“Yup, everything is going to be okay.” Those were the words that sparked my interest in this recipe, uttered by Ree Drummond herself on The Pioneer Woman. Her massive smile after the first spoonful of her Retro Noodle Soup promised something special, a comforting dish that resonated with childhood memories. Intrigued, I decided to explore this chicken-less take on a classic comfort food, perfect for a chilly day craving warmth and nostalgia.
Like many, chicken noodle soup was a staple of my childhood. Whether battling winter colds or simply seeking solace after a day of snowy adventures, a bowl of chicken noodle soup, especially my Mom’s homemade version with those chewy egg noodles reminiscent of Grandma’s Noodles, was the ultimate comfort. Even the canned variety, paired with saltine crackers, held a nostalgic charm, a simple yet satisfying meal that made everything feel a little bit better.
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The Pioneer Woman’s Twist: Chicken Noodle Soup Without the Chicken
Ree Drummond’s Retro Noodle Soup offers a surprising twist on this classic: it’s entirely chicken-free. As the Food Network team explains, “As a girl, Ree used to love canned chicken noodle soup, but she would always leave behind the chicken.” This recipe, officially titled Retro Noodle Soup, captures the essence of that nostalgic flavor, focusing on the savory broth and comforting noodles, enhanced with a clever use of bouillon for that signature chicken-y depth.
Initially, the absence of chicken might seem unconventional for a chicken noodle soup. However, reflecting on those childhood bowls, the real appeal wasn’t always the chicken itself. It was the delightful slurp of the noodles, the steaming, flavorful broth, and those soft, buttery carrot coins that were undeniably the stars. Ree Drummond seems to understand this perfectly, crafting a soup that prioritizes these comforting elements.
The recipe’s popularity speaks for itself. Drummond’s Retro Noodle Soup boasts a five-star rating and glowing reviews, with home cooks praising its ease and comforting taste. One reviewer noted its “healing” quality when sick, while another highlighted its nostalgic resemblance to the canned soup of their childhood. These testimonials, combined with the recipe’s quick 25-minute preparation time, were more than enough to convince me to try this unique take on chicken noodle soup. And with a recipe designed for just two servings, it was perfectly suited for a cozy meal for one.
Crafting Your Own Bowl of Pioneer Woman Retro Noodle Soup
Ready to experience this comforting, chicken-less wonder? Here’s how to make Ree Drummond’s Retro Noodle Soup at home:
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
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons cold salted butter
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Step-by-Step 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. Drummond specifically uses canned carrots to “really speed up the soup” as fresh carrots can take longer to cook.
- Build the Broth: Pour in the chicken stock and bring the mixture to a boil. Add the chicken bouillon cube, lightly crumbling it as you add it, to infuse the broth with rich chicken flavor.
- Cook the Pasta: Stir in the linguine pasta. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are al dente, about 7 to 8 minutes.
- Finish and Season: Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the black pepper, salt to taste, lemon juice (“to brighten things up,” according to Drummond), and cold butter (“to add a little bit of richness”). Stir until the butter is melted and incorporated.
- Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving for a touch of freshness.
My Verdict: Pioneer Woman’s Retro Noodle Soup Delivers Comfort
Ree Drummond herself playfully questions whether this dish is “soup, or is this a pasta dish?” After trying it myself, I can confidently say it masterfully blends both worlds, creating a truly satisfying and comforting bowl. The abundance of noodles certainly gives it a hearty, pasta-like feel, while the savory, flavorful broth and familiar vegetables firmly root it in the chicken noodle soup family.
Paired with saltine crackers, just like my childhood memories, this Retro Noodle Soup was a delightful experience. It’s quick, easy to make, and delivers on the promise of comforting, nostalgic flavors. If you’re seeking a warm, satisfying meal that echoes the simplicity and comfort of classic chicken noodle soup, but with a unique chicken-less twist, The Pioneer Woman’s Retro Noodle Soup recipe is definitely worth trying. For more comforting soup ideas, you might also enjoy Grandma’s Chicken Noodle Soup or Copycat Chicken Noodle-O Soup.
