Chicken noodle soup, one of the staple recipes in any true New Englander’s repertoire, is so much more than just a bowl of broth. This soup can provide the comforts of home and evoke warm memories of parental TLC. In fact, if you’re stuck at home with the flu, don’t be surprised if you get a recommendation to rest, stay warm, and enjoy some chicken noodle soup. While we don’t claim that chicken noodle soup is the cure for the common cold, there is some merit to that statement. If you catch a bug, the best way to build up your strength is to get plenty of vitamins, protein, electrolytes, and fluids. Chicken noodle soup offers all these key ingredients, with added bonuses—it’s tasty and soothing going down and warms you from the inside. You are practically guaranteed to feel better in no time! Here is a simple but classic recipe to keep you feeling perky during cold and flu season.

Chicken Noodle Soup

6 large chicken breasts

1 large onion, finely chopped

Several celery stalks, sliced into small pieces

3 to 4 tablespoons of fresh minced garlic, depending on taste

Herbs such as parsley, cilantro, red pepper flakes, rosemary, thyme, sage

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 to 3 cups baby carrots or sliced carrots

1 box of your favorite pasta or noodles

2 quarts or more chicken or vegetable stock

Bay leaf

Grated Parmesan cheese

Salt and pepper

1. In a large skillet, sauté the chicken, onion, celery, and garlic in olive oil. While sautéing, season the chicken with your favorite herbs (see ingredients list for suggestions). Rosemary is great, but a variety of herbs will add layers of flavor to your soup.

2. Sauté the chicken just until there is no pink when it is cut; it will continue to cook in the broth. When chicken is cooked, turn off the heat and remove it from the pan. Cut into bite-sized cubes, return to the pot, and cover.

3. In a separate saucepan, steam or boil the carrots until tender but still firm when poked with a fork. In another pot, cook the noodles until they are al dente; don’t overcook. Drain and rinse, and then return to the pot.

4. In a large soup pot, combine the stock, chicken, and veggies, cooked carrots, and noodles. Add a bay leaf, season to taste with salt and freshly ground pepper. Add the secret ingredient—sprinkle in some freshly grated Parmesan cheese to make a richer and more flavorful soup. Stir to blend the flavors, then cover. Simmer soup for about ten minutes.

5. Serve chicken noodle soup piping hot with crusty French bread and a little more grated Parmesan or cheddar cheese. If you want to clear your stuffy sinuses, add a dash of hot sauce or sprinkle of cayenne.

Whether you enjoy a bowl to build your immunity or to get you out of bed on a cold winter day, chicken noodle soup will help keep you healthy and happy. Be sure to make enough to share some with your neighbors!

And share here as well! What is your secret ingredient for homemade chicken noodle soup?