LIVING: FOOD FOR THE SOUL

Mama’s Homemade Cajun Chicken Noodle Soup

When the Las Vegas heat rises, a warm bowl of soup may not be the first thing that comes to mind. But step inside any air-conditioned home, restaurant, or workplace, and comfort food suddenly makes perfect sense. 

That’s where this rich, soul-warming Cajun chicken noodle soup comes in. It’s hearty, flavorful, and made to bring the family together around the table. 

This soup is more than a meal — it’s comfort in a bowl, packed with bold seasoning, fresh vegetables, and nourishing ingredients.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 whole organic rotisserie chicken (meat removed and shredded)
• 1 bag egg noodles
• 4 boxes (regular size) organic chicken broth
• 3 red potatoes, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
• 1 orange bell pepper, chopped
• 2–3 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 shallots, minced
• 4–5 garlic cloves, minced
• 1–2 tsp garlic paste
• White mushrooms, sliced (to taste)
• 1 cup organic carrots, sliced or chopped
• 1 cup peas
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Fresh rosemary
• Fresh thyme
• 1 lemon (juice)
• Avocado oil
• 1–2 tbsp Marsala cooking wine (optional)
• Parmesan cheese (for topping)

SEASONING

• Himalayan salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Smoked paprika
• Cayenne pepper
• Cajun seasoning blend

DIRECTIONS

1. Prepare the chicken. Remove all meat from the rotisserie chicken and shred or cut into bite-size pieces. Place in a bowl. Season with Cajun seasoning, a drizzle of avocado oil, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Set aside.

2. Prep the vegetables. Chop all bell peppers, celery, onions, shallots, garlic, mushrooms, carrots, and red potatoes. Combine in a large bowl.

3. Sauté the base. In a large pot, heat avocado oil over medium heat. Add garlic paste and sauté until fragrant. Add all chopped vegetables along with rosemary and thyme. Cook until vegetables begin to soften.

4. Build the soup. Add seasoned chicken to the pot and stir for about 3 minutes.

5. Add liquids. Pour in chicken broth and stir. Add a splash of Marsala cooking wine and a little more fresh lemon juice.

6. Season generously. Add Himalayan salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and additional Cajun seasoning to taste.

7. Simmer. Cover and cook on medium heat for about 45 minutes, or until vegetables are tender and flavors are well blended.

8. Add noodles. In the last 10–15 minutes of cooking, add egg noodles. Reduce heat to low and cook until noodles are tender.

9. Finish and serve. Stir in peas. Adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot and top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. 

Best enjoyed with warm bread or cornbread and shared with family. A squeeze of lemon just before serving adds a bright finishing touch. Enjoy your life — and every comforting, nourishing spoonful.