Chicken Noodle Soup with Parsnips and Dill Recipe

Prepare your taste buds for a comforting and hearty dish that's perfect for those chilly days or when you're feeling under the weather: a classic chicken noodle soup with a twist! This recipe enhances a beloved classic with the addition of parsnips for an earthy sweetness and dill for a fresh herby kick.

Photos of Chicken Noodle Soup with Parsnips and Dill Recipe

Parsnips, one of the key ingredients in this recipe, might not be a regular in your kitchen. They are similar to carrots, but with a sweeter and slightly nuttier flavor. Fresh dill, an aromatic herb, can be found in the fresh produce section of most supermarkets. It's worth getting fresh dill; its unique flavor really elevates the dish.

Ingredients for Chicken Noodle Soup with Parsnips and Dill

Chicken broth: The base of the soup, providing flavor and liquid for boiling the other ingredients.

Onion: Adds a depth of flavor to the soup.

Carrots: Add sweetness, color, and vitamins.

Parsnips: They add a sweet and earthy flavor.

Salt: Enhances the flavor of the soup.

Black pepper: Adds a bit of heat and complexity.

Chicken: The main protein of this soup.

Egg noodles: Provide a hearty and comforting element to the soup.

Dill: Adds a fresh herby flavor.

Parsley: Used for garnish, adds color and a bit of fresh flavor.

One reader, Kala Tavares says:

This chicken noodle soup with parsnips and dill recipe is a game-changer! The combination of flavors is simply divine. The parsnips add a unique twist, and the dill gives it a refreshing kick. It's the ultimate comfort food with a gourmet touch. I highly recommend trying it!

Kala Tavares

Key Techniques for Making Chicken Noodle Soup with Parsnips and Dill

How to simmer the soup: Bring the broth, onion, carrots, parsnips, salt, and pepper to a gentle simmer in a large pot.

How to cook the chicken: Add the chicken breasts to the pot and simmer until just done, about 10 minutes. Remove the chicken and let it cool before cutting it into bite-size pieces.

How to cook the noodles: Stir the noodles into the simmering soup and cook until the vegetables are tender and the noodles are done, about 5 minutes.

How to add herbs: After returning the chicken to the pot, stir in the fresh dill and parsley before serving.

How To Make Chicken Noodle Soup with Parsnips and Dill

This chicken noodle soup has a pleasant level of sweetness, thanks to the carrots and parsnips. Whip up a warm serving in just 30 minutes!

Preparation: 15 minutes

Cooking: 15 minutes

Total: 30 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

6cupschicken broth,(1½ quarts), low sodium
1onion
4carrots
4parsnips
1½tspsalt
¼tspfresh ground black pepper
1lbchicken,boneless
1cupwide egg noodles,(about 2 oz)
¼cupfresh dill,chopped
¼cupfresh parsley,chopped, optional

Instructions

In a large pot, combine the broth, onion, carrots, parsnips, salt, and pepper and bring to a simmer. Add the chicken breasts to the pot and simmer for about 10 minutes until just done.
Remove the chicken; bring the soup back to a simmer.
When the chicken breasts are cool enough to handle, cut them into bite-size pieces.
Stir the noodles into the soup. Simmer for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender and the noodles are done.
Return the chicken pieces to the pot and then stir in the dill and the parsley.
Serve warm, and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 549.19kcal
Fat: 22.44g
Saturated Fat: 6.27g
Trans Fat: 0.12g
Monounsaturated Fat: 9.47g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 4.70g
Carbohydrates: 52.56g
Fiber: 9.25g
Sugar: 16.50g
Protein: 34.17g
Cholesterol: 103.83mg
Sodium: 1527.34mg
Calcium: 109.47mg
Potassium: 1382.55mg
Iron: 3.49mg
Vitamin A: 579.04µg
Vitamin C: 36.52mg

Crucial Technique Tip for Enhancing Chicken Noodle Soup Flavor

When preparing your parsnips, be sure to peel them thoroughly to remove the tough outer skin. This will ensure a softer texture in your soup. Additionally, when adding your fresh herbs like dill and parsley, add them towards the end of the cooking process. This will help to preserve their vibrant color and fresh flavor, enhancing the overall taste of your chicken noodle soup.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

Prep ahead: Chop and store vegetables and herbs in advance to save time during the cooking process.

Use pre-made broth: Utilize store-bought chicken broth to cut down on the time needed to prepare the soup base.

Quick-cook chicken: Consider using pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken to reduce the cooking time for the chicken in the soup.

Efficient multitasking: While the soup simmers, use the time to prepare other components or clean up to streamline the cooking process.

One-pot wonder: Opt for a single pot for both cooking the soup and simmering the noodles to minimize cleanup and save time.

Instant pot shortcut: Utilize a pressure cooker to expedite the cooking process and reduce the overall preparation time.

Pre-cut vegetables: Purchase pre-cut carrots and parsnips to skip the time-consuming task of chopping and peeling.

Organized workspace: Keep ingredients and cooking tools organized and within reach to enhance efficiency during the cooking process.

Substitute Ingredients For Chicken Noodle Soup with Parsnips and Dill Recipe

chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can provide a similar savory base and depth of flavor to the soup.
onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a milder, sweeter flavor that can work well in place of onions in this soup recipe.
carrots - Substitute with celery root: Celery root, also known as celeriac, can add a similar earthy sweetness and texture to the soup.
parsnips - Substitute with turnips: Turnips can provide a similar slightly sweet and peppery flavor to the soup, adding depth and complexity.
chicken - Substitute with turkey: Turkey can be a great alternative, offering a similar texture and flavor profile to chicken in the soup.
wide egg noodles - Substitute with rice noodles: Rice noodles can be a gluten-free alternative and will absorb the flavors of the soup beautifully.
fresh dill - Substitute with fresh tarragon: Tarragon can impart a slightly sweet and anise-like flavor, complementing the soup in a unique way.
fresh parsley - Substitute with fresh cilantro: Cilantro can add a fresh, citrusy note to the soup, enhancing its overall flavor profile.

Presentation Tips for Serving Chicken Noodle Soup with Parsnips and Dill

Elevate the plating: When presenting the chicken noodle soup, pay attention to the arrangement of the ingredients. Ensure that the vegetables, chicken, and noodles are meticulously placed in the bowl, creating an aesthetically pleasing composition.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle the soup with freshly chopped dill and parsley to add a pop of color and a burst of fresh flavor. The vibrant green hues will enhance the visual appeal of the dish and provide a delightful aroma.
Opt for elegant serving bowls: Choose sophisticated, porcelain or ceramic bowls to serve the soup. The choice of tableware can elevate the overall presentation and create a sense of refinement.
Incorporate artistic drizzling: Before serving, consider drizzling a swirl of extra virgin olive oil on top of the soup. This not only adds a touch of elegance but also imparts a subtle richness to the dish.
Accompany with artisan bread: Serve the chicken noodle soup with freshly baked artisan bread on the side. The bread can be elegantly sliced and arranged on a separate plate, enhancing the overall visual appeal of the presentation.

Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup

Large pot: A large pot is essential for making the soup, as it will hold the broth and all the ingredients.
Cutting board: A cutting board is necessary for chopping the onion, carrots, and parsnips.
Knife: A sharp knife is needed for cutting the vegetables and chicken.
Wooden spoon: A wooden spoon is useful for stirring the soup as it simmers.
Soup ladle: A soup ladle will help in serving the chicken noodle soup.
Tongs: Tongs are useful for removing the chicken breasts from the pot.
Soup bowls: Soup bowls are required for serving the finished chicken noodle soup.
Wine glasses: If serving wine with the soup, wine glasses will be needed.

Storage and Freezing Guidelines for Chicken Noodle Soup

Let the chicken noodle soup cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent the formation of harmful bacteria and ensure the best quality.
To store in the refrigerator, transfer the cooled soup to an airtight container. It will keep well for up to 3-4 days.
For longer storage, freeze the soup in individual portions:
- Ladle the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, leaving some space at the top for expansion.
- Label the containers with the date and contents.
- Place the containers in the freezer, ensuring they are flat and stackable to save space.
- Chicken noodle soup can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
When ready to enjoy the frozen soup:
- Remove the desired portion from the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
- Alternatively, place the frozen container in a bowl of cold water to speed up the thawing process.
- Once thawed, transfer the soup to a pot and reheat gently over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
- If the soup appears too thick after thawing, add a little chicken broth or water to achieve the desired consistency.
Note: The egg noodles may become slightly softer and more delicate after freezing and reheating. If you prefer a firmer texture, you can cook the noodles separately and add them to the soup when reheating.
To maintain the best flavor and quality of the fresh herbs, such as dill and parsley, add them to the soup just before serving rather than before freezing.

How To Reheat Leftover Chicken Noodle Soup

Reheat the chicken noodle soup in a pot on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it reaches the desired temperature. This method allows you to control the heat and ensure that the vegetables and noodles are evenly heated without becoming overcooked or mushy.
If you have stored the chicken, noodles, and vegetables separately from the broth, reheat the broth first, then add the other ingredients and simmer until heated through. This will help maintain the texture of the noodles and vegetables.
For a quick and easy method, reheat individual portions of the soup in the microwave. Place the desired amount in a microwave-safe bowl, cover with a damp paper towel to prevent splattering, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until the soup is hot.
If the soup has thickened during storage, add a small amount of chicken broth or water to thin it out while reheating. This will help restore the original consistency of the soup.
To enhance the flavor of the reheated soup, consider adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, a sprinkle of fresh dill or parsley, or a pinch of salt and black pepper to taste.
If you have a large quantity of leftover soup, consider reheating only the portion you plan to serve and storing the rest in the refrigerator. This will help maintain the quality and texture of the soup for future meals.

Interesting Fact About Chicken Noodle Soup with Parsnips and Dill

The chicken noodle soup with parsnips and dill recipe is a comforting and nutritious dish that is perfect for a cold day. It's a versatile recipe that can be easily customized with different vegetables and herbs to suit your taste. This soup is a great source of protein, vitamins, and minerals, making it a healthy and satisfying meal option. Additionally, the combination of parsnips and dill adds a unique and delicious flavor to the traditional chicken noodle soup. Enjoy this hearty and flavorful soup with your favorite bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

Is Making Chicken Noodle Soup at Home Cost-Effective?

This chicken noodle soup with parsnips and dill recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients are simple and affordable, making it a budget-friendly option. The combination of chicken, parsnips, and fresh herbs creates a flavorful and satisfying dish. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15, making it an economical choice. Overall Verdict: 9.

Is This Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe Healthy?

This chicken noodle soup recipe is a healthier take on the classic comfort food. Here's why:

The recipe uses nutrient-dense vegetables like onions, carrots, and parsnips, which provide essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber
Chicken breast is a lean protein source, helping to keep the soup low in saturated fat
The use of fresh herbs like dill and parsley adds flavor without relying on excessive salt or unhealthy additives
Egg noodles provide a source of carbohydrates for energy, but the portion size is reasonable

However, there are a few ways to make this soup even healthier:

Use low-sodium chicken broth to reduce the overall salt content
Increase the variety of vegetables by adding celery, zucchini, or leafy greens like spinach or kale for added nutrients and fiber
Opt for whole grain egg noodles or replace them with a grain like quinoa or barley for a fiber and protein boost
Reduce the amount of noodles and increase the proportion of vegetables to create a more balanced meal
Consider using skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts for more flavor and moisture, while still keeping the fat content in check

By incorporating these suggestions, you can elevate this already healthy chicken noodle soup to a nutrient-packed, satisfying meal that will nourish both body and soul. The combination of lean protein, wholesome vegetables, and fresh herbs creates a delicious and comforting dish that you can feel good about serving to your loved ones.

Editor's Opinion: Thoughts on This Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

The chicken noodle soup with parsnips and dill recipe is a comforting and flavorful dish. The combination of chicken, parsnips, and dill creates a rich and aromatic broth, while the addition of fresh parsley adds a pop of freshness. The use of wide egg noodles adds a hearty and satisfying element to the soup. Overall, this recipe is a delightful twist on a classic chicken noodle soup, and the addition of parsnips and dill elevates the flavors to create a truly memorable dish.

Enhance Your Chicken Noodle Soup with Parsnips and Dill Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes with a hint of roasted garlic, perfect for soaking up the flavorful broth of the chicken noodle soup

Honey Glazed Carrots and Parsnips: Sweet and savory glazed carrots and parsnips, a perfect complement to the hearty and savory chicken noodle soup

Garlic Breadsticks: Warm and buttery garlic breadsticks, ideal for dipping into the rich and comforting chicken noodle soup

Similar Soup Recipes to Try

Creamy Butternut Squash Soup: This creamy butternut squash soup is the perfect comfort food for a chilly evening. The combination of butternut squash, carrots, and a hint of nutmeg creates a rich and velvety texture that will warm you up from the inside out.

Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry: This beef and broccoli stir-fry is a quick and easy dish that is perfect for a busy weeknight. The tender beef and crisp broccoli are coated in a savory sauce that will have you coming back for seconds.

Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake: Indulge in the sweet and tangy flavors of this lemon blueberry cheesecake. The creamy cheesecake filling is swirled with a vibrant blueberry compote and topped with a zesty lemon glaze, creating a dessert that is both refreshing and decadent.

Appetizer and Dessert Pairings for Chicken Noodle Soup with Parsnips and Dill

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Impress your guests with these savory stuffed mushrooms filled with a flavorful mixture of cheese, herbs, and breadcrumbs. The perfect bite-sized appetizer to kick off any meal.

Spinach and Artichoke Dip: Indulge in this creamy and cheesy spinach and artichoke dip, served with crispy tortilla chips or toasted baguette slices. A crowd-pleasing appetizer that will have everyone coming back for more.

Desserts:

Chocolate Mousse: Indulge in a rich and creamy chocolate mousse, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder. The smooth texture and intense chocolate flavor will satisfy any sweet tooth.

Apple Crisp: Savor the warm and comforting flavors of a homemade apple crisp, with tender baked apples and a crispy oat topping. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness.

Why trust this Chicken Noodle Soup with Parsnips and Dill Recipe:

This recipe is a testament to the culinary expertise of a seasoned chef. The use of fresh dill and parsnips adds a unique and delightful flavor profile, while the inclusion of chicken broth and fresh parsley ensures a rich and aromatic base. The careful instructions and combination of chicken and egg noodles guarantee a hearty and satisfying dish. The thoughtful wine recommendation further showcases the attention to detail and the desire to elevate the dining experience. Trust in the expertise behind this recipe for a truly exceptional culinary journey.

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FAQ:

What type of chicken broth should I use for this recipe?

You can use either store-bought chicken broth or homemade chicken broth for this recipe. If using store-bought, I recommend using low-sodium chicken broth to control the salt content.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, you can definitely use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. Thighs will add a slightly richer flavor to the soup.

Can I substitute the parsnips with another vegetable?

If you don't have parsnips, you can substitute them with turnips or additional carrots for a similar texture and flavor profile.

Can I use dried dill and parsley instead of fresh?

While fresh herbs will provide the best flavor, you can use dried dill and parsley if that's what you have on hand. Just use about half the amount of dried herbs since they are more potent than fresh.

How long will the leftovers last in the refrigerator?

The chicken noodle soup will last for 3-4 days in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container. Just make sure to reheat it thoroughly before serving.