​Basic Chicken Soup

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded or diced (use rotisserie or leftover chicken)
• 1 cup egg noodles or your preferred pasta (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Sauté the Vegetables:
   • In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
   • Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
   • Stir in the garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
2. Add Carrots and Celery:
   • Add the sliced carrots and celery to the pot.
   • Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Add Herbs and Broth:
   • Stir in the dried thyme and bay leaf.
   • Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil.
4. Simmer the Soup:
   • Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
5. Add Chicken and Pasta:
   • If using pasta, add it to the pot and cook according to package instructions, usually 7-10 minutes, until tender.
   • Stir in the cooked chicken and heat through, about 5 minutes.
6. Season and Garnish:
   • Season with salt and pepper to taste.
   • Remove the bay leaf before serving.
   • Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
7. Serve:
   • Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot.

Tips:

• Chicken: You can use any type of cooked chicken for this recipe, including rotisserie chicken or leftovers.
• Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables like potatoes, green beans, or peas for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Pasta: If you prefer, you can omit the pasta and serve the soup with a side of crusty bread.

Enjoy your homemade basic chicken soup, a warm and comforting classic!