Nurse's Restorative Chicken Noodle Soup

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A comforting bowl of tender chicken, carrots, celery, and egg noodles in a savory broth, perfect for soothing the soul. This american-inspired soups ready in about 55 minutes pairs Chicken breasts, Chicken broth, Carrots for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.3 (13 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 40 min Serves 4 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb diced chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes until browned on all sides, then remove and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Add 2 diced carrots, 2 diced celery stalks, 1 diced yellow onion, and 2 minced garlic cloves to the pot. Cook for 5 minutes until vegetables are softened and onion is translucent.
  3. Step 3: Return browned chicken to pot. Add 4 cups chicken broth, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 tsp dried thyme. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 20 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Add 2 oz egg noodles and cook for 8-10 minutes until tender. Stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, and serve hot.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Nurse's Restorative Chicken Noodle Soup take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (15 min prep + 40 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Nurse's Restorative Chicken Noodle Soup?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep chicken breasts from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Nurse's Restorative Chicken Noodle Soup?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Nurse's Restorative Chicken Noodle Soup for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Nurse's Restorative Chicken Noodle Soup?

American soups like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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