Ree Drummond, the Pioneer Woman, is known for her hearty, home-style cooking, and her take on chicken noodle soup is no exception. When Ree declared, “Yup, everything is going to be okay,” after her first taste of this recipe, you know it has to be good. This isn’t just any chicken noodle soup; it’s her Retro Noodle Soup, a comforting dish designed to evoke those nostalgic childhood feelings of warmth and care, perfect for a chilly day or when you need a little pick-me-up. Inspired by classic canned chicken noodle soup but elevated with fresh ingredients and a unique twist, this Pioneer Woman Chicken Noodles recipe is a must-try for anyone seeking ultimate comfort in a bowl.
The Nostalgic Charm of Pioneer Woman Chicken Noodles
For many, chicken noodle soup is the quintessential comfort food, a staple from childhood memories of snowy days and sick days alike. The warm, savory broth, soft noodles, and tender vegetables are soothing and satisfying. The original article’s author perfectly captures this sentiment, reminiscing about the joy of homemade chicken noodle soup made by mom, and even the comforting familiarity of canned versions. Ree Drummond taps into this very nostalgia with her Retro Noodle Soup. Interestingly, Ree admits to having picked out the chicken from canned soup as a child, focusing instead on the broth and noodles. This personal quirk led her to create a chicken noodle soup recipe that surprisingly omits the chicken altogether, while still delivering that deeply comforting, familiar flavor profile we all crave.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/26460-quick-and-easy-chicken-noodle-soup-DDMFS-4×3-sq-4570-2bb8a330545c4015a0b14504cf0c4093.jpg)
Ree Drummond’s Retro (No-Chicken!) Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
This Pioneer Woman chicken noodles recipe, officially called Retro Noodle Soup, is surprisingly simple and quick to make, ready in just about 25 minutes. It relies on a clever combination of ingredients to achieve that classic chicken noodle soup taste without any actual chicken meat. Here’s what you’ll need to recreate this comforting bowl:
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ small white onion, diced
- 2 small stalks celery, thinly sliced
- One 8 ¼-ounce can sliced carrots
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken stock
- 1 chicken bouillon cube
- 6 ounces linguine
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or more to taste
- Kosher salt to taste
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 2 tablespoons salted butter, cold
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Easy-to-Follow Directions
- Sauté the Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a medium pot over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion, sliced celery, canned carrots, and minced garlic. Stir and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften. Using canned carrots is a smart shortcut, as Ree Drummond points out, saving significant cooking time.
- Build the Broth: Pour in the chicken stock and bring it to a boil. Crumble the chicken bouillon cube into the boiling stock and stir until dissolved. This bouillon cube is key to achieving that rich chicken flavor without using actual chicken.
- Cook the Noodles: Add the linguine pasta to the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, for 7 to 8 minutes, or until the noodles are al dente. The linguine adds a satisfying slurpiness reminiscent of classic canned noodle soup.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the black pepper, kosher salt to taste, lemon juice, and cold butter. The lemon juice brightens the flavors, while the butter adds a touch of richness and silkiness to the broth. Stir until the butter is melted and incorporated. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Taste Test and Review: Pioneer Woman Chicken Noodles Comfort Factor
The result is a bowl of soup that, as Ree Drummond herself notes, might blur the lines between soup and pasta due to the generous amount of noodles. But that’s part of its charm! This Retro Noodle Soup truly captures the essence of chicken noodle soup, delivering a savory, comforting experience that warms you from the inside out. The broth is flavorful and satisfying, thanks to the chicken bouillon, and the vegetables are tender and sweet. The linguine noodles provide a hearty texture that makes it a genuinely filling and comforting meal.
Just like the original reviewer, you might find yourself reaching for saltine crackers to complete the nostalgic experience! This Pioneer Woman chicken noodles recipe is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal, a comforting lunch, or anytime you’re craving a taste of childhood comfort. It’s also a fantastic option for those who prefer a vegetarian-leaning meal while still enjoying the classic flavors of chicken noodle soup.
More Comforting Noodle Soup Recipes to Explore
If you love the comforting nature of Pioneer Woman chicken noodles and are looking for more variations, consider trying these other delicious noodle soup recipes:
- Classic Chicken Noodle Soup: For those who prefer a traditional chicken noodle soup with meat, there are countless recipes available, including the Grandma’s Chicken Noodle Soup mentioned in the original article.
- Copycat Chicken Noodle-O Soup: If you have fond memories of canned noodle soups with those tiny round noodles, the Copycat Chicken Noodle-O Soup is a fun recipe to try.
Conclusion: Embrace the Retro Comfort of Pioneer Woman Chicken Noodles
Ree Drummond’s Retro Noodle Soup is a delightful twist on classic chicken noodle soup, offering all the comforting flavors without the chicken. Easy to make, ready in minutes, and deeply satisfying, this Pioneer Woman chicken noodles recipe is a winner for anyone seeking a quick and delicious comfort food fix. Give this recipe a try and experience the nostalgic joy of a warm, comforting bowl of “chicken” noodle soup, Pioneer Woman style!
