chicken noodle soup

### Instructions:

#### Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
1. **Chop the vegetables**: Start by peeling and slicing the carrots and chopping the celery. Mince the garlic and chop the onion into small pieces. Having everything prepped will make the cooking process smoother.

#### Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
1. **Cook the vegetables**: In a large pot, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.
2. **Add the garlic**: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

#### Step 3: Add the Broth and Chicken
1. **Pour in the chicken broth**: Add the chicken broth to the pot and stir to combine the vegetables and aromatics with the liquid.
2. **Add the cooked chicken**: If using rotisserie chicken or leftover chicken, shred it into bite-sized pieces and add it to the soup. If you have fresh chicken breast or thighs, you can cook them in the broth before shredding them.
3. **Season the soup**: Add the dried thyme, rosemary (optional), salt, and pepper. Bring the soup to a boil.

#### Step 4: Cook the Noodles
1. **Add the noodles**: Once the soup reaches a boil, add the egg noodles (or pasta of your choice). Stir and reduce the heat to a simmer. Let the noodles cook for 7–10 minutes, or until they’re tender but not overcooked. If you’re making the soup ahead of time, you can cook the noodles separately and add them just before serving to prevent them from becoming too mushy.

#### Step 5: Taste and Adjust
1. **Taste the soup**: After the noodles are cooked, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or herbs according to your preference.
2. **Add fresh parsley**: If desired, stir in some fresh parsley for added color and flavor. This step is optional but adds a nice freshness to the soup.

#### Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
1. **Serve hot**: Ladle the soup into bowls and serve immediately. Pair it with a slice of crusty bread or crackers for the ultimate comforting meal.

### Tips for the Perfect Chicken Noodle Soup

– **Use homemade broth**: If you have the time, homemade chicken broth adds an extra depth of flavor to your soup. Simply simmer chicken bones, vegetables, and herbs for a few hours to make your own broth.
– **Add vegetables of your choice**: You can easily customize the soup by adding other vegetables such as peas, green beans, or corn. Just make sure to chop them into small pieces so they cook evenly.
– **Protein variations**: While chicken is the classic protein for this soup, you can substitute turkey or even add beans for a vegetarian version.
– **Store leftovers properly**: This soup stores well in the fridge for 3–4 days. You can also freeze the soup for up to 3 months. Just be aware that the noodles may absorb some of the broth over time, so you may need to add extra broth when reheating.

### Why Chicken Noodle Soup is Perfect for All Ages

– **Great for kids**: The mild flavors and soft noodles make chicken noodle soup an ideal meal for children. Plus, it’s easy for little ones to eat, especially when they’re under the weather.
– **Gentle on the stomach**: If you’re feeling a little off or recovering from an illness, chicken noodle soup is easy to digest and can help rehydrate and nourish the body.
– **Ideal for meal prep**: Chicken noodle soup can be made in advance and stored for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week. It’s a simple meal that’s ready to go whenever you need it.

### Health Benefits of Chicken Noodle Soup

– **Rich in protein**: The chicken in this soup is a great source of protein, which is essential for muscle repair and immune function.
– **Packed with vitamins**: The vegetables in the soup, such as carrots and celery, provide important vitamins and antioxidants that support overall health.
– **Hydrating**: The broth helps hydrate the body, making chicken noodle soup a perfect choice for those feeling under the weather or needing a nourishing, light meal.
– **Comforting and soothing**: Chicken noodle soup is often considered a “healing food” for its ability to comfort, soothe, and provide nourishment during times of illness or stress.

### Final Thoughts

Chicken noodle soup is a classic comfort food that never goes out of style. Its rich flavors, nutritious ingredients, and soothing properties make it the perfect meal for almost any occasion. Whether you’re battling a cold, seeking warmth on a chilly day, or simply craving something comforting, this soup is sure to hit the spot.

The beauty of chicken noodle soup lies in its simplicity—it’s easy to make, adaptable to your tastes, and incredibly satisfying. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a hearty, wholesome meal that will nourish your body and lift your spirits. So the next time you’re looking for something comforting and delicious, this chicken noodle soup recipe is the perfect choice!