recipe homemade chicken soup

Ingredients: 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 pounds), cut into pieces 8 cups water or chicken broth 2 large carrots, sliced 2 celery stalks, sliced 1 large onion, diced 3 cloves garlic, minced 2 bay leaves 1 teaspoon dried thyme Salt and pepper, to taste 1 cup egg noodles or pasta (optional)