Chicken noodle soup is a timeless comfort food, evoking memories of childhood and providing warmth on chilly days. For many, it’s a go-to dish when feeling under the weather or simply craving something familiar and satisfying. Ree Drummond, the Pioneer Woman, offers her unique take on this classic with her “Retro Noodle Soup” recipe, a chicken-less version that surprisingly captures the essence of traditional chicken noodle soup while offering a delightful twist. This recipe has garnered rave reviews and promises a quick, easy, and deeply comforting bowl of soup. Let’s delve into what makes Pioneer Woman chicken noodle soup a must-try.
Ree Drummond’s Unique Take on Chicken Noodle Soup: The Retro Noodle Soup
Ree Drummond’s recipe, officially named “Retro Noodle Soup,” stands out because of its intentional omission of chicken. Interestingly, this chicken-less approach is rooted in Ree’s own childhood preference. As shared by the Food Network, Ree herself used to pick out the chicken from canned chicken noodle soup, focusing instead on the broth, noodles, and vegetables. This nostalgic preference led to the creation of her Retro Noodle Soup, which prioritizes the savory broth flavor, achieved through chicken bouillon, and features tender noodles and vegetables, mirroring the beloved canned soup experience without the meat.
Why Chicken-Less? Exploring the Retro Noodle Soup Concept
The genius of Pioneer Woman chicken noodle soup lies in its ability to deliver the comforting flavors of classic chicken noodle soup even without actual chicken meat. The recipe cleverly uses chicken bouillon cubes to build a rich and savory chicken-flavored broth. This approach caters to those who might prefer a lighter soup or are simply looking for a quicker cooking time, as it eliminates the step of cooking and shredding chicken. The focus shifts to the quality of the broth, the perfectly cooked noodles, and the soft, flavorful vegetables, creating a soup that is both nostalgic and surprisingly satisfying. Many reviewers have noted how this soup beautifully replicates the taste of the canned chicken noodle soup they grew up with, making it a comforting trip down memory lane in a homemade bowl.
Making Pioneer Woman Chicken Noodle Soup at Home: Recipe Breakdown
Creating Pioneer Woman chicken noodle soup is remarkably straightforward, making it perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a comforting weekend lunch. The recipe emphasizes ease and speed, utilizing canned carrots and simple pantry staples to bring this soup together in about 25 minutes. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need and how to make it.
Ingredients List
- 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 as needed
- Kosher salt to taste
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 2 tablespoons salted butter, cold
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Step-by-Step Directions
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Sauté the Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a medium pot over medium-high heat. Add diced onion, sliced celery, canned carrots, and minced garlic. Stir and cook for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften. Canned carrots are used for convenience and to speed up the cooking process as mentioned by Drummond.
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Build the Broth: Pour in the chicken stock and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add the chicken bouillon cube, breaking it up slightly as you add it to ensure it dissolves evenly into the broth.
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Cook the Noodles: Add the linguine pasta to the boiling broth. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 7-8 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked al dente.
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Finish and Season: Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in black pepper, salt (to taste), lemon juice, and cold butter. The lemon juice brightens the flavors, and the cold butter adds a touch of richness to the soup. Stir until the butter is melted and incorporated. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
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Garnish and Serve: Ladle the Pioneer Woman chicken noodle soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy this comforting and flavorful soup!
Alt text: A warm and inviting bowl of Pioneer Woman Chicken Noodle Soup, garnished with fresh parsley, showcasing the comforting and classic appeal of this easy-to-make recipe.
Taste Test & Review: Pioneer Woman’s Chicken Noodle Soup – Comfort in a Bowl
The final result of Pioneer Woman chicken noodle soup is a bowl of pure comfort. As Ree Drummond herself notes, the abundance of noodles might make you question if it’s soup or pasta, and it delightfully lands somewhere in between, embracing the best of both worlds. The broth is savory and flavorful, thanks to the bouillon, and the vegetables are tender and sweet. The linguine noodles provide a satisfying slurp, perfectly complementing the overall comforting texture. The hint of lemon juice at the end adds a welcome brightness, preventing the soup from feeling too heavy and enhancing the other flavors.
For anyone seeking a quick, easy, and deeply satisfying bowl of chicken noodle soup – especially one that evokes nostalgic memories of childhood comfort food – Pioneer Woman chicken noodle soup is an excellent choice. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients and smart techniques can create a truly exceptional and heartwarming dish.
In conclusion, Ree Drummond’s Retro Noodle Soup is a winner. It’s a fantastic rendition of chicken noodle soup that is both easy to make and incredibly comforting to eat. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Pioneer Woman recipes or simply searching for a delicious and quick soup recipe, this chicken-less wonder is sure to become a new favorite, perfect for chasing away chills and bringing smiles to faces.
