“Yup, everything is going to be okay.” Those comforting words, uttered by Ree Drummond herself after tasting this recipe, immediately convinced me I needed to try it. Like many, I find myself drawn to the heartwarming dishes featured on The Pioneer Woman, especially when seeking comfort food classics. On a recent chilly day, I was watching an episode focused on “Childhood Comfort Classics,” and one recipe in particular stood out – a unique take on Chicken Noodle Soup.
Growing up, chicken noodle soup was the ultimate comfort food in my home. Whether I was coming in from the cold after playing in the snow or home sick from school, my mom’s homemade chicken noodle soup was always the answer. If I was really lucky, it included her special chewy egg noodles, much like the beloved recipe we tested and praised as the best chicken noodle soup. Even canned chicken noodle soup, with a side of saltine crackers, could make everything feel a little bit better.
Ree Drummond’s reaction after tasting her Retro Noodle Soup, a comforting and flavorful dish.
The Pioneer Woman’s Twist: Chicken Noodle Soup Without Chicken
It turns out Ree Drummond shares a similar childhood memory, but with a twist. 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 insight led to her official recipe for Retro Noodle Soup, a homemade soup that captures the essence of chicken noodle soup flavor, surprisingly without any actual chicken. Instead, the recipe relies on chicken bouillon cubes and linguine pasta to create a comforting and deeply satisfying bowl.
Initially, the idea of chicken noodle soup without chicken seemed unusual. But thinking back to my own childhood love for canned soup, I realized it wasn’t really about the chicken pieces. The real appeal was in the savory, steaming broth, the soft noodles, and those tender carrot slices. Ree’s recipe seemed to tap into that same nostalgic essence.
And the reviews speak for themselves. Ree’s Retro Noodle Soup boasts a five-star rating with glowing comments. One reviewer raved, “Perfect!!! I loved it so much and [it’s] so easy to make! I got sick, and it was truly healing.” Another echoed the sentiment, saying, “This was the best no-chicken chicken noodle soup ever. It reminded me and my husband of the canned soup we grew up on. Making it again today.”
Intrigued by the positive feedback and the recipe’s quick 25-minute cook time, I decided to check my pantry. Discovering I had all the ingredients on hand, including saltine crackers, sealed the deal. Plus, the recipe is designed for just two servings, making it perfect for a cozy meal for one or two. It was time to try making Ree Drummond’s chicken-free chicken noodle soup.
Fresh ingredients for Pioneer Woman’s Retro Noodle Soup recipe, ready to be cooked.
How to Prepare Pioneer Woman’s Retro Noodle Soup: The Recipe
This recipe is surprisingly simple and fast, perfect for a quick and comforting meal. Here’s how to make Ree Drummond’s Retro Noodle Soup:
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, for garnish
Cooking Instructions
- 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. Using canned carrots is a clever shortcut Drummond uses to speed up the cooking process.
- Add Broth and Bouillon: Pour in the chicken stock and bring to a boil. Crumble the chicken bouillon cube into the boiling stock and stir until dissolved.
- Cook the Pasta: Add the linguine pasta to the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, for 7-8 minutes, or until the noodles are al dente.
- Finish and Season: Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in black pepper, salt (to taste), lemon juice, and cold butter. Stir until the butter is melted and everything is well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Recipe adapted from The Pioneer Woman
A comforting bowl of Pioneer Woman’s Retro Noodle Soup, ready to be enjoyed.
My Verdict: Pioneer Woman’s Chicken Noodle Soup Review
Ree Drummond herself notes that this soup might blur the lines between soup and pasta due to the generous amount of noodles. After trying it, I completely agree. It’s a delightful hybrid, offering the comforting brothiness of chicken noodle soup with a satisfying pasta element.
Paired with my rediscovered saltine crackers, this Retro Noodle Soup was a hit. It truly captured the nostalgic flavors of childhood canned chicken noodle soup, but with a fresher, homemade taste. The bouillon provides a rich chicken flavor, while the lemon juice and parsley add brightness and freshness. The absence of chicken meat is barely noticeable, and in some ways, it’s a welcome change for a lighter, quicker soup.
If you’re looking for a fast, comforting, and flavorful chicken noodle soup recipe, especially one that evokes those nostalgic childhood memories, I highly recommend giving Ree Drummond’s Retro Noodle Soup a try. If you love cozy noodle soups, you might also enjoy Grandma’s Chicken Noodle Soup or Copycat Chicken Noodle-O Soup. These recipes, along with Pioneer Woman’s Retro Noodle Soup, are perfect for warming you up and bringing a little comfort into your kitchen.
