Craving that warm, comforting hug of a bowl of Panera Bread's famous Chicken Noodle Soup? Forget the drive-through; today, we're making this delicious, healthy meal right in your own kitchen! This easy recipe delivers all the familiar flavors you love, without the hefty price tag or long wait times. Get ready to experience the joy of homemade cooking with this incredibly satisfying and surprisingly simple recipe. This is one of the best recipes for a quick and healthy weeknight dinner, perfect for chilly evenings.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 8 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut!)
- 1 cup egg noodles
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
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Sauté the vegetables: 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. This step builds a flavorful base for your soup.
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Add the broth and seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth, add the thyme and rosemary, and bring the mixture to a boil. Season generously with salt and pepper.
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Cook the noodles: Add the egg noodles to the boiling broth and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook according to package directions, usually about 8-10 minutes, or until the noodles are tender but not mushy.
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Stir in the chicken: Gently stir in the shredded chicken. Let the soup simmer for another 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
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Serve and enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. This delicious and healthy meal is ready to be enjoyed!
Tips for the Best Panera-Style Chicken Noodle Soup:
- Use fresh herbs: If you have fresh thyme and rosemary on hand, use about 1 tablespoon of each, chopped finely. Fresh herbs add a vibrant layer of flavor that dried herbs simply can't match.
- Don't overcook the noodles: Overcooked noodles will turn mushy and ruin the texture of your soup. Cook them just until they're tender but still have a slight bite.
- Adjust the seasonings to your taste: Taste the soup before serving and adjust the salt, pepper, and herbs to your preference. A little extra lemon juice can brighten up the flavors.
- Make it a meal prep staple: This soup is perfect for meal prepping. Make a large batch on the weekend and enjoy it throughout the week for a quick and easy healthy meal.
Variations:
- Add other vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like diced potatoes, green beans, or peas.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Make it creamy: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or milk at the end for a richer, creamier soup.
- Use different noodles: Experiment with different types of noodles, such as ditalini or small shells.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Protein: 20-25g
- Fat: 5-7g
- Carbohydrates: 30-35g
This easy chicken noodle soup recipe is a fantastic addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas. It’s a delicious dish, perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend lunch. Enjoy the warmth and flavor of this homemade comfort food!