-
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat in a large stockpot or Dutch oven. Add onion and sauté 2 minutes until just beginning to soften. Add carrots, celery (including leaves) and thyme and sauté 4 minutes.
-
Add chicken, salt, pepper and 4 cups chicken stock. Partially cover and simmer for 20 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
-
While soup is simmering, cook Fideo according to package directions in remaining broth until al dente. Reserve 2 cups of cooking liquid before draining pasta. Drain pasta and transfer to a medium bowl and toss with remaining olive oil. Cover and set aside.
-
Just before serving, add Fideo to Dutch oven. Stir and remove from heat.
-
Add lemon zest, lemon juice, nutmeg. If soup is too thick, add a little bit of the reserved cooking liquid to desired consistency.
-
To serve, divide Fideo among individual serving bowls and top with hot soup. Add freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
-
Garnish with additional fresh cracked pepper and fresh parsley and thyme if desired. Serve with hot crusty bread and/or a crisp, garden salad for a light and delicious meal. Enjoy!