What's For Dinner: Chicken Noodle Soup

February often ushers in a particular kind of quiet. The bustling energy of the holidays has settled, and the vibrant burst of spring is still a gentle promise on the horizon. In these in-between days, when the world outside feels a little hushed, there's a profound invitation to slow down, to breathe, and to find comfort in the simplest of things. For me, that often means turning to the kitchen. There’s a unique grace in preparing something warm and nourishing, a quiet act of care for oneself or for those we hold dear. It’s not about grand gestures, but about the small, intentional moments that stitch together a life of gratitude. This time of year, when the daylight is still making its gentle return, a steaming bowl of Chicken Noodle Soup isn't just a meal; it's a hug in liquid form, a gentle reminder that even in stillness, there's always warmth to be found. It offers a moment to simply *be*, to savor the present, and to feel thankful for the simple blessings of a warm home and good food.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large chicken breast, cooked and shredded (or about 2 cups of leftover rotisserie chicken)
• 1 large carrot, peeled and diced
• 1 stalk celery, diced
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 8 cups chicken broth (low sodium, if preferred)
• 1 cup egg noodles
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced carrot, celery, and onion. Sauté gently for 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables begin to soften and release their lovely aromas. This is a gentle start, allowing the flavors to build a steady foundation.
2. Pour in the chicken broth and stir in the dried thyme. Bring the mixture to a low, gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the vegetables to become tender and the flavors to truly meld into a comforting base.
3. Stir in the shredded cooked chicken and the egg noodles. Continue to simmer until the noodles are tender to your liking, usually 8-10 minutes, depending on the type of noodle. Watch them closely; we want them just right.
4. Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as needed. Remember that broth can vary in its initial saltiness, so adjust to your preference.
5. Ladle the warm soup into bowls. If you wish, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for a touch of green. Serve with a grateful heart and perhaps a quiet moment of reflection.

In these quieter months, finding solace in simple, heartfelt gestures feels especially important. This soup, for me, embodies that. It’s a pause, a moment of warmth, and a reminder of the quiet blessings that surround us even when the world is bustling elsewhere. What are some of the simple, comforting things that bring you peace and gratitude in this season of reflective stillness?

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Photo by Natalia Gusakova on Unsplash

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