Delight in the comforting embrace of a hearty chicken noodle soup, brimming with fresh herbs. This recipe elevates the classic favorite with aromatic rosemary, thyme, and sage for a burst of flavor in every spoonful.
Photos of Herb-Loaded Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Fresh rosemary, thyme, and sage might not be staples in every household, but they are essential for infusing this herb-loaded chicken noodle soup with their distinct flavors. These fresh herbs can be found in the produce section of most supermarkets.
Ingredients For Herb-Loaded Chicken Noodle Soup
Olive oil: Adds a rich flavor and helps to sauté the vegetables.
White onion: Provides a sweet and mild flavor base for the soup.
Carrots: Adds natural sweetness and color to the soup.
Celery stalks: Adds a subtle earthy flavor and texture.
Garlic cloves: Infuses the soup with a robust, aromatic flavor.
Chicken stock: Forms the hearty and savory base of the soup.
Fresh rosemary sprigs: Imparts a piney, woodsy flavor.
Fresh thyme sprigs: Adds a subtle lemony and peppery note.
Fresh sage sprig: Offers a slightly peppery and minty flavor.
Wide egg noodles: Provides a hearty and chewy texture.
Chicken: Adds protein and a rich, meaty flavor to the soup.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing flavors.
Fresh parsley: Adds a fresh, slightly peppery taste and color.
Fresh basil: Infuses a sweet and slightly peppery flavor.
One reader, Alisun Mcfadden says:
This herb-loaded chicken noodle soup is a game-changer. The fresh herbs add incredible depth, and the soup is both hearty and comforting. Perfect for a cozy night in!
Techniques for Making the Perfect Chicken Noodle Soup
How to sauté vegetables: Heat oil in a stockpot, add vegetables, and cook until softened. How to simmer soup: Bring the soup to a gentle boil and then reduce the heat to maintain a low, steady temperature. How to cook egg noodles: Add egg noodles to the simmering soup and cook until they are al dente. How to season soup: Taste the soup and add salt and pepper as needed. How to garnish soup: Add fresh parsley and basil before serving.
How To Make Herb-Loaded Chicken Noodle Soup
Level up the classic noodle soup with this Chicken Noodle Soup recipe that is simmered with carrots, rosemary, thyme, and lots of other Italian fresh herbs.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 2tbspolive oil
- 1small white onion,peeled and diced
- 2medium carrots,peeled and diced
- 2celery stalks,ends trimmed and diced
- 4garlic cloves,minced or pressed
- 8cupsgood-quality chicken stock
- 3sprigsfresh rosemary
- 3sprigsfresh thyme
- 1sprigfresh sage
- 6ozwide egg noodles
- 2cupschicken,cooked shredded
- salt and pepper
- ½cupfresh parsley,loosely-packed chopped
- ⅓cupfresh basil,loosely-packed chopped or julienned
Instructions
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Heat oil in a large stockpot over medium-high heat. Add onion and sauté for about 4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add carrots and celery and sauté for about 3 to 4 minutes more, or until the carrots are softened a bit, stirring occasionally.
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Add garlic and sauté for about 1 to 2 minutes, or until fragrant, stirring occasionally. Then add chicken stock, rosemary, thyme, and sage, and gently stir until combined. Continue cooking until the soup reaches a simmer.
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Reduce heat to medium-low, and stir in the egg noodles and chicken. Continue cooking for about 8 to 10 minutes or until the egg noodles are al dente. (The longer they cook, the more broth they will soak up. Feel free to add more chicken stock if needed.)
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Remove and discard the rosemary, thyme, and sage sprigs; no worries if some of the leaves have dropped off. Taste the soup, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Serve warm, garnished with extra black pepper, fresh parsley and fresh basil.
Nutrition
- Calories: 297.63kcal
- Fat: 12.87g
- Saturated Fat: 3.16g
- Trans Fat: 0.05g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 6.38g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.37g
- Carbohydrates: 28.89g
- Fiber: 2.69g
- Sugar: 5.49g
- Protein: 16.45g
- Cholesterol: 51.31mg
- Sodium: 802.10mg
- Calcium: 71.07mg
- Potassium: 531.25mg
- Iron: 2.77mg
- Vitamin A: 176.97µg
- Vitamin C: 11.07mg
Pro Tip for Enhancing the Flavor of Chicken Noodle Soup
To enhance the flavor of your chicken noodle soup, consider roasting the garlic cloves before adding them to the soup. Simply wrap the garlic in aluminum foil with a drizzle of olive oil and roast at 400°F for about 20 minutes. This will give the garlic a sweet, caramelized flavor that adds depth to the soup.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Herb-Loaded Chicken Noodle Soup
Prep ingredients ahead: Chop the onion, carrots, and celery in advance and store them in the fridge.
Use rotisserie chicken: Save time by using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken instead of cooking your own.
Pre-measure herbs: Measure out the rosemary, thyme, and sage before you start cooking.
Quick garlic prep: Use a garlic press to quickly mince the garlic cloves.
One-pot method: Cook everything in one large stockpot to minimize cleanup time.
Substitute Ingredients For Herb-Loaded Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
olive oil - Substitute with canola oil: Canola oil has a neutral flavor and similar cooking properties.
white onion - Substitute with yellow onion: Yellow onions have a similar texture and slightly sweeter flavor.
carrots - Substitute with parsnips: Parsnips have a similar texture and a slightly sweeter, earthier flavor.
celery - Substitute with fennel: Fennel provides a similar crunch and a mild anise flavor.
garlic cloves - Substitute with garlic powder: Use 1/8 teaspoon of garlic powder per clove for a similar flavor.
chicken stock - Substitute with vegetable stock: Vegetable stock provides a similar base flavor for the soup.
rosemary sprigs - Substitute with dried rosemary: Use 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary per sprig for a similar flavor.
thyme sprigs - Substitute with dried thyme: Use 1 teaspoon of dried thyme per sprig for a similar flavor.
sage sprig - Substitute with dried sage: Use 1/2 teaspoon of dried sage per sprig for a similar flavor.
wide egg noodles - Substitute with fettuccine: Fettuccine has a similar texture and width.
chicken - Substitute with turkey: Turkey provides a similar texture and flavor.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds a similar salty flavor with additional umami.
pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper provides a similar heat and flavor.
fresh parsley - Substitute with cilantro: Cilantro provides a fresh, herbaceous flavor.
fresh basil - Substitute with fresh oregano: Fresh oregano provides a similar aromatic and slightly peppery flavor.
Presentation Tips for a Delicious Chicken Noodle Soup
Use a pristine white bowl: Choose a high-quality, deep white bowl to make the vibrant colors of the herb-loaded chicken noodle soup pop.
Layer the ingredients: Start by placing a small mound of egg noodles in the center of the bowl. Arrange the chicken pieces around the noodles for a balanced look.
Add the broth carefully: Gently ladle the chicken stock with the carrots, celery, and onion around the noodles and chicken, ensuring an even distribution of ingredients.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Finely chop the fresh parsley and fresh basil, then sprinkle them generously over the top of the soup. This adds a burst of color and freshness.
Finish with a drizzle of olive oil: Just before serving, drizzle a small amount of olive oil over the soup to enhance the flavor and give it a glossy finish.
Serve with a side of crusty bread: Accompany the soup with a slice of warm, crusty bread on a separate plate to complement the dish and provide a textural contrast.
Add a touch of black pepper: Grind fresh black pepper over the top of the soup for a final touch of seasoning and visual appeal.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Herb-Loaded Chicken Noodle Soup
Large stockpot: Essential for cooking the soup, allowing ample space for all ingredients to simmer together.
Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring the vegetables and soup without scratching the pot.
Chef's knife: Necessary for chopping the onion, carrots, celery, garlic, and herbs.
Cutting board: Provides a safe and clean surface for chopping all the vegetables and herbs.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure the olive oil accurately.
Measuring cups: Useful for measuring the chicken stock and other ingredients.
Ladle: Perfect for serving the soup into bowls.
Tongs: Handy for removing the herb sprigs from the soup before serving.
Garlic press: Optional, but can be used to mince the garlic cloves quickly.
Soup bowls: For serving the finished soup.
Pepper grinder: To freshly grind black pepper for seasoning the soup.
Herb scissors: Useful for finely chopping fresh parsley and basil for garnish.
Storing and Freezing Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
- To store leftover herb-loaded chicken noodle soup, allow it to cool completely to room temperature. Transfer the soup to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
- When reheating refrigerated soup, bring it to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed, and add a splash of water or chicken stock if the soup has thickened too much.
- For longer storage, you can freeze the soup for up to 2-3 months. To freeze, let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, leaving some space at the top for expansion. Label the containers with the date and contents.
- To thaw frozen soup, place it in the refrigerator overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave. Reheat the thawed soup in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches a simmer. Adjust the seasoning and consistency as needed.
- If you plan to freeze the soup, it's best to cook the egg noodles separately and add them to the soup when reheating. This prevents the noodles from becoming mushy during the freezing and thawing process.
- Alternatively, you can freeze the soup without the noodles and add freshly cooked noodles when you reheat the soup. This ensures the best texture for the noodles.
How to Reheat Leftover Chicken Noodle Soup
To reheat leftover herb-loaded chicken noodle soup, start by transferring the desired portion into a microwave-safe bowl. Cover the bowl with a damp paper towel to prevent the soup from drying out during the reheating process. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the soup is heated through and steaming.
For a stovetop method, pour the leftover soup into a saucepan and heat it over medium-low heat. Stir the soup gently and frequently to ensure even heating and to prevent the noodles from sticking to the bottom of the pan. Heat the soup until it reaches your desired temperature, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
If you find that the noodles have absorbed much of the broth during storage, you can add a splash of chicken stock or water to the soup while reheating to achieve your preferred consistency. This will also help to revitalize the flavors of the herbs and vegetables.
To maintain the best texture of the noodles, avoid reheating the soup for too long or at too high a temperature, as this can cause the noodles to become mushy and overcooked. If you're reheating a large batch of soup, you may want to reheat it in smaller portions to ensure optimal texture and flavor.
Lastly, before serving the reheated soup, taste it and adjust the seasoning if needed. You may want to add a pinch of salt, pepper, or even a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten up the flavors. Garnish with fresh parsley and basil for a burst of freshness, and enjoy your perfectly reheated herb-loaded chicken noodle soup!
Interesting Trivia About Chicken Noodle Soup
A random fact about this recipe is that the combination of fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and sage not only enhances the flavor but also provides numerous health benefits, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Is Making Herb-Loaded Chicken Noodle Soup at Home Cost-Effective?
This herb-loaded chicken noodle soup recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. Utilizing basic vegetables like onion, carrots, and celery, along with pantry staples such as garlic and chicken stock, keeps costs low. Fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, sage, parsley, and basil add flavor without breaking the bank. The main protein, chicken, and egg noodles are also affordable. Overall Verdict: 8/10. Approximate cost: $15-$20 for a household of 4 people.
Is This Chicken Noodle Soup Healthy?
This herb-loaded chicken noodle soup recipe is a nutritious and comforting dish that offers several health benefits. The combination of vegetables, lean protein, and herbs provides a balanced meal rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. The chicken stock is a good source of protein and helps to boost the immune system, while the vegetables provide essential nutrients and fiber. The herbs, such as rosemary, thyme, sage, parsley, and basil, add flavor and have anti-inflammatory properties.
However, there are a few aspects of the recipe that could be improved to make it even healthier:
- Use whole grain egg noodles instead of regular egg noodles to increase the fiber content and provide more complex carbohydrates
- Reduce the amount of salt used in the recipe or opt for low-sodium chicken stock to help control sodium intake
- Include additional vegetables, such as spinach or kale, to boost the nutrient content and add more color to the dish
- Use skinless chicken breast to reduce the fat content and keep the soup lean
- Consider using a combination of olive oil and a healthier cooking oil, such as avocado oil, to increase the monounsaturated fat content
By incorporating these suggestions, the herb-loaded chicken noodle soup can become an even more nutritious and well-rounded meal that supports overall health and well-being.
Editor's Opinion on This Flavorful Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
This herb-loaded chicken noodle soup recipe is a delightful blend of fresh ingredients and aromatic herbs. The combination of rosemary, thyme, and sage infuses the broth with a deep, comforting flavor, while the fresh parsley and basil add a vibrant finish. The use of wide egg noodles and tender chicken makes it hearty and satisfying. The step-by-step instructions are clear and easy to follow, ensuring a successful dish even for novice cooks. Overall, it's a nourishing and flavorful soup perfect for any season.
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Why trust this Herb-Loaded Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe:
This herb-loaded chicken noodle soup recipe is a must-try because it combines the comforting flavors of chicken stock and egg noodles with the aromatic goodness of fresh rosemary, thyme, and sage. The addition of garlic, parsley, and basil elevates the dish, making it both hearty and refreshing. This recipe has been meticulously crafted to ensure a perfect balance of flavors, making it a reliable choice for a delicious and satisfying meal.
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