12ounceswide egg noodle pastaor other soup noodle of choice- can also go up to 16 ounces if you like
1tablespoonbutter
1tablespoonolive oil
1cupdiced onionyellow or white
½cupleekswhite and light green part only, rinsed well and diced
1cupcarrotpeeled and diced
1cupcelerydiced
5clovesof garlicpeeled and minced
Juice of one lemonabout 2 Tbsp
1-2teaspoonkosher salt
½-1teaspoonground black pepper
8cupssmoky chicken stock *
2-3cupssmoked chickenshredded*
Garnish:
Fresh Italian Parsleychopped
Instructions
Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside. This can be cooked while the rest of the soup is cooking.
In a large stock pot or dutch oven, heat the butter and oil. Add the onion and leeks and sauté for 3-4 minutes until starting to soften and turn translucent. Add in the carrot, celery and garlic. Saute another 3-4 minutes until the veggies are starting to turn soft.
Add in the lemon juice and season with one teaspoon salt and black pepper. Add in the chicken stock and bring to a simmer.
Add in the shredded chicken and stir until heated through. Taste and season with more salt and pepper if needed. This should all take about 20-25 minutes.
Divide noodles amongst bowls and top with a few ladles full of soup. This will depend on the size bowls. Top with some chopped fresh parsley and serve. Serve with some crusty bread and butter.
Notes
I like to keep the noodles separate from the soup so they don’t get soggy when stored as leftovers so I don’t add them into the pot of soup. *You can sub any chicken and chicken stock you like if you don’t make my smoky chicken and stock. To make this quicker you can use pre made stock in cartons ( I like Pacific brand) and pre-cooked chicken. Rotisserie chickens are great for shredding and adding to soups. Save the bones from the rotisserie chicken to make your own stock if you like.