In the midst of our busy lives, there’s nothing quite like the comforting embrace of a warm bowl of chicken noodle soup. And this is true no matter what time of year it is!
At Workweek Lunch, we’re passionate about bringing you meals that are not only comforting but also align with your busy schedule and budget. That’s why we’re delighted to introduce our Budget-Friendly Chicken Noodle Soup. This is a dish that’s as nourishing for the soul as it is for the wallet.
Why Try Our Budget Chicken Noodle Soup?
Chicken noodle soup has always been a go-to for its soothing qualities and rich flavors. Our recipe takes this classic dish and tweaks it for the modern, busy individual. It’s an ideal blend of convenience, cost-effectiveness, and nutritional value.
P.S. This recipe is part of our $25 Meal Prep Meal Plan!
Why You’ll Love Our Budget Chicken Noodle Soup
- Time-efficient: Understandably, your time is precious. That’s why our recipe is designed to minimize kitchen time while maximizing flavor.
- Meal prep-friendly: We’re all about the prep, right? This soup is not only quick to prepare, it’s perfect for batch cooking. And it also freezes well, too, making it a snap to pull out and thaw for lunch or dinner.
- Budget-conscious: We use simple, affordable ingredients without compromising on taste. This soup is a testament to how budget-friendly meals can still be incredibly satisfying and delicious.
- Stress-reducing: Cooking shouldn’t be a source of stress. Our straightforward recipe ensures a hassle-free cooking experience, making it ideal for those with limited time or cooking skills.
- Nutritious and comforting: This soup is packed with lean protein from chicken, carbs from noodles, and vitamins from the vegetables. It’s a balanced meal that comforts you from the inside out.
We understand modern life and meal prep!
Whether you’re juggling work commitments, studying for exams, or managing a family, our Budget-Friendly Chicken Noodle Soup is designed to fit seamlessly into your hectic life. It’s about making your food work for you, giving you more time to pursue what you love.
Embrace intuitive eating
At Workweek Lunch, we’re advocates for intuitive eating. This chicken noodle soup is more than just a meal; it’s a step towards a more peaceful and satisfying relationship with food. It’s about enjoying what you eat without the stress or guilt.
Enhance your productivity
When you eat better food, you feel a bit better, and you’re able to take on your daily tasks much easier. A nourishing meal like this chicken noodle soup not only warms your heart but also fuels your body and mind, aiding in better focus and productivity. It’s food that keeps up with your pace.
Comfort food for your soul
Regardless of what time of year it is, or the occasion, or whether or not you’re sick, chicken noodle soup is one of those go-to comfort foods that just feels like a hug from a loved one. There’s typically a strong positive psychological association with this kind of soup and we’re here for it! It’s about the love.
How to customize chicken noodle soup
Please feel free to add bits of ham, white beans, chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts—these are all good protein swaps.
We also like some chopped spinach or kale in this soup, or some frozen peas.
Instead of regular pasta you can use gluten-free instead. Or add rice or barley!
How to store and serve chicken noodle soup
As we mentioned, this soup is great for prepping, and that’s how the recipe is written. Store in the fridge for up to 4 or 5 days. It tends to build in flavor a bit the longer it sits. Feel free to freeze it in freezer-safe containers and defrost in the microwave or overnight in the fridge.
We like to serve this kind of soup with some old-fashioned saltines or crusty bread. Something green and crunchy, like our everyday kale salad, is a great addition.
Join the Workweek Lunch Community
Step into a world where cooking is simple, enjoyable, and aligned with your lifestyle. Our Budget-Friendly Chicken Noodle Soup is just a start. We have an array of recipes and resources waiting for you, all designed to make your mealtime a delightful, stress-free experience.
We’ve got everything you need to make meal prep EASY. Join the Workweek Lunch Meal Prep Program and get our weekly meal plans, meal planning tools, grocery list generator, and more. Start a free trial today!
Stay with us for more recipes that match your budget, time constraints, and health goals. Let’s make every meal a step towards a more balanced, fulfilling life. Happy prepping!
Other awesome budget-minded recipes you should try!
- Budget-Friendly Chicken Fried Rice
- 5 Comforting Chicken Meal Preps
- Budget-Friendly Vegan Lentil Minestrone
- Budget-Friendly Fiesta and Beans
Budget-Friendly Chicken Noodle Soup
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast or chicken thighs
- 6 cups water divided
- Salt and pepper to taste be generous
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 1 onion diced
- 1 tsp dried dill
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 6 oz short pasta
- 6 oz mixed frozen veggies
Instructions
- Bring a large pot to boil with chicken, half of the water (3 cups) and salt and pepper. If the water boils off and no longer covers the chicken, add a little more. Cover and reduce the heat to medium/low and cook for 25 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through.
- Using tongs, remove the chicken from the water and set aside on a cutting board. If there's any impurities/fat floating at the top of the broth, you can skim it off the top with a spoon.
- Transfer the broth to a large bowl or glass measuring cup. In the same pot, add 2 tsp oil, followed by the onion with a pinch of salt. Add the dill and thyme. Sauté the onion for about 5 minutes, then add the reserved broth and remaining water. Bring to a boil, then add the pasta and veggies. Cook the pasta all the way through, according to package directions—about 10 minutes.
- Meanwhile, shred the chicken with 2 forks and add it back to the pot. Stir everything to combine, and taste. Add more salt, pepper, thyme, or dill if needed.
- Divide the soup among 3 meal prep containers. Let it cool for about 30 minutes before storing in the fridge. You can also freeze it for up to 6 months.
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