Who doesn't love a soothing bowl of Chicken Soup on a cold and rainy fall day? There's not much that is as quite as nice as tucking into those warm and flavorful spoonfuls while watching the leaves outside change color. Bonus points if you're wrapped up in a fuzzy blanket!

For beginner chefs, such as those of us who recently moved away from our mom or dad's home cooking, soups are a great place to begin learning crucial cooking skills.

They take time to prepare, but simmer on the stove and fill your apartment with savory smells. Perfecting a soup dish helps hone necessary skills in the kitchen and the end result will be a tasty dish you can impress your roommates with.

Let's begin

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups of chicken or vegetable broth
  • 2 cooked chicken breasts, shredded
  • 1 can corn
  • 1 can tomatoes
  • 1/2 package frozen peas
  • 2 cups pasta of your choice
  • 1/4 diced onion
  • 1 tablespoon chopped garlic
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Method:

  • Step 1. Heat up a pan on medium heat with the two tablespoons olive oil, then add in the garlic and onion. This will help soften the onion and garlic and bring out the aromatics within them without being too strong of a flavor. Cook these until the onions begin to turn brown, that means they are caramelizing.
  • Step 2. Add the four cups of broth to a medium-sized pot. Turn the stove to medium heat. Add in the onions and garlic, and add the salt and pepper to taste. Let this simmer for five to 10 minutes, stir to combine.
  • Step 3. Add in the vegetables. Use the suggested ingredients or your own favorite vegetables. Broccoli, for example, will soak up a lot of the flavor. Stir to combine.
  • Step 4. Add the shredded chicken. Use leftovers, buy a precooked rotisserie chicken, or pop two chicken breasts into an oven preheated to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes, then take out, let it cool, and shred with two forks. Once added, stir to combine.
  • Step 5. Pick your starch. This will help bulk out the dish and absorb some of the liquid. Pasta is always a great and cheap choice, something like a fusilli, macaroni, or shell pasta would be amazing. Or, go for a brown rice or quinoa. Cook these ahead of time so they won't take on all of the liquid from the stock.
  • Step 6. Add your pasta, rice, or quinoa to the pot. Let the soup simmer away for up to an hour before serving, stirring occasionally. Keeping the soup on a medium to low heat will ensure an even cook and no burning.
  • Step 7. Serve up a portion of the soup and if you like, add a little garnish. Fresh or dried herbs make anything look fancy. Try rosemary or basil.

For a festive substitute, use leftover turkey from Thanksgiving instead of chicken.

Voila!

You've got a simple, healthy soup that takes little time to prepare and will keep your insides warm. Take it for lunch the next day and impress your coworkers with a delicious homemade soup. Don't forget to call your mom about your awesome new soup skills!