Grandma's Hearty Kentucky Chicken Noodle Soup
This comforting bowl of Grandma's Hearty Kentucky Chicken Noodle Soup is a cherished recipe that has been personalized through the years to suit my adult palate. Each spoonful takes me back to cold, rainy nights in Kentucky, where this soup provided warmth and joy. Enriched with vibrant vegetables, tender chicken, and aromatic herbs, this recipe invites you to customize it based on what you have in your fridge, making it versatile and practical. I love to prepare a generous batch, freezing individual servings for those chilly Colorado days when a nourishing bowl of chicken noodle soup is exactly what I crave. With every bite, enjoy the nostalgia and love that comes from a family tradition made just for you.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
18
Ingredients
Ingredients
Extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons (for sautéing)
Yellow onions
2 (chopped)
Garlic cloves
4 (minced)
Carrots
3 (peeled and sliced 1/2 inch thick)
Sweet potato
1 (peeled and diced 1/2 inch)
Celery ribs
3 (sliced 1/2 inch thick)
Button mushrooms
15 (washed and cut into quarters)
Chicken broth
3 (32 ounce) boxes (added to pot)
Chicken breasts
4 (cut into bite-sized pieces)
Cilantro
1/4 cup (chopped)
Fresh thyme
2 tablespoons (chopped)
Fresh basil
1.5 ounces (chopped)
Bay leaves
2 (added whole)
Ground cumin
2 teaspoons (for seasoning)
Jalapeño chili pepper flakes or red pepper flakes
1 pinch (for spice)
Farfalle pasta
3/4 lb (for soup)
Kosher salt
1 teaspoon (to taste)
Fresh ground pepper
2 teaspoons (to taste)
Instructions
1
In a Dutch oven or large pot, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat.
2
Add the chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent and fragrant.
3
Stir in the minced garlic and continue to sauté for an additional minute, until the garlic aroma is released.
4
Incorporate the carrots, sweet potato, celery, and mushrooms into the pot. Sauté the mixture for approximately 15 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender but still have some crunch.
5
Pour in the chicken broth and add enough water to ensure the vegetables are submerged.
6
Add the bite-sized chicken pieces, followed by cilantro, fresh thyme, chopped basil, bay leaves, ground cumin, and pepper flakes. Also, stir in the farfalle pasta, kosher salt, and freshly ground pepper.
7
Bring the soup to a vigorous boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the pasta reaches an al dente texture. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary based on your altitude.
8
Uncover the pot and allow the soup to cook for an additional 10 minutes, letting the flavors meld and the vegetables soften to your liking.
9
Before serving, take a moment to taste the soup and adjust seasoning if necessary.
10
Ladle the soup into warm bowls and serve it alongside crusty bread for dipping.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Grandma's Hearty Kentucky Chicken Noodle Soup?
It is a comforting, vegetable-rich chicken soup recipe inspired by traditional Kentucky home cooking and adapted for a modern palate.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
This recipe features 18 specific ingredients including vegetables, herbs, chicken, and pasta.
What kind of oil should I use for sautéing?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil.
What type of pasta is best for this soup?
Farfalle (bowtie) pasta is recommended for this specific recipe.
Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, this soup is designed to be frozen in individual servings for later use.
How long do the vegetables need to sauté?
The carrots, sweet potato, celery, and mushrooms should be sautéed for approximately 15 minutes.
What kind of chicken is used?
The recipe uses 4 chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces.
Does this soup contain mushrooms?
Yes, it includes 15 button mushrooms that are washed and quartered.
What spices give this soup its unique flavor?
The flavor is enhanced with ground cumin, jalapeño or red pepper flakes, bay leaves, and fresh herbs.
Is there a secret vegetable in this chicken soup?
The addition of a diced sweet potato adds a unique heartiness and flavor profile to the dish.
How much chicken broth is needed?
You will need three 32-ounce boxes of chicken broth.
What fresh herbs are required?
The recipe calls for fresh cilantro, fresh thyme, and fresh basil.
Should the onions be chopped or sliced?
The two yellow onions should be chopped before sautéing.
How much garlic is in the recipe?
The recipe uses 4 minced garlic cloves.
How long should the soup simmer?
After reaching a boil, cover and simmer for about 20 minutes, then uncover for an additional 10 minutes.
How should the carrots be prepared?
Carrots should be peeled and sliced into pieces approximately 1/2 inch thick.
What is the total amount of pasta used?
The recipe uses 3/4 pound of farfalle pasta.
Does altitude affect the cooking time?
Yes, the instructions note that cooking times for the pasta and vegetables may vary based on your altitude.
What should I serve with this soup?
It is best served in warm bowls alongside crusty bread for dipping.
Should I add water to the broth?
Yes, add enough water after the broth to ensure all vegetables are fully submerged.
How do I know when the pasta is done?
The pasta should be cooked until it reaches an al dente texture.
What type of onions are recommended?
Yellow onions are recommended for their fragrance and flavor when sautéed.
How much basil is needed?
The recipe specifies 1.5 ounces of chopped fresh basil.
Can I adjust the spice level?
Yes, you can adjust the pinch of jalapeño or red pepper flakes to suit your preference.
Are the bay leaves left in the soup?
The bay leaves are added whole during cooking but are typically removed before serving.
What kind of pot is best for this recipe?
A Dutch oven or a large pot is ideal for making this hearty soup.
When do I add the garlic?
Add the minced garlic after the onions have become translucent and sauté for one additional minute.
How much cumin is used?
The recipe uses 2 teaspoons of ground cumin for seasoning.
Is the salt and pepper measurement fixed?
The recipe suggests 1 teaspoon of kosher salt and 2 teaspoons of pepper, but you should taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
Can I customize the vegetables?
Yes, the recipe description encourages customizing the vegetables based on what you have in your fridge.