Craving a comforting bowl of flavorful chicken noodle soup? Forget the bland, watery versions you might find elsewhere. This recipe brings you the delicious, savory depth of flavor reminiscent of P.F. Chang's, but with the ease and convenience of homemade cooking. It's a perfect quick dinner idea, a healthy meal for the whole family, and a delicious dish that’s surprisingly simple to make. Let's dive into this easy recipe!
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 8 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works perfectly!)
- 1 cup egg noodles
- 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, peeled and minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon ground white pepper
- Salt to taste
- Optional garnishes: green onions, cilantro, a squeeze of lime
Instructions:
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Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning. This step builds the base flavor of your soup.
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Add Flavor Boosters: Stir in the minced garlic and ginger. Cook for another minute until fragrant. This enhances the overall taste profile, making it richer and more complex.
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Simmer the Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
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Cook the Noodles: Add the egg noodles to the simmering broth and cook according to package directions, usually around 8-10 minutes, or until tender.
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Stir in Chicken and Seasonings: Gently stir in the shredded chicken, soy sauce, sesame oil, and white pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt as needed.
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Wilt the Spinach: Add the spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until wilted.
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Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with green onions, cilantro, or a squeeze of lime, if desired. This simple garnish adds a fresh, vibrant touch.
Cooking Tips for the Best Results:
- Use high-quality broth: The better your broth, the better your soup will taste. Look for low-sodium options to control the salt content.
- Don't overcook the noodles: Overcooked noodles can become mushy. Follow package directions carefully.
- Adjust seasonings to your liking: Taste and adjust the soy sauce, sesame oil, and salt to your preference.
Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Add other vegetables: Mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers would be delicious additions.
- Use different noodles: Try using rice noodles or even udon noodles for a different texture.
- Make it a hearty soup: Add cooked chicken meatballs or dumplings for a heartier meal.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the specific ingredients used, but a general estimate is around 300-350 calories, with moderate protein and relatively low fat. This is a great healthy meal choice!
This easy and delicious P.F. Chang's inspired chicken noodle soup recipe is a perfect addition to your collection of best recipes. It's a comforting and flavorful meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!