Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe for Chilly Days

Creamy chicken noodle soup is a comforting recipe that turns a simple dinner into something warm and satisfying.

Tender chicken blends with soft noodles in a smooth broth that feels rich and soothing.

A touch of cream brings body and balance while vegetables add heartiness and depth.

Fragrant herbs rise from the pot, filling the kitchen with an inviting aroma.

The gentle mix of flavors shows how basic ingredients can create something truly rewarding.

This dish is simple to prepare, making it a dependable choice for busy evenings or family meals.

What Makes This Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Shine

• Quick and Easy Comfort: Whip up this soul-warming soup in under 30 minutes with minimal kitchen skills, perfect for busy weeknights or when craving a hearty meal.
• Versatile Ingredient: Transform leftover chicken into a creamy, nutritious dish that pleases both kids and adults, making meal planning a breeze.
• Customizable Flavor Boost: Easily adapt the recipe by adding your favorite herbs, swapping noodles, or incorporating additional vegetables to suit personal taste preferences.
• Nutritious One-Pot Wonder: Packed with protein, vegetables, and rich cream, this chicken noodle soup delivers a balanced meal that nourishes and satisfies in a single pot.

Gather Your Ingredients for Chicken Noodle Soup

• Chicken: Shredded chicken provides the protein base and hearty flavor for the soup.
• Egg Noodles: Classic pasta that adds comfort and substance to the soup.
• Chicken Broth: The foundational liquid that creates the soup’s rich and savory profile.

• Onion, Carrots, Celery: A traditional mirepoix blend that builds depth and aromatic flavor for the soup.
• Garlic: Adds a warm, pungent undertone to enhance the overall taste.

• Dried Thyme, Dried Parsley: Herbs that contribute earthy and fresh flavor notes to the soup.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and elevate the soup’s taste.
• Heavy Cream: Provides a luxurious, creamy texture and rich mouthfeel.
• Olive Oil or Butter: Used for sautéing vegetables and adding initial flavor to the soup.
• Fresh Parsley: Optional garnish that brings a bright, fresh element to the final dish.

Step-by-Step Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Directions

Step 1: Warm Up the Cooking Vessel

Heat a generous splash of olive oil or a knob of butter in a large pot over medium heat, creating a perfect base for your soup’s foundation.

Step 2: Dance the Vegetables

Toss chopped onions, carrots, celery, and minced garlic into the pot.

Sauté and stir until the vegetables become tender and release their aromatic flavors, about 5 minutes.

Step 3: Introduce the Liquid Gold

• Dried thyme
• Dried parsley
• Salt
• Pepper

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, allowing the flavors to mingle and dance.

Step 4: Welcome the Noodles

Gently drop egg noodles into the bubbling broth.

Let them cook and soften, transforming into silky strands that will comfort your soul, about 8-10 minutes.

Step 5: Embrace the Protein

Fold in tender shredded chicken and a splash of luxurious heavy cream.

Let everything simmer together for 5 minutes, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.

Step 6: Final Touch and Serve

Taste and adjust seasonings to your preference.

Ladle the steaming soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if you’re feeling fancy.

Enjoy your dish while it’s piping hot.

Insider Secrets for Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

• Use full-fat heavy cream for a richer, more luxurious soup texture that coats your spoon perfectly.
• Toast dried herbs in the pot before adding broth to intensify their aromatic qualities and enhance overall taste.
• Add egg noodles near the end of cooking to maintain their ideal al dente texture and prevent overcooking.
• Swap shredded chicken with rotisserie chicken, turkey, or plant-based alternatives for quick and easy protein variations.
• Prepare the soup without noodles and add them just before serving to keep their texture fresh and prevent them from becoming soggy.

Exciting Twists on Classic Chicken Noodle Soup

• Gluten-Free Comfort: Replace egg noodles with gluten-free rice noodles or zucchini spirals for a celiac-friendly version.
• Dairy-Free Delight: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk for a lighter, lactose-free option.
• Vegetarian Swap: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas, using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a plant-based alternative.
• Low-Carb Option: Use cauliflower rice or spiralized daikon radish instead of noodles to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining the soup’s creamy texture.

Perfect Pairings for Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

• Cozy Bread Companion: Serve alongside warm, crusty sourdough or garlic bread to soak up the delicious broth and add extra texture.
• Hearty Topping Twist: Sprinkle crispy bacon bits, chopped green onions, or grated parmesan cheese on top for added flavor and crunch.
• Comfort Bowl Pairing: Accompany the soup with a light side salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the creamy richness of the chicken noodle soup.
• Winter Wellness Boost: Pair with a hot cup of herbal tea or fresh lemon water to enhance the comforting and healing qualities of this classic soup.

How to Keep Chicken Noodle Soup Fresh

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Avoid freezing noodles separately as they may become mushy.
• Thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight. Warm gently in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to restore original consistency.
• Transfer soup to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly. Check temperature to ensure soup is thoroughly heated.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of noodles?

Yes, you can substitute egg noodles with pasta like rotini, shell pasta, or wide noodles. Just adjust cooking time based on the specific pasta’s package instructions.

• Is this soup good for meal prep?

Absolutely! The soup can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if it seems too thick.

• Can I make this soup dairy-free?

Replace heavy cream with coconut milk or unsweetened dairy-free milk alternatives. This will slightly change the flavor but maintain a creamy texture.

• What’s the best way to shred chicken for this recipe?

After boiling or baking chicken, use two forks to pull the meat apart. Rotisserie chicken works great as a quick alternative for shredded chicken.

Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

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4.5 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Chicken noodle soup remains the definition of comfort food. With tender chicken, rich broth, and perfectly cooked noodles, it delivers warmth and nourishment with every spoonful.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken

Main Vegetables:

• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 medium carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Liquid and Seasoning:

• 4 cups (960 milliliters) chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil or butter
• 2 cups (480 milliliters) egg noodles
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Warm olive oil or butter in a spacious pot over medium heat until it shimmers and releases a fragrant aroma.
2. Gently sauté chopped onion, diced carrots, sliced celery, and minced garlic, stirring occasionally until vegetables become tender and translucent, approximately 5 minutes.
3. Pour chicken broth into the pot, then sprinkle dried thyme, dried parsley, salt, and pepper. Increase heat and bring the liquid to a rolling boil.
4. Carefully introduce egg noodles into the bubbling broth, allowing them to cook and soften, stirring intermittently until noodles reach an al dente texture, roughly 8-10 minutes.
5. Fold in pre-cooked, tender shredded chicken and luxurious heavy cream, reducing heat to a gentle simmer. Let the ingredients meld together for 4-5 minutes, allowing flavors to harmonize.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Notes

• Experiment with different noodle types like wide egg noodles, gluten-free pasta, or whole wheat noodles for varied textures and dietary needs.
• Use rotisserie chicken for a quick time-saving option that adds extra flavor and eliminates the need to cook chicken separately.
• For a lighter version, replace heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt to reduce calories while maintaining a creamy consistency.
• Add a splash of white wine or lemon juice at the end to brighten the soup’s flavor profile and enhance the overall taste complexity.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 330 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg