[ad_1] I had just finished raiding my pantry and fridge for ingredients to make dinner when I stumbled upon a bag of frozen chicken and a package of Reames Noodles hiding in the back of the freezer. This week I didn’t have a lot of money to spend on groceries, so I had to get creative with what I already had. As I started to brainstorm ideas for a hearty and satisfying meal, the thought of making Chicken and Noodles with Reames Noodles popped into my mind.
Reames noodles and chicken broth are a match made in comfort food heaven. These tender egg noodles soaked in a flavorful, soothing broth make for the ultimate easy weeknight dinner. I’ve perfected the method for cooking Reames noodles in chicken broth after much delicious trial and error. Read on for my foolproof guide to noodle nirvana.
An Overview of Reames Noodles
We’ll start by getting to know the Reames noodles before we start cooking them. The Reames Foods company makes Reames noodles, which are a type of frozen egg noodles. They have a pleasantly sturdy texture and rich eggy flavor. Unlike dry pasta, Reames noodles are pre-cooked before freezing. In other words, they take less time to cook all the way through when making a dish. This also means that they easily soak up flavors from broth and other cooking liquids.
Reames noodles have been a favorite in American kitchens for more than 60 years. When Jay Reames first made them in 1952, they were an instant hit because they were easy to use, could be used in many ways, and tasted great. As of now, Reames noodles are only made of three simple things: eggs, flour, and water. This classic combination is clearly still a winner!.
Why Cook Them in Chicken Broth?
Cooking Reames noodles in chicken broth instead of plain water elevates them from plain to extraordinary. The savory, aromatic broth infuses the tender noodles with its concentrated flavor. This creates a comforting, satisfying dish that feels cozy and nourishing.
Chicken broth complements and enhances the inherently rich, eggy taste of the Reames noodles. Other liquids like water just can’t compare. The noodles soak up the lip-smacking chicken essence, creating a “sauce” right in the cooking liquid.
Warm, comforting chicken noodle dishes have been around for a long time for a reason. The pairing just naturally hits the spot. You can make a simple meal that tastes like a labor of love by starting with Reames quality noodles and adding flavorful chicken broth, either from scratch or from the store.
Helpful Tips for Cooking Success
Cooking Reames noodles in chicken broth isn’t complicated, but there are a few easy tips to follow for best results:
-
Use high quality broth for maximum flavor. Homemade is ideal, but a good store-bought low-sodium chicken broth will also do the trick. Chicken bone broth offers great nutritional benefits.
-
Avoid boiling the broth. To keep the delicate noodles whole, a slow simmer is best. Boiling can make them mushy.
-
Stir frequently to prevent sticking and promote even cooking. Reames noodles love to stick together!
-
Watch the cook time. Reames noodles cook faster than traditional pasta. They just need 5-7 minutes once simmering to become perfectly al dente.
-
Season to taste. The broth likely contains enough salt, but add pepper or other spices as desired.
-
Consider fun add-ins! Vegetables, cooked chicken, herbs, cheese, and more can take your dish to the next level.
Follow my step-by-step method below for guaranteed Reames noodle success. Just 6 ingredients and 20 minutes standing between you and comfort food bliss!
Step-By-Step Instructions
Makes 4 servings
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 package (12 oz) Reames egg noodles
- 6 cups chicken broth (homemade or store-bought)
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1⁄4 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Directions
-
Add chicken broth, carrots, celery, garlic, and thyme to a large pot. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
-
Once simmering, add the Reames noodles, stirring to separate any clumps.
-
Allow noodles to simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until tender but still slightly firm.
-
Remove pot from heat. Season broth with salt and pepper to taste.
-
Serve Reames noodles in chicken broth warm, garnished with fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy this comforting creation!
Customize this simple dish by adding cooked chicken, mushrooms, spinach, or other favorite ingredients. Get creative with different broth flavors or seasonings too. The options are endless for Reames noodle bliss!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen Reames noodles straight from the bag?
Yes! Add them directly to the simmering broth. They may just need an extra minute or two to cook through after thawing.
What ratio of broth to noodles should I use?
A good starting point is 2 cups broth for every 1 cup of Reames noodles. Adjust to your desired soupiness as needed.
How can I prevent mushy noodles?
Avoid overcooking! Test a noodle at 5 minutes. Once tender but still slightly firm, promptly remove from heat.
Can I add veggies to the broth?
Absolutely! Add them early so they have time to become tender before the noodles are added.
Can I use Reames noodles in the pressure cooker?
You can, but extreme care is needed to prevent overcooking. Cook on low pressure just 1-2 minutes.
Can I use flavored broths?
Yes! Try chicken bone broth or fun flavors like roasted garlic. Just watch the salt content.
Can I store leftovers?
Sure! Refrigerate in an airtight container up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving.
Enjoying the Fruits of Your Labor
- Use high quality broth
- Avoid overcooking
- Stir, stir, stir
- Customize with fun add-ins
Now grab a package of Reames noodles, heat up some chicken broth, and dive into comforting, crave-worthy bliss in minutes. Just be prepared for the compliments on your top-notch cooking skills, and the requests for second helpings!
Interesting Trivia or Background
Did you know that Reames Noodles have been a staple in American kitchens for over 60 years? Originally created by Dale Ream in the 1950s, these noodles have stood the test of time and continue to be a favorite among home cooks and chefs alike.
Exact Steps or Recipe Instructions
Now, let’s get cooking! Here is a simple and delicious recipe for Chicken and Noodles with Reames Noodles:
Ingredients | Instructions |
---|---|
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded | 1. In a large pot, bring 4 cups of chicken broth to a boil. |
1 package Reames Noodles | 2. Add the Reames Noodles to the boiling broth and cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. |
4 cups chicken broth | 3. Stir in the cooked chicken and season with salt and pepper to taste. |
Salt and pepper, to taste | 4. Serve hot and enjoy! |