The Ultimate Comfort Bowl

*Hello, wonderful readers! I’m thrilled to welcome one of my dearest blog friends, Aimee, from Like Mother Like Daughter, to Dessert Now, Dinner Later today. With the chilly weather upon us, her incredible recipe for a comforting yet healthy Chicken Noodle Soup is exactly what we need to warm up from the inside out. Get ready to indulge in pure deliciousness! ~Amber

Hi everyone! It’s Aimee here, stopping by from Like Mother Like Daughter, and I’m absolutely delighted to be back on Amber’s blog, Dessert Now, Dinner Later, especially for her “Healthy Food, Healthy You” month! My last visit involved a delightful, easy no-bake cheesecake, which, while delicious, wasn’t exactly categorized as a health food. If you’ve ever peeked at my blog, you’d quickly discover my not-so-secret love for all things sweet, which means eating healthy meals every single day is a goal I constantly strive for, but sometimes my sweet tooth definitely wins!

This time, my journey towards healthier eating has taken on an even more significant meaning. I’m currently expecting my first child, and more than ever, I am deeply committed to ensuring that everything I consume contributes positively to my well-being and, most importantly, to my baby’s health. This means focusing diligently on incorporating all the essential vitamins and nutrients into my diet to support a healthy pregnancy and a thriving little one.

Embracing Healthy Comfort Food: Wholesome Chicken Noodle Soup

As a soon-to-be mama, I’ve found myself craving those classic, soul-satisfying comfort foods more than ever. The good news is that opting for a healthy dinner doesn’t mean we have to bid farewell to our beloved comfort meals. This Chicken Noodle Soup recipe beautifully blends the comforting warmth we all crave with a powerhouse of nutrition, proving that you can absolutely have the best of both worlds!

Soups, especially those wonderfully brothy and non-creamy varieties, are a fantastic choice for a nourishing meal. They are naturally hydrating, often packed with vegetables, and can be incredibly satisfying. This particular Chicken (or Turkey) Noodle Soup is brimming with vibrant veggies, offering a delicious way to boost your daily nutrient intake. I personally used some delicious leftover smoked turkey for my batch, which added an incredible depth of flavor, but shredded chicken works absolutely fabulously too, making this recipe incredibly versatile and perfect for using up leftovers.

Why This Chicken Noodle Soup is Your Next Healthy Obsession

What makes this soup truly special isn’t just its comforting embrace, but also its simplicity and nutritional value. In a world often filled with overly processed foods, this homemade soup brings a breath of fresh air, made with wholesome ingredients you can trust. It’s an ideal dish for a busy weeknight, a cozy weekend, or whenever you need a boost of warmth and goodness. The combination of lean protein from chicken or turkey, essential vitamins from the array of vegetables, and hydrating broth makes it a well-rounded meal that supports overall health and wellness.

Nutritional Powerhouse in Every Spoonful

• Vibrant Vegetables: Carrots, celery, and onions form the classic aromatic base, known as mirepoix, which not only provides a foundational flavor but also a significant dose of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Carrots are rich in Vitamin A, crucial for vision and immune function, while celery offers Vitamin K and fiber. Onions contribute to heart health and contain powerful antioxidants.
• Lean Protein: Whether you choose chicken or turkey, you’re getting a lean source of protein essential for muscle repair, energy, and satiety. Using shredded cooked meat makes this soup even quicker to prepare, perfect for utilizing Sunday roast leftovers.
• Hydrating Broth: The generous amount of water and low-sodium chicken bouillon creates a deeply flavorful broth that keeps you hydrated, especially important during colder months or when feeling under the weather. The warmth of the broth is incredibly soothing and helps clear congestion.
• Hearty Noodles: Egg noodles add a comforting texture and provide readily available carbohydrates for sustained energy. They make the soup feel substantial and satisfying, turning a simple broth into a complete meal.

The Versatility of Your Soup Pot

One of the best aspects of this chicken noodle soup is how easily it can be adapted to your preferences and what you have on hand. Don’t have smoked turkey? No problem! Cooked chicken breast, rotisserie chicken, or even leftover shredded chicken will work perfectly. Feel free to adjust the vegetable quantities based on your liking. You could even add other vegetables like peas, corn, or green beans towards the end of the cooking process for extra color and nutrients. The aim is to create a nourishing meal that everyone at your table will love.

Looking for more soul-warming meal ideas? Here are some of my other favorite healthy and comforting soup recipes:

• Hearty Black Bean Soup
• Slow Cooker Beef Stew
• Flavorful Chicken Curry Soup

Wholesome & Heartwarming Chicken Noodle Soup

Created by Amber Brady (Recipe Contributor: Aimee from Like Mother Like Daughter)

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Yields10 Servings

Ingredients

• 1 cup celery, chopped
• 1 cup carrots, chopped
• ½ cup onion, chopped
• 10-12 cups water
• 3 Tbsp low sodium chicken bouillon
• ¼ tsp ground black pepper
• ½ Tbsp Italian seasoning
• 2 bay leaves
• 3 cups cooked chicken or turkey, shredded
• 8 oz egg noodles
• 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour

Instructions

1. Combine the chopped celery, carrots, onion, water, low-sodium chicken bouillon, ground black pepper, Italian seasoning, and bay leaves in a large pot.
2. Heat the mixture over medium-high heat until it reaches a rolling boil.
3. Once boiling, reduce the heat slightly to maintain a gentle simmer. Allow the vegetables to cook for approximately 25 minutes, or until tender. (If your chicken or turkey is uncooked, you could add it at this stage to cook thoroughly in the broth).
4. Add the shredded cooked chicken or turkey and the egg noodles to the simmering soup.
5. Continue to cook for about 10 minutes, or according to the package directions for your specific egg noodles, until they are tender.
6. Carefully remove and discard the bay leaves from the pot.
7. In a small separate bowl, whisk together the 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour with 3 tablespoons of cold water until a smooth paste forms. This is your thickening agent.
8. Gradually stir the flour paste into the simmering soup. Allow the soup to cook for another couple of minutes, stirring occasionally, until the broth has slightly thickened to your desired consistency.
9. Serve this delightful Chicken Noodle Soup hot off the stove. It pairs wonderfully with a small side of crusty bread or your favorite crackers. Enjoy!

Notes

This fantastic recipe was contributed by Aimee from Like Mother Like Daughter.

Pro Tip: For an even richer flavor, you can sauté the carrots, celery, and onion in a tablespoon of olive oil before adding the water and bouillon. This step helps to deepen their flavor before simmering.

Storage: Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If the noodles absorb too much broth, you can add a little more chicken broth or water when reheating.

Disclaimer: Nutritional values are an estimation calculated using a third-party tool and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods. They are provided for informational purposes only.

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Did you make this comforting soup?

We’d love to hear from you! Don’t forget to leave a rating and comment below to share your experience. For more delicious and wholesome recipes, make sure to follow us on Pinterest and Instagram!

Beyond the Bowl: Tips for a Healthier Lifestyle

While this Chicken Noodle Soup is a fantastic step towards healthier eating, remember that a balanced lifestyle is key. Incorporating a variety of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains into your daily diet will provide comprehensive nutrition. Listen to your body’s cravings, but also find ways to satisfy them with nourishing alternatives, just like this healthy take on a classic comfort food. For expectant mothers, consulting with a healthcare professional or a registered dietitian can provide personalized dietary advice tailored to your specific needs.

A Final Note from Aimee

I truly hope this healthy and delicious Chicken Noodle Soup brings as much comfort and nourishment to your table as it does to mine. It’s a testament that healthy eating can be incredibly satisfying and full of flavor. Thank you, Amber, for having me again on your wonderful blog! To all the readers, whether you’re pregnant, a busy parent, or simply looking for a wholesome meal, give this recipe a try. You won’t be disappointed!