Diy comfort food: step-by-step guide to making chicken noodle soup with elbow macaroni from scratch
What To Know
- Once the macaroni is cooked, add the shredded or diced chicken meat back to the soup.
- Add a dash of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the soup for a kick.
- Whether you’re feeling under the weather or just need a warm and comforting meal, chicken noodle soup with elbow macaroni is the perfect choice.
When the weather turns chilly and you’re craving something warm and comforting, there’s nothing quite like a bowl of homemade chicken noodle soup. This classic dish is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients that can help boost your immune system and keep you feeling your best.
Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken (3-4 pounds)
- 12 cups chicken broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup elbow macaroni
Instructions:
1. Prepare the chicken: Place the whole chicken in a large stockpot or Dutch oven. Add the chicken broth, onion, carrots, celery, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil over high heat.
2. Simmer the soup: Once boiling, reduce heat to low and simmer for 1-2 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through.
3. Remove the chicken: Use a slotted spoon to remove the chicken from the soup. Let it cool slightly, then shred or dice the meat.
4. Strain the soup: Pour the soup through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean pot. Discard the solids.
5. Add the macaroni: Bring the soup back to a boil and add the elbow macaroni. Cook according to package directions, stirring occasionally.
6. Add the chicken meat: Once the macaroni is cooked, add the shredded or diced chicken meat back to the soup.
7. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy!
Tips for the Perfect Chicken Noodle Soup:
- Use a whole chicken: Using a whole chicken will give your soup a richer flavor than using pre-cut chicken pieces.
- Don’t overcook the chicken: Overcooked chicken will become tough and dry. Simmer the soup just until the chicken is cooked through.
- Add vegetables of your choice: Feel free to add other vegetables to your soup, such as green beans, peas, or potatoes.
- Make it ahead of time: Chicken noodle soup can be made ahead of time and reheated when you’re ready to eat. It will actually taste even better the next day!
- Freeze for later: Chicken noodle soup can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Just let it cool completely before freezing.
Benefits of Chicken Noodle Soup:
- Boosts the immune system: Chicken noodle soup is rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals that can help boost your immune system and fight off infection.
- Reduces inflammation: The warm broth in chicken noodle soup can help reduce inflammation throughout the body.
- Provides hydration: Chicken noodle soup is a great way to stay hydrated, especially when you’re sick.
- Soothes sore throats: The warm broth and steam from chicken noodle soup can help soothe sore throats and nasal congestion.
- Promotes digestion: The electrolytes in chicken noodle soup can help replenish lost fluids and promote digestion.
Variations on Chicken Noodle Soup:
- Vegetarian chicken noodle soup: Omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead.
- Gluten-free chicken noodle soup: Use gluten-free pasta or rice instead of elbow macaroni.
- Spicy chicken noodle soup: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the soup for a kick.
- Creamy chicken noodle soup: Add 1 cup of heavy cream or milk to the soup for a richer flavor.
- Asian-inspired chicken noodle soup: Add soy sauce, ginger, and garlic to the soup for an Asian-inspired twist.
The Perfect Comfort Food
Whether you’re feeling under the weather or just need a warm and comforting meal, chicken noodle soup with elbow macaroni is the perfect choice. It’s easy to make, packed with nutrients, and always a crowd-pleaser. So next time you’re craving something comforting, give this classic recipe a try!
Common Questions and Answers
Q: Can I use pre-cooked chicken in my soup?
A: Yes, you can use pre-cooked chicken to save time. Just add it to the soup towards the end of the cooking process.
Q: How long can I store chicken noodle soup in the refrigerator?
A: Chicken noodle soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Q: How can I make my chicken noodle soup more flavorful?
A: There are several ways to make your chicken noodle soup more flavorful. You can add more vegetables, herbs, and spices. You can also use a richer chicken broth or add a dash of white wine.
