Sarah's Cozy Chicken Noodle Soup 🍲🐔

This comforting chicken noodle soup is perfect for chilly days or when you need a little pick-me-up. Easy to prepare and filled with wholesome ingredients, this recipe is sure to warm your heart and fill your belly! Pair it with a slice of crusty bread for a satisfying meal! 🥖❤️

Ingredients

For the soup base

• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 8 cups of chicken broth
• 2 cups of shredded cooked chicken
• 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon of dried parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the noodles

• 2 cups of egg noodles (or your preferred pasta)

Instructions

1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender.

   🍲 For more depth of flavor, let the vegetables caramelize slightly, but be careful not to burn them!

2. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

3. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Add the shredded chicken, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper.

4. Add the egg noodles and cook according to package instructions, typically about 7-10 minutes.

   🍜 If you prefer firmer noodles, add them in the last few minutes of cooking to prevent them from becoming mushy.

5. Once the noodles are cooked, taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot!

Variations

• Vegetarian: Replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth and use beans or lentils instead of chicken for protein. Add your favorite vegetables to make it hearty! 🌱
• Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the pot for a kick of heat!
• Creamy: Stir in a splash of cream or a dollop of sour cream before serving for a rich, velvety texture.
• Low-carb: Substitute the egg noodles with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a lighter option.

Tips

• 🥬 Fresh Herbs: If you have fresh herbs on hand, feel free to use them instead of dried. Add them toward the end of cooking for the best flavor.
• 🥣 Make Ahead: This soup can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 5 days. It also freezes well for cold winter days! Just remember to add noodles after reheating so they don’t get soggy.

Enjoy a warm bowl of this delightful chicken noodle soup with family and friends! 🥰