Classic Chicken Noodle Soup

Classic Chicken Noodle Soup

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 medium carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced (optional, adds color and flavor)
• 8 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (you can use rotisserie chicken for convenience)
• 2 cups egg noodles or spaghetti, broken into smaller pieces
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Optional: a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness

Instructions:

1. Sauté the Vegetables:

1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the diced onion, garlic, carrots, celery, and red bell pepper (if using). Sauté the vegetables for about 5-7 minutes, until they begin to soften and the onion becomes translucent.

2. Add Broth and Chicken:

1. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
2. Add the shredded or diced chicken, bay leaf, and dried thyme. Stir to combine.

3. Cook the Noodles:

1. Add the egg noodles or broken spaghetti to the boiling soup.
2. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the soup simmer until the noodles are tender, about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the noodles from sticking.

4. Season the Soup:

1. Taste the soup and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed.
2. If desired, add a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavors.

5. Serve:

1. Remove the bay leaf and discard it.
2. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.

6. Enjoy:

1. Serve hot, with crusty bread or crackers on the side if desired.

Tips:

• Make it heartier: Add diced potatoes or other vegetables like zucchini or peas.
• Chicken Variations: If you prefer, you can start with raw chicken breasts or thighs, simmer them in the broth until cooked through, then remove, shred, and return to the pot.
• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove.

This Chicken Noodle Soup is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for a chilly day or whenever you need a warming, nourishing meal. Enjoy!