Ree Drummond, The Pioneer Woman, is known for her comforting and approachable recipes, and her take on chicken noodle soup is no exception. Her “Retro Noodle Soup” recipe offers a unique twist on a classic, focusing on nostalgic flavors and ease of preparation. If you’re searching for a Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe Pioneer Woman style, this one is a must-try, promising a bowl of heartwarming goodness that’s perfect for any day.
Chicken noodle soup is the quintessential comfort food, evoking memories of childhood and home-cooked meals. Whether you were feeling under the weather or simply craving something warm and satisfying, a bowl of chicken noodle soup always seemed to hit the spot. Ree Drummond understands this comforting appeal, and her recipe taps into that nostalgia while offering a simplified approach that’s perfect for busy home cooks. Interestingly, Ree’s recipe, dubbed “Retro Noodle Soup,” actually omits the chicken, a surprising choice for a dish traditionally centered around poultry.
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This isn’t a mistake; it’s a deliberate choice rooted in Ree’s own childhood memories. As the Food Network team explains, Ree loved canned chicken noodle soup as a child but would often leave the chicken behind. Her homemade version, therefore, focuses on the savory broth and comforting noodles, achieving the chicken flavor through the use of bouillon cubes rather than actual meat. This results in a quicker and arguably lighter version of chicken noodle soup, while still delivering that classic comforting taste. The star of this soup isn’t chicken, but rather the deeply flavorful broth, tender noodles, and those familiar, soft carrots, reminiscent of the canned soup many grew up enjoying.
For those hesitant about a chicken-less chicken noodle soup, reviews of Ree’s Retro Noodle Soup are overwhelmingly positive. Home cooks rave about its ease of preparation and comforting flavor, with many noting its nostalgic resemblance to canned soup. One reviewer even described it as “the best no-chicken chicken noodle soup ever,” highlighting its ability to capture the essence of the classic dish without the poultry. This recipe is particularly appealing for those seeking a quick and simple meal, ready in just about 25 minutes. The ingredient list is straightforward, likely utilizing items already in your pantry, making it an accessible option for a weeknight dinner or a comforting lunch.
Making Pioneer Woman’s Retro Noodle Soup: Ingredients and Directions
Ree Drummond’s chicken noodle soup recipe, or Retro Noodle Soup, is surprisingly simple, relying on a few key ingredients to create a flavorful and satisfying bowl. Here’s 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, or more to taste
- Kosher salt to taste
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons cold salted butter
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
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Directions:
- Begin by heating the olive oil in a medium pot over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion, sliced celery, canned carrots, and minced garlic. Sauté the vegetables, stirring occasionally, for about 2 to 3 minutes, or until they begin to soften. Using canned carrots is a time-saving tip from Ree, as they cook much faster than fresh carrots.
- Pour in the chicken stock and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, add the chicken bouillon cube, breaking it up slightly as you add it to ensure it dissolves evenly.
- Add the linguine pasta to the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are al dente, which should take approximately 7 to 8 minutes.
- Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the black pepper, salt (to taste), lemon juice, and cold butter. The lemon juice adds a touch of brightness, while the cold butter enriches the broth, creating a more luxurious texture. Stir until the butter is fully melted and incorporated.
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt or pepper to your preference.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
A Comforting Bowl of Nostalgia
Ree Drummond’s Retro Noodle Soup is more than just a quick meal; it’s a comforting bowl of nostalgia. Its simplicity and focus on classic flavors make it a winner for anyone seeking a taste of home-cooked comfort without spending hours in the kitchen. While it may stray from traditional chicken noodle soup by omitting the chicken itself, it perfectly captures the essence of what makes this soup so beloved: a savory broth, tender noodles, and a feeling of warmth and well-being. So, if you’re in the mood for a comforting and easy soup, give Ree Drummond’s chicken noodle soup recipe a try. You might just find your new go-to comfort food.
