Soup makes it all better

There’s something about chicken noodle soup that just makes everything feel better.

Whether it’s a physical ailment, emotional upset or just overall stressors of life, chicken noodle soup seems to be the fix.

Especially when it is homemade.

I am so happy that my girls actually prefer my homemade soup to that of the canned fame.  At least then I know that it is healthy and fresh and contains no unpronounceable ingredients.

I thought I’d share my pretty straightforward soup recipe – so that if there are any of you who have never made homemade chicken noodle soup you can see how easy it is and give it a go. I promise it will be worth your trouble (and it’s not really that much trouble anyway)

I usually have most of these ingredients on-hand so it is easy to whip up a batch when someone requests it.

Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup

2-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (I keep the flash frozen ones on hand all the time)
2-3 stalks of celery, chopped
~1/2 cup onion, chopped (I use the frozen, already chopped kind)
1 cup carrots, finely chopped
1 box chicken broth
2-3 cubes chicken bullion
3-4 cups water
1/2 lb pasta (I use egg noodles, bow tie, etc. whatever I have on hand)
Salt, pepper, garlic salt, onion powder to taste (Houston House Seasoning)

1. Begin by bringing the bullion, water and vegetables to a boil. Add your chicken and salt/pepper/seasonings.
   Boil on med-low heat until chicken is cooked through. (about 30-40 minutes)
2. Remove chicken and shred, returning shredded chicken to the pot.  You may need to add some broth if you have lost some water due to the boiling. (I use the broth so my flavors don’t dilute with more added water)
3. About 20 minutes before serving, toss in the pasta and cook on rapid boil.
   (Alternately, you could cook pasta separately and just add to the bowls just before serving)

If you cook your pasta in your soup, you may also have to add extra broth as the pasta will absorb quite a bit.

Serve with grilled cheese sandwiches or homemade bread for a hearty, filling and comforting meal.

Your kids will thank you. :-)