Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

If you are craving a bowl of comfort that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, this Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe will become your go-to. It combines tender chicken, silky egg noodles, and vibrant vegetables all swimming in a luscious, creamy broth that soothes the soul. The richness of the cream, the savory depth from homemade seasoning, and the fresh crunch from carrots and celery make every spoonful a delightful experience. Whether you’re nursing a cold or just want a meal that tastes like a cozy night in, this soup is pure happiness in a bowl.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe plays a vital role, creating a harmonious balance of flavors, textures, and colors. From the sweetness of the carrots to the silky smoothness of the cream, each element brings something special to the table.

• 1 tbsp unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps sauté the veggies to bring out their natural sweetness.
• 3 carrots (cut into cubes): Offer a subtle sweetness and vibrant color that brightens up the soup.
• 3 stalks celery (cut in half lengthwise and sliced): Adds a mild bitterness and crunchy texture for balance.
• 1 small onion (diced): Builds a savory aromatic foundation for the broth.
• 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth: The hearty liquid base, keeping the flavors clean and full-bodied.
• 2 cups water: Roasts the flavors gently, preventing the broth from getting too salty or intense.
• 1/2 tsp kosher sea salt: Enhances all the other flavors without overwhelming them.
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder: Brings a mellow garlic depth without the sharpness of fresh garlic.
• 1/4 tsp ground black pepper: Adds a gentle warmth and subtle spice.
• 1/4 tsp paprika: Gives a lovely color and a hint of smoky sweetness.
• 1/4 tsp dried parsley: Infuses a touch of herbal brightness.
• 1/4 tsp thyme: Adds earthy complexity that rounds out the flavor profile.
• 1 (12 oz) bag Reames Frozen Egg Noodles: These tender noodles soak up the broth perfectly without getting mushy.
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter: For creating the roux that thickens and enriches the soup.
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: Helps make the creamy base silky and smooth.
• 1 cup whole milk: Adds creaminess and softens the roux into a luscious sauce.
• 1/2 cup heavy cream: The secret to the soup’s velvety, indulgent texture.
• 4 boneless skinless chicken thighs (cooked and shredded) or 2 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded: Protein-packed and tender, they absorb the creamy broth beautifully.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Veggies

Start by melting 1 tablespoon of butter in a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Toss in the diced onions, sliced celery, and cubed carrots. Sauté these until they become tender and fragrant — this usually takes about 5 minutes. This step is critical because gently cooking the veggies releases their natural sweetness, setting a flavorful foundation for your soup.

Step 2: Build the Broth

Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth along with water, then crank up the heat to bring everything to a boil. Once boiling, sprinkle in your salt, garlic powder, black pepper, paprika, parsley, and thyme. This combination of seasonings gives your soup layers of savory, earthy, and aromatic notes that make every bite inviting. Immediately add the frozen egg noodles and let them boil for about 15 minutes, which ensures they cook through but retain a pleasant tenderness.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Roux

While the noodles are cooking, melt 3 tablespoons of butter in a medium skillet over medium heat. Whisk in the flour, cooking constantly for 1-2 minutes until it forms a pale golden paste—this is your roux. Slowly pour in the whole milk and heavy cream while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. The mixture should become smooth and silky. Once ready, carefully whisk this creamy roux into your large pot, enriching the broth with a dreamy, velvety texture.

Step 4: Add the Chicken and Finish Cooking

Finally, fold in your cooked, shredded chicken. Let the soup simmer for an additional 5 minutes — this gives the flavors a chance to meld perfectly and ensures the chicken is heated through. Remove the pot from heat once the noodles are tender to your liking. For an extra touch of color and freshness, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley on top before serving.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

Garnishes

While the soup already tastes fantastic on its own, garnishing it elevates each bowl. Freshly chopped parsley adds a pop of green and a fresh bite that contrasts beautifully with the creamy broth. You might also consider a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper for a gentle kick or a handful of grated Parmesan for an extra layer of savory richness.

Side Dishes

This Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe pairs wonderfully with simple, hearty breads like warm crusty baguette slices or soft dinner rolls perfect for dunking and soaking up every drop of that luscious broth. A crisp side salad with a light vinaigrette can also balance the richness of the soup, offering a fresh, vibrant counterpoint.

Creative Ways to Present

For a delightful twist, serve the soup in individual mini bread bowls or rustic ceramic mugs for a cozy presentation that feels special and inviting. Layering a dollop of sour cream or a swirl of pesto on top before serving adds a splash of color and a surprising burst of flavor everyone will love. Personalized toppings bar with grated cheese, chopped herbs, and crispy bacon bits can turn this into a fun, interactive meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you end up with leftover soup (which might be rare because it’s so tasty), store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days. Be sure to cool the soup completely before refrigerating to keep that creamy texture intact.

Freezing

The Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe can be frozen, but it’s best to freeze before adding noodles to avoid them becoming mushy later. Store the broth and chicken mixture in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and cook fresh noodles separately to add after reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring frequently so the cream doesn’t separate and the noodles stay tender. Add a splash of milk or broth if it seems too thick. Avoid high heat to preserve the smooth, creamy consistency that makes this soup so comforting.

FAQs

Can I use other types of noodles?

Absolutely! While frozen egg noodles are traditional here, you can substitute with dried egg noodles, wide pasta like pappardelle, or even broken spaghetti. Just adjust cooking times accordingly so they don’t overcook.

Is it okay to use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breast works just fine. Thighs are preferred for their tenderness and richer flavor, but if you prefer breast meat, use the same amount and shred it similarly.

Can I make this soup dairy-free?

To make a dairy-free version, swap the butter with olive oil or dairy-free margarine, and replace whole milk and cream with coconut milk or your favorite plant-based milk. The texture might change slightly but will still be delicious.

How do I keep the soup from becoming watery?

The roux made from butter and flour thickens the broth, giving that creamy consistency. Make sure to cook the roux long enough and whisk it well into the broth. If the soup still seems thin, let it simmer a little longer to reduce excess liquid.

Can I prepare this soup in a slow cooker?

You can, though you’ll want to add the roux towards the end and cook noodles separately to maintain their texture. Slow cooking the chicken and veggies in broth is a great way to develop flavor, just be mindful of when to add the creamy part.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe isn’t just another soup; it’s an experience of warmth and comfort you’ll want to revisit again and again. From the tender chicken to the silky broth and perfectly cooked noodles, it’s a bowl full of love and satisfaction. Give it a try, invite someone special, and watch it become a cherished classic in your recipe collection.

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