Simple Weeknight Chicken Soup

Chicken soup on the table in a white bowl with a popover and spoon nearby.

So, I’m back, well sort of. I’ve realized during this brief hiatus that I really missed my blog and I really missed all of you.  This blog is a part of me and a part of me that I don’t want to quit or give up on just yet.  I’m a person who loves to share with people, sharing just makes me happy, so I’m going to keep sharing with you all my recipes as well as my journey. There are a lot of changes going on in my life right now, some changes that are amazing and others that are difficult, so I don’t know the frequency of how often I will post, it may just be two times a month or it could be more, I’m just going to play it day by day.

I also wanted to also say a huge THANK YOU to you all.  I was amazed by all of your supportive comments, emails and for those of you that came up to me in person and shared what you loved about the blog. I didn’t realize how many wonderful and loyal readers I had, and I want to thank you all for reaching out these past few weeks. Each one of your comments and emails really touched my heart, and made me realize that I truly have a real audience of readers who were going through the same life struggles as me.  We’re all on this journey of life together, and we’re here to support and love one another and I truly feel supported and loved by you all, so THANK YOU!   I will slowly share my journey with you all over time, but for now, I’m just wanted to share with you all this simple and easy weeknight chicken soup that has quickly become a family favorite.

I’ve been making lots of soup lately.  When my life is in disarray, making soup calms, grounds and comforts me.  There’s just something so comforting about sipping a warm bowl of soup on a cool winters night, and nothing says comfort like chicken noodle soup right? Honestly, I’ve never been a huge fan of chicken noodle soup as the noodles always seem to get soggy. I’ve always prefered chicken soup with either rice, barley or orzo, and my go-to chicken soup for the past few years has been Barefoot’s Italian wedding soup.  We love that soup, but it’s a bit labor intensive, so I don’t make it up as often as I should.  This chicken soup is also from Barefoot, but it’s more of a simple weeknight soup, as it can be made in under 30 minutes, if the chicken is pre-roasted, if not, it still can be made up pretty quick, as you can cut up the veggies and such while the chicken is roasting up in the oven. I love that the soup has all white meat chicken in it, as I’m not a fan of dark meat.  I substituted the egg noodles (as I’m not a fan) for my favorite small pasta, Fregola Sarda.  The Fegola Sarda pasta (for those of you that are local, Paradise Foods has this brand) has a firmer and chewier texture than a normal pasta.  I also added a bit more stock than the original recipe called for, because we love the soothing comfort of chicken stock, especially if there is a sore throat in the house.  I love serving this soup up with either a traditional popover or my rosemary and sea salt popovers.  The popovers are perfect for dipping into the soup.
Chicken soup in a bowl on the table.

simple weeknight chicken soup:

recipe adapted from Barefoot Contessa Family Style: Easy Ideas and Recipes That Make Everyone Feel Like Familyir?t=marmamcoo 20&l=as2&o=1&a=060961066X Barefoot Contessa Family Style
serves 6

  • 2 bone-in, skin on chicken breasts
  • 2-3 tablespoons olive oil
  • coarse sea salt and freshly ground pepper
  • 2-3 stalks celery, medium-diced
  • 3 medium-sized carrots, medium-diced
  • 1 small yellow onion, medium dice
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bay leaf
  • optional -4 sprigs of fresh thyme
  • 10 cups (80 ounces) chicken stock, or more if needed – if you have homemade stock, great!  I did not, so I used 2.5 32 oz boxes of organic chicken stock.  
  • 1 cup small pasta such as Fregola Sarda, tubetini, stars, orzo or 2 cups wide-egg noodles – I used Fregola Sarda pasta as I wanted a chewier and firmer pasta, and I’m not a big fan of using egg noodles as they tend to get soggy.  For those of you that are local, Paradise Foods carries this pasta.
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Place the chicken breasts skin side up on a rimmed baking sheet.  Rub them with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Raw chicken breasts that are ready for baking on a pan.
Roast the chicken breasts for 35 to 45 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through. The breasts I get locally are always huge, so they usually take between 45-60 minutes.  I always use my meat thermometer here and take the chicken out when it reaches an internal temperature of 165º.   Note: For time efficiency, the chicken can be roasted and shredded up ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until needed.  

When the chicken is cool enough to handle, remove the meat from the bones, discard the skin, shred the chicken meat, and set aside. I usually do this step when my broth is simmering, see below.

While the chicken is cooking, you can prep all of the ingredients.  Wash and chop up the celery, carrots, onion, garlic, parsley and measure out your cup of pasta. Be casual when chopping up your veggies, I just did a medium dice. They don’t have to be tiny or perfectly uniform in size.  That’s what I love about making soup, nothing has to be perfect, it’s sort of like life, right?

Ingredients for chicken soup
When the chicken is finished cooking, place a large soup pot or Dutch Oven over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons olive oil. Add the onion, garlic, carrots, celery, thyme, bay leaf and a hefty pinch of sea salt. Cook and stir for about 5-6 minutes, until the vegetables are softened, but not browned.

 Add in the 10 cups of chicken stock and bring the soup to a simmer. I turn up the heat to medium-high here.  Just keep an eye on the soup and watch for bubbles start to break to the surface right before a full-boil. 

When the stock comes to simmer/boil, add in the 1-cup pasta and cook uncovered for 6 to 8 minutes for orzo or standard white pasta, and 10 minutes for the fregola pasta or egg noodles.  I just set my timer for 10 minutes and the soup is perfect every time.  You only want to cook the pasta till its tender, as the pasta will absorb the broth and continue to get tender as it sits in the soup.  

For time efficiency, I usually shred up my chicken while the pasta and vegetables are cooking away.

Simmering pasta and vegetables for chicken soup.
Add the shredded chicken and parsley and heat through.  This step only takes a minute or two if the chicken is still warm from the oven.

Season to taste with salt and pepper. Yep, that’s all there is to it. I told you this was an easy soup to make.  If you feel like you need to add a bit more stock because you had huge chicken breasts, or you just like more stock in your soup, then feel free to add more at this point.

Feel free to add in some fresh spinach at the end along with the chicken and parsley. It helps boost up the nutritional value of the soup.

Chicken soup simmering in a pot on the stove.
Ladle the soup into some bowls and pair it with a traditonal popover or a rosemary and sea salt popover.  

This truly is an easy weeknight chicken soup that the whole family will love, and it’s the perfect soup to deliver to a friend or loved one during the cold and flu season!  I hope that this soup becomes a family favorite in your house!

Chicken soup on the table in a white bowl with a popover and spoon nearby.

With love Jackie

Simple Weeknight Chicken Soup

5.0 from 1 vote
Recipe by Jackie
Servings

6

servings

    Ingredients

    • 2 bone-in, skin on chicken breasts

    • 2-3 tablespoons olive oil

    • coarse sea salt and freshly ground pepper

    • 2-3 stalks celery, medium-diced

    • 3 medium-sized carrots, medium-diced

    • 1 small yellow onion, medium dice

    • 2 cloves garlic, minced

    • 1 bay leaf

    • optional - 4 sprigs of fresh thyme

    • 10 cups (80 ounces) chicken stock, or more if needed – if you have homemade stock, great! I did not, so I used 2.5 32 oz boxes of organic chicken stock.

    • 1 cup small pasta such as Fregola Sarda, tubetini, stars, orzo or 2 cups wide-egg noodles – I used Fregola Sarda pasta as I wanted a chewier and firmer pasta, and I’m not a big fan of using egg noodles as they tend to get soggy.  For those of you that are local, Paradise Foods carries this pasta.

    • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

    Directions

    • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

    • Place the chicken breasts skin side up on a rimmed baking sheet. Rub them with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.

    • Roast the chicken breasts for 35 to 45 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through. The breasts I get locally are always huge, so they usually take between 45-60 minutes. I always use my meat thermometer here and take the chicken out when it reaches an internal temperature of 165º.

      Note: For time efficiency, the chicken can be roasted and shredded up ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until needed.

    • When the chicken is cool enough to handle, remove the meat from the bones, discard the skin, shred the chicken meat, and set aside. I usually do this step when my broth is simmering, see below.

    • While the chicken is cooking, you can prep all of the ingredients. Wash and chop up the celery, carrots, onion, garlic, parsley and measure out your cup of pasta. Be casual when chopping up your veggies, I just did a medium dice. They don't have to be tiny or perfectly uniform in size. That's what I love about making soup, nothing has to be perfect, it's sort of like life, right?

    • When the chicken has finished cooking, place a large soup pot or Dutch Oven over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons olive oil. Add the onion, garlic, carrots, celery, thyme, bay leaf and a hefty pinch of sea salt. Cook and stir for about 5-6 minutes, until the vegetables are softened, but not browned.

    • Add in the 10 cups of chicken stock and bring the soup to a simmer. I turn up the heat to medium-high here. Just keep an eye on the soup and watch for bubbles start to break to the surface right before a full-boil.

    • When the stock comes to simmer/boil, add in the 1-cup pasta and cook uncovered for 6 to 8 minutes for orzo or standard white pasta, and 10 minutes for the fregola pasta or egg noodles. I just set my timer for 10 minutes and the soup is perfect every time. You only want to cook the pasta till its tender, as the pasta will absorb the broth and continue to get tender as it sits in the soup.

      For time efficiency, I usually shred up my chicken while the pasta and vegetables are cooking away.

    • Add the shredded chicken and parsley and heat through. This step only takes a minute or two if the chicken is still warm from the oven.

    • Season to taste with salt and pepper. Yep, that's all there is to it. I told you this was an easy soup to make. If you feel like you need to add a bit more stock because you had huge chicken breasts, or you just like more stock in your soup, then feel free to add more at this point.

    • Feel free to add in some fresh spinach at the end along with the chicken and parsley. It helps boost up the nutritional value of the soup.

      This truly is an easy weeknight chicken soup that the whole family will love, and it's the perfect soup to deliver to a friend or loved one during the cold and flu season! I hope that this soup becomes a family favorite in your house!

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      77 thoughts on “Simple Weeknight Chicken Soup”

      1. I can’t tell you how happy it made me to see a new post from you in my inbox this morning. You know I am behind you 100%! This recipe sounds easy and delicious and I am in total agreement with you about soups. I love to make them, they are comfort foods. I’m also like you in that I don’t usually like noodle soups – prefer rice or barley too because of the sogginess factor. Noodles just get all bloated in soup so if I do make a noodle soup, I often leave it out and cook it separately, then pour soup over it. I’d love to try it with fregola sarda, I’ve not heard of that before! Wishing you love and peace in the new year, my friend! xoxo, Sharon

        1. Hi Sharon! I felt such a rush publishing this post this morning. It felt so weird hitting that button after taking the past 3 weeks off, but it also felt so right. I’m back, but I’m not going to commit to any schedule right now as I’m going to be working full-time soon! GASP! Scary but fun! I know you get it as you’re working tons now as well. We’re so similar in so many ways girl! I love and miss you and thanks for all of your support these past few weeks as well as the past year! Love you! xoxo, Jackie

      2. I am so glad to see you back. I had saved your last post so I could go back periodically and look through your recipe archives. I discovered your blog accidentally and first made the chocolate chip cookie in the cast iron pan. That is the best, and I mean, best cookie I have ever had. Thank you for sharing.

        1. Hi Susan! So happy to hear from you! I’m back, I’m not posting as much as before, but I will share a favorite recipe or random post when I can! I’m so happy that the skillet cookie is one of your favorites! It’s one of ours as well. I’m actually baking up a batch of our favorite chocolcate chip cookies today, as it’s been a while! Happy Sunday! 🙂 xoxo, Jackie

      3. I just wanted to say I am a big fan of your blog so I was very happy to see your post this morning. As a busy mom, your recipes are my go-to when wanting to try something new that is both delicious and healthy. Your previous post inspired me to order the book Broken Open and it has been a blessing to read at this particular time in my life. So thanks for sharing not only your wonderful recipes but also your journey. I wish you well and look forward to your posts, however often they come.

        1. Hi Erin! So great to hear from you and I’m so happy that you love the blog. I really kept it going not only for myself as it’s a huge part of me, but also for all of my readers and friends who just told me to post when I could post. I’m so happy that the book Broken Open resonates with you. I keep re-reading the chapters that resonated with me and I have to tell you that I learn something new each time I read the book. I wish you love and blessings on your journey and if you ever want to chat further, please email me. xoxo, Jackie

      4. Yeah!!! So glad you’re back!! And best of luck with all the changes going on for you right now (going back to work, etc.) Can’t wait to try this soup as well!
        Katherine

        1. Hi Katherine! Thanks girl! I’m totally excited to go back to work, but it will be strange after not working for the past 13 years, but it will be good for me 🙂 xoxo, Jackie

      5. Besides the fact that you posted a wonderful recipe I want to say WELCOME BACK and add a few thoughts to the subject.
        I enjoy your blog. Whether you post once a week, a month, every few weeks, every other month, no matter, no pressure from your fans.
        As an artist, and a former dancer I know all too well what it is like to feel the pressure to perform consistently and know all too well the need to take a break, to focus on other aspects of your life and to get energized in the craft again. Taking a break is a way to gather, to step out for a while and refresh the energy. Sometimes you need to just step out before that which you love no longer feels joyful at all. So, with that, I knew you would be back, and if your blog shows up again in a while I will know it was not because you felt you had to, but because you wanted to. Far better than seeing some repetitive food blog in my inbox that I will delete. And by the way, some of the best food blogs out there show up irregularly…101 cookbooks is an example.
        Peace kindred mom, cook and lover of all that is healthy and beautiful.
        Deb from New Jersey

        1. Awww.. Thanks Deb. I appreciate your feedback on not having to post too often. I do honestly agree that people don’t want their inboxes flooded with new emails all the time. Sometimes it’s just too much for all of us.
          You’re so wise and yes, I came back because I wanted to, not because of a sense of obligation. Breaks are needed and breaks are good, because we do get re-energized and creative again. I really had fun writing this latest post!
          You have a beautiful way with words btw, so thanks for your wonderful comment!
          xoxo, Jackie

      6. What an awesome surprise to wake up to an email from you this morning :o) What a blessing it is to get to a place of revelation about yourself and have the wisdom and courage to walk it out. Sometimes we must “fight” for our peace- ha! the sound of that, right? Walk in peace and the rest falls into place- and make plenty of Barefoot’s chocolate cake while you do it! Happy New Year Jackie XO Kathy

        1. Such wisdom Kathy! Seriously, chocolate cake makes it all better right? HAHA! Yes, a break was needed and I love your saying of walk in peace and the rest falls into place. So true so beautiful! Love it! xoxo, Jackie

      7. Gloria Monacelli

        WELCOME BACK!!!! Glad to see you again…We are all in this together and support you 100%…When ever you get a chance to blog..will be fun to see. Hope you have a wonderful New Year!

        1. Thanks so much Gloria! I’m so excited that you’re happy to have me back! I’m excited too! Have a wonderful New Year as well and best wishes for 2014 girl! xoxo, Jackie

      8. So happy to see you back, Jackie! Hope you had a wonderful holiday and I cannot wait to try this recipe. Looks divine!! 🙂

      9. I’m SOOOO happy you are back! As a single, working mother I love your blog with menus and amazing menus. I was sad when you announced your hiatus, but understood. Waking up this am to find you are back makes me happy for 2014!!

        xo Kelly

        1. Hi Kelly! Yaay! I’m so happy that you’re happy that I’m back. 🙂 I missed you all and I missed creating and cooking, so I’m happy to be back to share with you! Have a wonderful New Years girl! xoxo, Jackie

      10. Kathleen Phillips

        I echo many of the earlier comments. When I go to the store now I am always thinking of your recipes when I choose items for the coming week. Thanks to you I discovered Lacinato Kale – had always bought one of the other varieties and didn’t know about this one – it has changed my family’s attitude to kale!
        It will be a pleasure to find your posts in my box any time. Glad you are working things out and finding a way to keep your creative blogging alive!
        All Best to you and your family.
        Kathleen in NC

        1. Hi Kathleen! Thanks so much for saying hi and for your kind words girl! I’m so happy that I helped you discover lacinato kale and that it’s now a staple item on your menu 🙂 I realized that a lot of my readers didn’t care about how frequenlty I posted, but they just wanted me to post and that honestly took a lot of the pressure off of me, so thanks for being so flexible and sweet!
          Best to you and your family and have a wonderful New Years!
          xoxo, Jackie

      11. Ditto on other commenters response to you being back! I bookmarked in my toolbar your site to quick reference your recipes. Lacinto Kale Salad w/Miso Roasted Tofu is now a staple in our house — my husband gets packed in his lunch or for dinner once per week. On the 21st we had a dinner party in courses and your original Kale Salad was a star. Everyone wanted to know how I got the Kale so tender enough to be served raw. I referred to your video.

        This recipe for chicken soup w/breast comes at the perfect time as both my husband and I have colds. And I’ve been searching / experimenting with ways to make chicken soup w/breast meat. So thank you, thank you Jackie!

        1. Hi Ann. Wow, I’m so happy that you and your hubby are loving all of the kale salads espicially the miso roasted kale one! Thanks for passing on my kale video to your friends as well. I know that video is a bit long, but it’s pretty informative 😉
          I hope you and your hubby feel better soon! Have a wonderful New Year girl! xoxo, Jackie

      12. I’m SO happy you’re back!!! sometimes we need to step back to know what we really need – your blog is wonderful, a work of art and creativity and so many of us enjoy. the soup looks perfect – it’s pouring with rain and miserable here so a pot of soup is jus the thing.
        Mary x

      13. I am SO happy to see a post for you. I was really going to miss your blog and recipes. I’m glad you’ll be sharing your journey. I think blogging is a great creative outlet and lets you connect with people you wouldn’t normally get to know. 🙂 I hope your blogging break helped you though! I always appreciate taking a blogging break, too.
        This recipe looks perfect for sickies in the house, but delicious enough for even family members that aren’t sick. I love the fresh parsley in it.

        1. Hi Kelli! I know you get how difficult it is to maintain a blog girl! I loved my break as I needed time to think and get things sorted out, but I really missed this creative outlet. I felt like a part of me was missing as weird as that sounds, so it just felt right to be back. I also appreciate all of my readers chiming in that they didn’t care how often I posted, they just wanted me to keep posting. That also helped inspire me! I hope you have and David have a wonderful New Years girl and let’s plan on meeting in 2014. I really would love to meet you! xoxo, Jackie

      14. Hi Jackie! I discovered your blog just yesterday while looking for info on how to best store kale (Santa gave me a vitamix for Christmas!). After taking a spin around your site, I was sad to see that you had decided to take some time off because I love what you have to offer (but a gal has to do what a gal has to do to take care of herself – totally get it)! And then, what a wonderful surprise to see the new post today! Find the balance that you need. Looking forward to your next post whenever it comes!

        1. Hi Christine! Yaay! I’m so happy that you discovered my blog! Thanks so much for taking the time to say hi! You will love your vitamix girl! I use mine every day and it’s one of my absolute favorite kitchen tools! Yes, the time off was needed and it was great to find out that my readers didn’t care about frequency, they only cared that I keep the blog going when I could. I was the one putting the pressure on myself, not my readers! Anwyay, thanks for saying hi and I hope you find some amazing recipes girl! xoxo, Jackie

      15. I cannot even begin to tell you how HAPPY I was when I saw on instagram that you’re back! I’m glad you took the break that you needed, and that you’re returning in a way that works for you. Whether you post once a week or once a month, I will be looking forward to it!

      16. Hi Jackie, what a wonderful surprise to have you blogging again! We have all missed you! Though it may only be here & there, we thoroughly enjoy what we can get!
        Good luck with going back to work! As a working mum of 2 little boys, I get so much enjoyment being able to do both…..though hectic as it is!
        Still enjoying your wonderful recipes!

        1. Hi Melissa! It’s nice to be back and missed, so thanks 🙂 I’m excited to get back into the workforce, but I’m also a bit scared as I know my schedule will be crazy and will take a bit getting used to, but the majority of moms out there work, so I can do it! Thanks for saying hi and I’m so happy to hear that you love and are still making recipes from my blog! Have a great week! xoxo, Jackie

      17. Hey Jackie, lovely seeing you back! I was pretty excited to see a new post by you today. This recipe looks great because we crave chicken soup often but sometimes I just don’t have the energy to put together the whole thing, I love that you simplified it here. Lots of great wishes to you and the family.

      18. oh yeah how excited I was to see your new post…whatever the frequency it will be wonderful knowing you are sharing your tasty recipes and gorgeous photos. soup is the perfect comforter in hard times isn’t it. thinking of you girl…prayers for whatever your journey maybe. take care!

      19. Jac, I’m so glad you are back and did so for yourself, not out of any sense of obligation. Keep being you. Do your best and god will take care of the rest (that’s a favorite around this house!) big hugs my friend. Xo, kerry

      20. I’m so glad you decided to post again! Don’t worry about how often you post, it doesn’t matter. Just post when you feel like it. I hope you had a great holiday and thanks for giving us the gift of your words, great recipes and your personal journey. Happy New Year!

      21. Soooooo happy to see that you are posting again! So many of your recipes have become regular meals in my house. I’m in agreement with everyone else, don’t worry about how much you post. Do what makes you happy. 🙂

        1. Awww… Thanks so much Holly! I’m so happy to hear that my recipes have become family favorites in your house 🙂 Thanks for being so loyal and supportive girl! I hope you have a wonderful New Years! xoxo, Jackie

      22. Yay Jackie! So glad to see you back! And congrats on your full-time job, that is exciting!

        I do love soups and tend to make them often in the winter. They are just so comforting. Your chicken soup looks so good as I’m sitting here in this freezing weather!

        I hope you have a wonderful new year 🙂

      23. Whoo hoo! I’ve been periodically checking your blog for any possible posts (on the email list now) and today I saw a new pic and the words “I’m back” and said to myself “I knew it, I knew it!”. I just had the feeling that your previous post was not the last. At least this is what I was hoping. I look forward to all that you will be sharing no matter how frequent.

        Good luck with the new adventure!

        1. Hi Jane! I love your intuition girl. You’re totally connected and I love that you just knew that I would be back 😉 I’m happy to be back as I really missed all of my readers as well as this blog! Thanks for being so supportive girl! Have a wonderful New Years! xoxo, Jackie

      24. Recently I was looking for the Martha Stewart one pan pasta recipe~for some unknown reason I thought I would remember all the ingredients~and came across your blog. Yours is the only blog I subscribe too. It felt like a kinship, not many people I know cook full healthy meals for their family. I plan my menu for the week and shop on Sunday morning. So I began checking your weekly menus and was delighted with the weeknight Bolognese, deep dish pizza in my cast iron skillet, yummy kale salad (thanks for the video!) and more. Then poof you were gone. I too kept your last post in my email to go back too. I am so happy you are in a better place. Selfishly I am glad to have some help with my meal planning! Thank you for coming back even if it’s part time-we missed you!

        1. Wow Carol! I feel honored that my blog is the only one you suscribe to. That’s something that every blogger wants to hear. 🙂
          I’m so happy that you have tried so many of the recipes and that they have been successful for you. That is what I’m hoping when I post each recipe.
          I may come back with the weekly menu, but there are some changes going on at my house, so my weekly menu might be a bit different, but it will be a real weekly menu! I hope you have a wonderful New Years girl! Thanks so much for subscribing to my blog and for taking the time to say hi! xoxo, Jackie

      25. It’s very good to see you back. Whatever it is that you are going through, this too shall pass. If sharing makes you feel good than believe that you are half way though the tough part of your journey. Welcome back!!!!

      26. Ok, so I have to tell you two things: 1) You have been “with” me every day for a week now and 2) I’ve never posted a comment on a blog before. But today I need to.
        Background: Two weeks ago I discovered Bahn Mi sandwiches while in Portland (I know, I must live under a rock), and I was looking to find a vegetarian version for my Santa Cruz friends when I stumbled onto your blog. Then I read that you were taking a break, so I figured I’d just poke around while you were away. Your blog and reading LA Son by Roy Choi this holiday have reignited my love for cooking. I also loved looking through your favorite things–I’m inspired to update my tools and am so happy to have a sister in cast iron.
        Here’s the outcome:
        Friday I made your tofu Bahn Mi. Delicious.
        Saturday I watched your video for kale salad, and was honestly so charmed by your detailed explanations and the appearance of your daughter–who vouched for the yumminess of the salad–that I bought my first bunch of kale at the farmers market on Sunday (when you re-entered the blogosphere), and so
        Tonight, Monday, while the chicken roasts for the Weekday Chicken Soup, I am making your kale salad.
        For a number of reasons, I feel like our timing to “meet” was “meant.” Thank you for putting yourself out here in this way, in spite of life’s challenges. And don’t feel pressure to produce; there’s so much here to explore already 🙂
        Here’s to a happy, healthy, balanced new year!

        1. Hi Jeannine! Ok, you are too cute girl! Seriously your comment made me smile! Don’t feel bad about just discovering Bahn Mi sandwiches, I had only discovered them a year ago myself. I even have freinds who still don’t know what a Bahn Mi sandwich is. 🙂
          Cast iron pans rock girl and if you have any questions on any of the other items on my list, let me know!
          I’m happy to hear that you loved the miso roasted Bahn Mi sandwiches. I think I’m going to make those up next Monday night for the kiddos, as it’s been a while. I hope you enjoyed the soup and kale salad. They are favorites in my house!
          I’m so happy that you found my blog when you did and yes, I do believe in fate and that people are drawn to things and each other at certain times for certain reasons. The universe is amazing in the way it works!
          Have a wonderful New Years girl and thanks so much for taking the time to leave a comment and say hi! I love hearing from my readers! xoxo, Jackie

      27. Happy New Year and so glad to have you back! Wishing you all the best in your journey and for the upcoming year. Was sending you some positive energy from our hometown, and then was surprised to see your new post! The power of the tartan . . .
        Finally decided to buy the Vitamix, so I’ll be digging through all your smoothie posts for ideas. Can’t wait to get it set up at home! Cheers- Laura

        1. Hi Laura! Thanks so much for all your postive energy. Wow, Scotia, I can’t remember the last time I was there. SO much has changed since we grew up, wouldn’t you agree?
          I’m so happy you got the vitamix. It’s still my fave kitchen tool! xoxo, Jackie

      28. I took a week or two off from blogging lately too and I really missed it. I hope everything is ok with you, I will say a prayer.

        On another note. I just discovered that one of my best friends has family in Marin, she spent xmas there! I told her about your blog!

      29. Hi Jackie! I am happy that you are back, and also agree that the frequency isn’t important. Mostly I just want you to be okay – your last blog post had me a little worried (even though I don’t know you). I am hoping all is okay with your family and life, and that you just needed a little room to breathe away from this blog… prayers.
        Elizabeth M.

        1. Thansk so much Elizabeth for your support, thoughts and kind words. There are some changes on the homefront, but all is well! I’m actually working on a new recipe today and I hope it turns out well! 🙂 xoxo, Jakcie

      30. surprised and delighted to see a new post/update from you! (as i was trying in vain to brainstorm for my weekly cooking projects) and this soup looks like just the thing too. a break for a little bit can be good but i’m so glad you’re “around” again :))

      31. Just got back from three weeks abroad and went to your blog to find one of your kale salad recipes (was a huge hit at Thanksgiving) and was so excited to see a new post! Like others have said, your blog fans are behind you 100% and want you to do whatever is right for you at this time. Selfishly, I’m really glad you haven’t decided to shut down the blog entirely, though! Wishing you and your family a happy and healthy 2014.

      32. ecstatic! Ecstatic you are back even if it is a post here and there! you inspired me over the holidays to just stop and take a breather and be the mom, wife and friend I am beyond the blog! Thank you for that! I hope you are doing well and that you still love me:) after my email!LOL! You are the bomb and we are so blessed to get your delicious recipes so please do keep it up when you can:) Love this chicken soup. It is one of my favorite things to make during the winter months and your version with the little pasta makes my mouth water! yum!

      33. You were very much missed and any time you can post will be greatly appreciated as the food is all so yummy. Soups are such good comfort food especially with some nice crusty bread on the side. I made a huge veggie soup that got us through the polar freeze that Chicago has been having lately. Will definitely be making this soup. I might try pearled barley instead of pasta since I love it so. Best wishes to you!

        1. Hi Charity! You’re so sweet girl. Brrrr…. I can only imagine how cold it was in Chicago. I remember when I lived in Minneapolis and it was 20 below for over a week. I was used to the cold growing up on the east coast and living in the midwest, but now that I’ve been in California for the past 17 years, I think I would be a total wimp it hit 15 degrees. I think this soup would be amazing with pearled barley in it. Going to try that next! xoxo, Jackie

      34. Another MidWestern girl…yeah! I lived in California for years for boarding school near Monterey and loved it. Miss the weather and beaches! Keep the great recipes coming whenever you want…hope all is well. The quinoa, avocado, and black bean wrap looks amazing…will try next.

        1. Thanks Charity! I think I know the boarding school you attened. My best friend’s little sister went to one down there. Monterey is gorgeous! Love the cypress trees. I will keep em coming girl and I’m glad to hear you’re enjoying them! 🙂 xoxo, Jackie

      35. I’m so happy you are back. Marin Momma Cooks is my goto site when I’m looking for simple, clean eating inspiration. Please know how much all of the love and energy you put into the blog is appreciated!

      36. Glad you are back–your blog is beautiful and I love your fresh, healthy recipes. I agree–soup is the best for calming and comforting. This soup looks wonderful, fresh and perfect for the cold winter weather in Chicago!

      37. Thank you for the recipe. We all just came down with colds, so I added bunch of green
        onions, 2 cloves garlic and 1 ” ginger. Only a few of us like spinach, so I put that in the bowl before putting hot soup on top for those who like it. Wish I had left the noodles out and put then in the bowl as needed. They are getting mushy for leftovers

        1. Hi Rosie! I hope you’re all feeling better. I’m glad this recipe helped to soothe your colds a bit. I actually made a batch the week that I was down and out with a cold and it helped me immensely. I feel the same way about noodles getting soggy, so that’s why I use the as Fregola Sarda pasta because it never gets mushy! Maybe try that next time if you can find it at your grocery store! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving! xoxo, Jacquelyn

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