“Yup, everything is going to be okay.” Those comforting words, uttered by Ree Drummond herself on The Pioneer Woman, right after her first spoonful of this unique soup, instantly piqued my interest. I was on the hunt for the ultimate comfort food as winter lingered, and a recent episode focusing on “Childhood Comfort Classics” seemed like the perfect place to find inspiration. Amongst the heartwarming dishes, one stood out, calling to my nostalgic cravings: Ree Drummond’s Retro Noodle Soup, a twist on classic chicken noodle soup.
Childhood Bowls of Comfort: My Chicken Noodle Soup Story
Like Ree, my memories are intertwined with chicken noodle soup. Growing up, it was the quintessential remedy for everything from snowy day chills after building snow forts to the dreariness of sick days home from school. My mom had two versions: a cherished homemade recipe featuring Grandma’s chewy egg noodles – similar to this beloved homemade chicken noodle soup recipe – and the reliable standby, canned chicken noodle soup. Even the canned version, paired with salty crackers, held the power to make everything feel a little bit better.
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Image alt text: Heartwarming bowl of homemade chicken noodle soup, a classic comfort food.
Ree Drummond’s Retro Noodle Soup: The Chicken-Less Revelation
It turns out Ree Drummond shares a similar childhood experience, but with a twist. As the Food Network team explains when introducing her Retro Noodle Soup recipe, “As a girl, Ree used to love canned chicken noodle soup, but she would always leave behind the chicken.” Her homemade version cleverly captures the essence of that nostalgic soup, focusing on flavor without the meat. Using chicken bouillon to deliver that familiar chicken-y taste and swapping traditional noodles for linguine, Ree created her perfect comfort food.
Initially, the idea of a chicken noodle soup without chicken seemed… unconventional. However, reflecting on my own fondness for canned soup, I realized the chicken was never the main attraction. It was the comforting broth, those slippery noodles, and the soft, buttery carrot slices that truly resonated with me. And judging by the rave reviews of Ree’s Retro Noodle Soup – boasting a five-star rating and comments like “best no-chicken chicken noodle soup ever” and “truly healing” – many others felt the same way. The recipe’s quick 25-minute cook time and small-batch, two-serving yield further convinced me: I had to try this Pioneer Woman Chicken And Noodle Soup recipe.
Making Pioneer Woman Chicken and Noodle Soup: A Simple Recipe
Ree Drummond’s Retro Noodle Soup recipe is surprisingly straightforward, relying on pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients to create a deeply flavorful and comforting bowl. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need and how to make it:
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
- Kosher salt to taste
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 2 tablespoons cold salted butter
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Image alt text: Fresh ingredients for Pioneer Woman’s chicken and noodle soup recipe preparation.
Directions:
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a medium pot over medium-high heat. Add diced onion, sliced celery, canned carrots, and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened, stirring occasionally.
- Build the Broth: Pour in chicken stock and bring to a boil. Crumble in the chicken bouillon cube, stirring to dissolve.
- Cook the Pasta: Add linguine to the boiling broth and cook for 7-8 minutes, or until al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Finish and Season: Remove the pot from heat. Stir in black pepper, salt to taste, lemon juice, and cold butter. Stir until butter is melted and incorporated. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
My Verdict: Tasting Ree Drummond’s Chicken Noodle Soup
Ree Drummond herself questions whether this dish is “soup, or is this a pasta dish?” due to the generous amount of noodles. After making and tasting it, I can confidently say it’s both, and wonderfully so. The soup delivers on its promise of retro comfort. The broth is savory and flavorful, thanks to the bouillon, and the canned carrots melt into buttery softness, just like in my childhood memories. The linguine adds a satisfying slurpiness, and the lemon juice brightens the whole bowl, preventing it from feeling heavy.
This Pioneer Woman chicken and noodle soup recipe is a delightful twist on a classic. It’s quick, easy, and incredibly comforting. Whether you’re nostalgic for canned soup or simply seeking a flavorful and simple soup recipe, Ree Drummond’s Retro Noodle Soup is a must-try. It truly is “healing” in its comforting simplicity.
More Comforting Soup Recipes to Explore
If you’re craving more comforting soup recipes, especially noodle-based ones, you might also enjoy these other Allrecipes favorites mentioned in the original article:
- Grandma’s Chicken Noodle Soup: A classic homemade version with rich flavor.
- Copycat Chicken Noodle-O Soup: For those who love the tiny noodles of canned “O” soup.
Give Ree Drummond’s Pioneer Woman chicken and noodle soup a try and rediscover the comforting simplicity of childhood in a bowl!
