Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

Nothing warms the heart quite like a bowl of soup, and this Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup is a soul-soothing, velvety masterpiece that will quickly become your go-to comfort food. Crafted with tender chicken, wide egg noodles, and a luscious creamy broth, it’s a delicious twist on a classic favorite. Every spoonful delivers rich flavor, silky texture, and that home-cooked magic that makes any day better.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are wonderfully simple but pack so much flavor and texture into this dish. Each element plays a vital role, from the sweetness of the carrots and celery to the richness of the heavy cream and butter, creating the perfect balance for your Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup.

• 1/2 medium yellow onion, chopped: Adds a mild sweetness that forms the flavor base.
• 2 ribs celery, finely chopped: Provides subtle crunch and freshness.
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and finely chopped: Brings natural sweetness and vibrant color.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses a lovely aroma and depth of flavor.
• 2 tablespoons butter: Enriches the broth with a silky, creamy texture.
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: Helps thicken the soup into a comforting stew-like consistency.
• 4 cups chicken broth: Forms the hearty, savory base of the soup.
• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts: Tender, lean protein that absorbs all the cozy flavors.
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme or 1 tablespoon fresh: Adds herbal warmth and earthiness.
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary or 1 tablespoon fresh, chopped: Brings a fragrant pine-like note.
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream: Cranks up the creaminess to pure indulgence.
• 2 cups uncooked wide egg noodles: Soft, pillowy noodles that soak up the flavorful broth.
• Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste: Essential seasoning to enhance every ingredient.
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, roughly chopped (optional): Fresh herbaceous touch for brightness and garnish.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

Step 1: Sauté Your Vegetables

Start by melting butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Toss in the chopped onion, celery, and carrots. Cook these veggies just until they start to soften, about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring often so they don’t brown too much. This gentle sauté brings out their natural sweetness and builds a wondrous flavor base for your soup.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Flour

Next, stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for one minute until fragrant, filling your kitchen with that irresistible aroma. Then sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and cook it for another minute, stirring nonstop. This step is crucial as the flour will thicken the broth into a satisfyingly creamy consistency without any lumps.

Step 3: Pour in Chicken Broth and Add Chicken and Herbs

Gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring constantly to keep the mixture smooth. Add the chicken breasts, thyme, and rosemary to the pot. Crank up the heat until the soup begins to boil, then reduce it to a gentle simmer. Keep the lid slightly ajar and let the soup cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the chicken to cook through and the flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 4: Cook the Noodles

Now it’s noodle time! Stir in the uncooked wide egg noodles and replace the lid slightly ajar again. Let the noodles cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally so they don’t stick together. These noodles will soak up all the warm, creamy goodness of the broth, making each bite heavenly.

Step 5: Shred Chicken and Add Cream

Once the noodles are tender, carefully remove the chicken breasts from the pot. Shred or chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces and return it to the soup. Then pour in the heavy whipping cream and season with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste. Let everything simmer for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the cream to thicken the soup just right and the flavors to harmonize.

Step 6: Final Touches

To finish, stir in fresh parsley if you’re using it. This adds a delightful pop of color and freshness that balances the creamy richness. Now your Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup is ready to serve, warm, comforting, and utterly delicious!

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

Garnishes

Elevate your soup experience by garnishing with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or even a few cracked black pepper flakes. A light drizzle of extra cream or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice can brighten the flavors too. Garnishes are simple but make every bowl feel special and thoughtfully prepared.

Side Dishes

This soup shines beautifully alongside a crisp green salad or some crusty artisan bread for dipping. Garlic bread, warm cornbread muffins, or even a light grilled cheese sandwich make wonderful companions that round out the meal and add satisfying texture contrasts.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve your Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup in hollowed-out bread bowls to impress guests or family. You could also ladle it over mashed potatoes for a cozy, hearty dinner mash-up. Individual ramekins with a cheesy breadcrumb topping and broiled lightly create a gratin-style presentation that’s as delicious as it looks.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (which is unlikely!), transfer the soup to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep beautifully for 3 to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making lunchtime the next day something to look forward to.

Freezing

Cream-based soups can be tricky to freeze, but you can freeze the soup without the noodles and cream first. When ready to eat, thaw completely, reheat gently, add your cream, and then cook fresh noodles directly in the soup. This keeps everything fresh and balanced.

Reheating

Reheat your soup slowly on the stove over low heat, stirring often to prevent sticking or curdling. Adding a splash of broth or cream while warming can revive its rich, creamy texture and fresh flavors, making it taste just like the first night.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that saves time. Just shred the chicken and add it toward the end with the cream to warm through, skipping the chicken cooking step.

What can I substitute for heavy cream if I want a lighter option?

You can swap heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter soup. Keep in mind it may be less thick and rich, so you might want to add a little more flour or a cornstarch slurry to maintain creaminess.

Are wide egg noodles necessary, or can I use other pasta?

Wide egg noodles are ideal because they hold up well and soak up the broth nicely, but feel free to use any pasta you have on hand. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as smaller pastas cook faster.

How do I prevent the soup from becoming too thick after refrigeration?

The noodles tend to absorb liquid and thicken soup when chilled. To loosen things up, stir in a little hot broth or water while reheating until you reach your desired consistency.

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes! Start by sautéing the vegetables separately, then transfer them along with all ingredients excluding noodles and cream to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours. Add noodles and cream in the last 20-30 minutes to finish cooking.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup is a true hug in a bowl—comforting, rich, and filled with fresh, wholesome flavors that make every bite memorable. Whether you’re chasing away a chill or just craving a cozy meal, this recipe won’t disappoint. Give it a try and watch it quickly become a beloved staple in your kitchen!

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