the autumn theme, setting the stage for cozy gatherings with family and friends.
Storing and Reheating
Having leftover Hearty Chicken Noodle Soup is a delightful treat, but knowing how to store it properly is essential for preserving its flavor and texture. Best practices include cooling the soup completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Ensure it is stored in the refrigerator if consumed within a few days. If longer storage is needed, consider freezing the soup. Pour the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion. It can last for up to 3 months in the freezer.
When it’s time to reheat, transferring the soup to a pot over medium-low heat will help retain the integrity of the ingredients. Stirring occasionally ensures even heating, and if the noodles were added during the initial cooking, they may absorb too much liquid. To counteract this, consider adding a bit of broth or water to maintain the desired consistency while reheating.
Nutritional Information
Each serving of Hearty Chicken Noodle Soup clocks in at approximately 350 calories, making it a hearty yet balanced meal. This classic soup offers nutritional benefits thanks to the combination of shredded chicken, vegetables, and egg noodles. Chicken provides an excellent source of protein while carrots and celery contribute vital nutrients and fiber.
The warm broth is not only comforting but can also support hydration and wellbeing during the cooler months. For those looking to increase the health benefits, consider adding more vegetables or using whole grain noodles, which can enhance the nutritional profile while maintaining gusto.
Incorporating seasonal vegetables could provide additional vitamins, making this autumn delight not only a feast for the senses but also an enjoyable and nourishing option.
Conclusion
Hearty Chicken Noodle Soup presents a perfect medley of flavors that capture the spirit of autumn. With tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and perfectly cooked noodles in a savory broth, this soup is not only delicious but also nourishing. Ready in just 45 minutes, it’s an ideal dish for those seeking both comfort and convenience.
Hearty Chicken Noodle Soup – Autumn Delight
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups egg noodles
- 1 medium onion finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 medium carrots sliced into rounds
- 2 stalks celery sliced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat a small amount of olive oil over medium heat and sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until translucent.
- Add the sliced carrots and celery, cooking for an additional 5 minutes until softened.
- Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in the shredded chicken, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and season with salt and pepper.
- Allow the soup to simmer for about 10 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Add the egg noodles and cook according to package instructions, about 8-10 minutes.
- Taste the soup and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
- Serve hot and enjoy the comforting flavors.