Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup to soothe the soul on a chilly day. This comforting classic is packed with tender chicken, cozy noodles, and a velvety smooth, creamy broth that makes every spoonful feel like a hug in a bowl. Imagine the aroma filling your kitchen as it simmers away—just the thought of it is enough to make anyone feel at home. Whether you’re feeling under the weather, needing a quick family meal, or craving something heartwarming, this soup is a go-to recipe that’s sure to hit the spot. Trust me, it’s the kind of soup that will have you feeling nourished, satisfied, and oh-so-cozy!

Why You’ll Love Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

Rich, Creamy Goodness

The creamy base of this soup is pure comfort. It’s not overly thick, but just the right amount of creaminess that makes each spoonful indulgent without being too heavy. The broth is luxuriously smooth, perfectly complemented by the chicken and noodles.

Hearty and Filling

This soup is more than just a light meal—it’s hearty enough to be a full dinner! With chunks of tender chicken, soft noodles, and vegetables, it’s a meal that will fill you up and leave you satisfied. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover chicken!

Quick and Easy

Despite how rich and comforting it tastes, this soup is surprisingly simple to make. You’ll find yourself enjoying a pot of this creamy goodness in less than an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights or any time you need a warm meal in a hurry.

Customizable

Don’t be afraid to get creative! You can add in more vegetables like spinach, corn, or peas, or swap the egg noodles for a different type of pasta. This soup is a great base that adapts easily to what you have on hand.

Ingredients in Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

Here’s what you’ll need to make this creamy soup:

• Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs work great for this recipe. You can also use leftover rotisserie chicken if you’re short on time.
• Egg Noodles: Classic egg noodles are perfect for this dish, but feel free to use other types of pasta like fusilli or bowtie if you prefer.
• Carrots: Adds a touch of sweetness and color.
• Celery: Brings a mild crunch and fresh flavor to the soup.
• Onion: Gives depth and savoriness to the broth.
• Garlic: A couple of cloves, finely minced, add that irresistible aromatic kick.
• Chicken Broth: The base of the soup, adding rich flavor.
• Heavy Cream: This is what gives the soup its luscious, creamy texture.
• Butter: For sautéing the vegetables and adding a rich flavor to the soup.
• Flour: Used to thicken the soup and create that creamy base.
• Herbs: Fresh thyme and bay leaves, plus salt and pepper, for seasoning.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are included in the recipe card below.)

Nutrition Facts

Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutrition per serving (based on 6 servings):

• Calories: 340
• Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
• Carbohydrates: 24g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 4g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 60mg
• Sodium: 950mg
• Potassium: 450mg
• Calcium: 6% DV
• Iron: 10% DV

(Note: Nutritional values are based on a typical serving size and may vary depending on specific ingredients used.)

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

Start by cooking the chicken. You can either poach it in a pot of simmering water or sauté it in a little olive oil until fully cooked. Once cooked, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces using two forks. Set it aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables soften and the onions turn translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.

Step 3: Make the Soup Base

Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed vegetables and stir well to combine. This will help thicken the soup. Gradually add the chicken broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing it to thicken slightly, about 5 minutes.

Step 4: Add the Noodles and Chicken

Stir in the egg noodles and shredded chicken. Let the soup simmer for another 8-10 minutes, or until the noodles are tender and cooked through. If you need to add more broth or water at any point, feel free to adjust the consistency to your liking.

Step 5: Add the Cream and Seasonings

Once the noodles are cooked, add the heavy cream to the soup, stirring until fully combined. Season the soup with salt, pepper, fresh thyme, and a couple of bay leaves. Let everything simmer together for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 6: Taste and Adjust

Give the soup a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. You may want to add a pinch of extra salt or pepper, depending on your preference.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the bay leaves and ladle the creamy chicken noodle soup into bowls. Serve hot, with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a slice of crusty bread for dipping.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

With Crusty Bread

Pair the soup with a slice of warm, crusty bread or a soft dinner roll for the perfect combo. The bread is great for dipping in the creamy broth!

With a Salad

A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette is the perfect contrast to the richness of the soup. Try a simple salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a lemon dressing.

As a Comforting Meal

Sometimes, this soup is hearty enough to be the main dish on its own. Serve it with a side of pickles or a fruit salad to round out the meal.

Additional Tips

Make It Ahead of Time

You can make the soup ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors will only improve as it sits! Just be sure to reheat it gently over low heat to avoid curdling the cream.

Add Extra Veggies

If you want to pack in even more veggies, feel free to add peas, spinach, or corn. They’ll blend in beautifully and make the soup even more nutritious.

Make It Gluten-Free

If you need a gluten-free version, swap out the egg noodles for gluten-free pasta and use a gluten-free flour blend for thickening.

Use Rotisserie Chicken

For a shortcut, you can use store-bought rotisserie chicken. It’s a great time-saver and adds even more flavor to the soup.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen vegetables?
A1: Yes! Frozen peas or carrots would be a great addition, but be sure to add them toward the end of cooking so they don’t get too mushy.

Q2: Can I freeze this soup?
A2: Yes, this soup freezes well. Just let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will last up to 3 months in the freezer. When reheating, you may need to add a bit more broth to get the right consistency.

Q3: How can I make this soup spicier?
A3: To add some spice, try incorporating a pinch of red pepper flakes, a dash of hot sauce, or even a little freshly chopped jalapeño.

Q4: What kind of pasta can I use instead of egg noodles?
A4: You can use any pasta you prefer, such as rotini, farfalle, or even gluten-free pasta. Just make sure to cook it separately before adding it to the soup.

Q5: How do I store leftovers?
A5: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat.

Q6: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
A6: Yes, chicken thighs work wonderfully in this soup and will add even more flavor. Just be sure to shred them once they’re cooked.

Q7: Can I use a different type of cream?
A7: Heavy cream gives the soup its rich texture, but you can use half-and-half for a lighter version or even whole milk if you prefer something less creamy.

Q8: Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
A8: Yes, you can. Just add all the ingredients (except for the cream) to the slow cooker, and cook on low for 6-7 hours. Add the cream at the end and cook for an additional 10 minutes.

Q9: Can I skip the flour?
A9: The flour helps thicken the soup. If you want to skip it, you can either use cornstarch or simply let the soup simmer longer to reduce and thicken naturally.

Q10: How many servings does this recipe make?
A10: This recipe makes about 6 servings, depending on portion size.

Conclusion

There’s no better way to warm up on a chilly day than with a bowl of Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup. It’s the ultimate comfort food, with its creamy, savory broth, tender chicken, and cozy noodles. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, a comforting lunch, or just to have something delicious on hand, this recipe is guaranteed to bring joy to your kitchen. So grab your spoon, curl up, and enjoy a bowl of pure comfort!

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