Creating a bowl of Classic Chicken Noodle Soup can be simple if you follow these steps:

1. Heat Oil: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Sauté Vegetables: Add the diced onion, sliced carrots, and diced celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until they begin to soften.
3. Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, being careful not to burn it.
4. Pour in Broth: Add the chicken broth to the pot and bring it to a simmer.
5. Add Chicken and Herbs: Stir in the shredded chicken, dried thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
6. Simmer: Allow the soup to simmer for about 10-15 minutes to meld the flavors together.
7. Cook Noodles: Add the egg noodles to the pot and cook until tender, about 8-10 minutes.
8. Optional Peas: If you’re adding frozen peas, do so in the last few minutes of cooking.
9. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
10. Garnish: Remove the bay leaf and serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley.

These clear instructions will guide you in preparing this incredible soup with ease and speed!