Chicken Noodle Soup Developed by Joy Bauer, RD, for Everyday Health

Healthy Recipes From Joy Bauer www.EverydayHealth.com

Few meals are more soothing than a steaming bowl of chicken noodle soup. My healthy take on this comfort food classic uses whole-grain noodles, lean chicken breast, and an extra dose of veggies to boost the nutrition in every nourishing bowl. If you’re experiencing symptoms, there’s still no need to fear the cooked carrots and parsnips as they are gentle on the digestive system when well-cooked.

Makes 6 servings

Ingredients • 2 tablespoons olive oil • 1 large onion, diced • 2 large carrots, peeled and diced • 3 parsnips, peeled and diced • 3 stalks celery, diced • 2-3 cloves garlic, minced • 1 sprig thyme (may substitute ½ teaspoon dried thyme) • 1 bay leaf • 1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes (optional) • 2 quarts reduced-sodium chicken broth • 2 cups diced cooked skinless chicken breast • 3 cups whole-grain egg noodles • Ground black pepper • 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional) Preparation 1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the carrots, parsnips, and celery and sauté for 8 to 10 minutes. Add the garlic, thyme, bay leaf, and crushed red pepper (if using) and sauté for 2 minutes, stirring constantly. 2. Add the chicken broth and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduced the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and simmer for 20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender. 3. Uncover the pot and bring the broth to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and noodles and cook until the noodles are al dente, about 6 minutes. 4. Remove and discard the bay leaf, and season with pepper to taste. Ladle into bowls and garnish with parsley (if using).

Flare-up friendly: Skip the onions, garlic, parsley, celery, and red pepper flakes. Use regular egg noodles instead of whole wheat. And use onion powder and garlic powder for extra flavor.

Nutrition Information Serving Size: 2 cups

Calories: 238 calories Protein: 19 g Total Fat: 7 g Saturated Fat: 1 g Cholesterol: 40 mg Sodium: 675 mg Carbohydrate: 26 g Fiber: 5 g