Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

Curl up with a bowl of pure comfort! This creamy chicken noodle soup recipe transforms simple ingredients into a rich, velvety dream that warms you from the inside out. It’s truly the ultimate hug in a bowl, perfect for any day you crave something wholesome and utterly delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

Get ready to fall in love with this classic comfort dish, reimagined with a luxurious twist. This homemade creamy chicken noodle soup isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience!

  • Unforgettable Creaminess: A generous swirl of heavy cream takes this soup from good to absolutely divine, creating a silky texture that coats every bite.
  • Hearty & Satisfying: Packed with tender shredded chicken, wholesome vegetables, and comforting egg noodles, it’s a full meal in one bowl.
  • Quick to Prepare: You can have this comforting soup on your table in under 40 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
  • Customizable Comfort: Easily adjust seasonings or add your favorite herbs to make this creamy chicken noodle soup uniquely yours.
  • Budget-Friendly: Made with readily available and affordable ingredients, it’s kind to your wallet without sacrificing flavor.
  • Family Favorite: A universally loved dish, it’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters at your table.
  • Perfect for Meal Prep: It reheats beautifully, making it a fantastic option for lunches throughout the week.

Ingredients Needed

Crafting this luscious creamy chicken noodle soup starts with fresh, quality ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in building depth and flavor. When selecting your produce, aim for vibrant, crisp carrots and celery, and a firm, fragrant onion for the best results. A good quality chicken broth forms the foundation of this amazing soup.

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 150g / 1 cup chopped carrots
  • 120g / 1 cup chopped celery
  • 160g / 1 cup chopped onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 960ml / 4 cups chicken broth
  • 140g / 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
  • 75g / 1 cup egg noodles
  • 120ml / 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 5g / 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • Salt and pepper to taste

YOU MIGHT LOVE: Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup – Another incredibly rich and satisfying chicken soup recipe!

Essential Equipment

You don’t need a kitchen full of gadgets for this creamy chicken noodle soup! Here are the basics that will make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable.

  • Large pot or Dutch oven: Essential for sautéing vegetables and simmering the soup evenly. A Dutch oven provides excellent heat retention.
  • Cutting board: A sturdy surface for safely chopping your vegetables.
  • Knife: A sharp chef’s knife makes quick work of preparing your ingredients.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient ratios, ensuring perfect flavor balance.

Recipe Overview

This creamy chicken noodle soup is designed for maximum flavor with minimal fuss, perfect for getting a wholesome meal on the table efficiently.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Servings: 4
  • Difficulty: Easy

Step-by-Step Instructions for Your Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

Follow these straightforward steps to create a truly delicious and comforting bowl of creamy chicken noodle soup.

  1. Sauté AromaticsHeat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped carrots, celery, and onion. Cook until they soften and become fragrant, which typically takes about 5-7 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent sticking.

  2. Infuse Garlic FlavorAdd the minced garlic to the softened vegetables and cook for just 1 minute more. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.

  3. Build the BrothPour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a rolling boil. This step helps marry the flavors of the vegetables and garlic with the broth.

  4. Add Chicken and NoodlesStir in the shredded cooked chicken and egg noodles. Reduce the heat immediately to a gentle simmer. Continue to cook until the noodles are tender and cooked through, usually about 8-10 minutes. If the soup appears too thick at this stage, feel free to add a splash more chicken broth.

  5. Finish with Cream and HerbsGently stir in the heavy cream and fresh chopped parsley. Heat through for just a minute or two; avoid boiling after adding the cream to prevent curdling.

  6. Season to PerfectionSeason the creamy chicken noodle soup generously with salt and pepper to taste. Taste and adjust as needed, ensuring the flavors are perfectly balanced before serving hot.


CHECK OUT: How to Make Shredded Chicken – Learn the easiest ways to prepare perfectly tender shredded chicken for this soup and more!

Steaming creamy chicken noodle soup.

Tips for Success with Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

Elevate your soup-making game with these expert tips, ensuring a consistently delicious result every time.

  • Don’t Overcook Noodles: Add egg noodles towards the end of the cooking process to prevent them from becoming mushy. They will continue to soften slightly even after heat is removed.
  • Use Pre-Cooked Chicken: Using leftover rotisserie chicken or pre-cooked, shredded chicken breasts significantly cuts down on prep time.
  • Fresh Herbs Make a Difference: While dried parsley can work, fresh parsley adds a vibrant color and a brighter, more aromatic finish to your soup.
  • Taste and Adjust: Always taste your soup before serving and adjust salt, pepper, or other seasonings as needed. Different broths have varying sodium levels.
  • Low Simmer for Cream: Once you add the heavy cream, keep the soup at a gentle simmer and avoid a hard boil to prevent the cream from separating or curdling.

Variations & Substitutions

Flexibility is key in the kitchen! Customize this creamy chicken noodle soup to fit your dietary needs or simply to explore new flavor profiles.

  • Dairy-Free Option: For a dairy-free version, swap heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk (for a subtle tropical twist) or a dairy-free cream alternative.
  • Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free egg noodles or opt for rice noodles, or even a small pasta like ditalini or orzo made from gluten-free grains.
  • Add More Veggies: Feel free to incorporate other vegetables like chopped bell peppers, frozen peas, or corn during the last few minutes of simmering.
  • Herb Swaps: Experiment with different fresh herbs such as thyme, dill, or a bay leaf added during the simmering stage for varied aromatics.
  • Spicy Kick: A pinch of red pepper flakes added with the garlic can introduce a subtle heat.
Close-up of creamy chicken noodle soup with noodles and chicken.

Serving Suggestions

This creamy chicken noodle soup is a meal in itself, but a few thoughtfully chosen accompaniments can truly complete the experience.

  • Crusty Bread: A warm, crusty loaf of bread or a fresh baguette is perfect for soaking up every last drop of the creamy broth.
  • Simple Side Salad: A light, crisp green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the soup.
  • Crackers: Classic oyster crackers or saltines are always a welcome addition, offering a delightful crunch.
  • Grilled Cheese Sandwich: For the ultimate comfort food pairing, serve alongside a gooey grilled cheese sandwich.
  • Iced Tea: A refreshing glass of unsweetened iced tea complements the comforting warmth of the soup beautifully.

Health Benefits of This Comforting Chicken Noodle Soup

Beyond its delicious taste, this creamy chicken noodle soup offers several wonderful nutritional advantages, making it a wholesome choice for any meal.

  • Protein Powerhouse: With 25g of protein per serving, it supports muscle repair and keeps you feeling full and satisfied.
  • Vitamins & Minerals: Carrots and celery provide essential vitamins like A and K, while onions and garlic offer antioxidants.
  • Hydration: The broth base contributes to your daily fluid intake, which is especially beneficial when you’re feeling under the weather.
  • Energy Boost: The carbohydrates from the egg noodles provide a readily available source of energy.
  • Fiber Rich: The vegetables add a good amount of dietary fiber, aiding in digestion.

Storage & Reheating

Enjoying your creamy chicken noodle soup days later is easy with proper storage and reheating techniques.

  • Refrigeration: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  • Freezing: This soup freezes moderately well. For best results, consider freezing it before adding the noodles and cream. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then add fresh noodles and cream when reheating. If frozen with cream and noodles, the texture may change slightly upon thawing. Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
  • Reheating: Gently reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If the soup has thickened too much, add a splash of chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency. Avoid boiling rapidly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions you might have when preparing your creamy chicken noodle soup.

  • Can I use fresh chicken instead of cooked?


    Yes, you can! Simply dice fresh chicken breast or thighs, cook them in the pot before adding vegetables, or poach them separately and shred.

  • Why did my cream curdle?


    Cream can curdle if added to a rapidly boiling soup or if it’s very cold. Ensure your soup is simmering gently and let the cream come closer to room temperature before adding. Stir it in slowly.

  • What kind of noodles are best?


    Egg noodles are traditional and work wonderfully, absorbing the creamy broth. Any small pasta like ditalini, orzo, or even broken spaghetti can also be used.

  • Can I make this soup ahead of time?


    Absolutely! You can prepare the soup base (vegetables and broth) a day or two in advance. When ready to serve, reheat the base and then add the cooked chicken, noodles, and cream.

  • Is this soup freezer-friendly?


    Yes, but for optimal texture, it’s best to freeze the soup without the heavy cream and noodles. Add them in when reheating.


More Delicious Dishes

If you loved this comforting creamy chicken noodle soup, you’re sure to enjoy these other delightful recipes from our kitchen!

Conclusion

There’s truly nothing quite like a warm bowl of creamy chicken noodle soup to soothe the soul and satisfy the palate. We hope this recipe brings warmth and joy to your table! Follow us on Facebook and Pinterest for more comforting recipes and culinary inspiration.

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Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup


  • Author: Lorena
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

Indulge in a bowl of pure comfort with this rich and velvety Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup, packed with tender chicken, wholesome vegetables, and delicate egg noodles.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup chopped carrots (150g)
  • 1 cup chopped celery (120g)
  • 1 cup chopped onion (160g)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups chicken broth (960ml)
  • 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded (140g)
  • 1 cup egg noodles (75g)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (120ml)
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (5g)
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
  2. Add carrots, celery, and onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
  4. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil.
  5. Add shredded chicken and egg noodles.
  6. Reduce heat and simmer until noodles are cooked through, about 8-10 minutes.
  7. Stir in heavy cream and parsley.
  8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  9. Serve hot.

Notes

  • Don’t Overcook Noodles: Add egg noodles towards the end of the cooking process to prevent them from becoming mushy.
  • Low Simmer for Cream: Once you add heavy cream, keep the soup at a gentle simmer to prevent curdling.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: N/A
  • Sodium: N/A
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: N/A
  • Unsaturated Fat: N/A
  • Trans Fat: N/A
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: N/A
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: N/A

Keywords: Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup, chicken soup, noodle soup, comfort food, easy soup, homemade soup, creamy soup

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