Oh my! This was so good. I used my own Ranch seasoning to make this delicious soup. The rich cheddar and the crispy bacon are perfect for a creamy based chicken soup.
Ingredients
1/2 pkg bacon, cooked and chopped (6-8 oz)
1 cup onion, medium diced
2-3 cloves, garlic, minced
bay leaf
tt dried garlic, basil, and chives
1 tbsp ranch dressing powder
dash of garlic hot sauce, opt
2 cups carrots, thinly sliced
2 cups celery, thinly sliced
4 cups chicken stock (less 4 tbsp for slurry)
4 oz cream cheese
2 tbsp ranch dressing mix
4 tbsp of chicken stock (reserved from above)
4 tbsp cornstarch
8 oz sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
16 oz pkg egg noodles, cooked
3 cups cooked chicken, thighs recommended
Fresh herbs; chive, dill, or cilantro
2 - 3 tsp seasoning salt
1-2 tbsp Ranch mix
Instructions
Please read Susie's Tips and Tricks
1. If necessary prepare pasta first and set aside. In a dutch oven add a drizzle of oil on medium heat. Prepare bacon if necessary; remove and set aside; then add onion, garlic, bay leaf, along with dried herbs: garlic, basil, chive and Ranch dressing. Add garlic hot sauce.
2. Now add carrots and celery along with a small amount of chicken stock and a pinch of salt. Cover and let vegetables steam until tender. Add more chicken stock and let heat up. Now add cream cheese in pieces and let melt in. Mix in Ranch dressing mix. Now blend well, the cold chicken stock (4 tbsp) with cornstarch. Add to the pot and let thicken.
3. Now add the cheddar cheese and gently melt. Add the pasta and the cooked chicken. Now taste and adjust seasoning by including cooked bacon and seasoning salt.
Garnish with fresh herbs.
Susie's Tips and Tricks
If you want this soup made from raw ingredients. You would prepare the bacon. Set aside. Add Ranch seasoning to raw chicken and cook. Then set aside. Meantime, cook pasta and set aside. (Toss in oil to prevent clumping.) Then proceed as noted.
Use a different pasta shape; one that works well on a spoon. Orechiette, rotini, the shape in the photo is dischi volanti.
If your broth is thin make more slurry (liquid and cornstarch).
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