Ingredients:

  • 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 medium carrots, sliced
  • 2 celery stalks, sliced
  • 8 cups chicken broth
  • 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
  • 2 cups egg noodles (or your favorite pasta)

Optional Toppings:

  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp dried parsley (or 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 bay leaf (optional)

Instructions:

1. Sauté the Aromatics:

  1. Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat.
  2. Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.

2. Add the Broth:

  1. Pour in the chicken broth and add the bay leaf, thyme, and parsley. Bring to a boil.

3. Cook the Noodles:

  1. Add the egg noodles to the boiling soup. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook until the noodles are tender, about 8-10 minutes.

4. Add the Chicken:

  1. Stir in the cooked shredded chicken and let it warm through, about 2-3 minutes.
  2. Remove the bay leaf if used.

5. Season and Serve:

  1. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed.
  2. Serve hot with fresh parsley as garnish and a side of crusty bread.

Tips:

  • For extra flavor, simmer the soup with a Parmesan rind or add a splash of lemon juice before serving.
  • This soup can be made in advance; just cook the noodles separately and add them when reheating to avoid overcooking.