Easy Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

Cozy Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe for Heartwarming Meals

Crafting a delightful chicken noodle soup can transform your weeknight meal into a comforting culinary adventure.

Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a rich and satisfying dish that warms you from the inside out.

Tender chicken pieces nestle among soft noodles, promising a bowl of pure comfort.

Aromatic herbs and vegetables dance together, infusing each spoonful with incredible depth and flavor.

Simple yet elegant, this recipe brings restaurant-quality goodness directly to your kitchen.

Minimal prep work means you can enjoy a steaming bowl of deliciousness in less than an hour.

Trust me, one taste will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients for Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

Vegetables:
  • Carrots, Celery, Onion: A classic mirepoix base that provides a deep, savory foundation for the soup with their aromatic and flavorful profile.
Protein:
  • Shredded Chicken: The main protein that gives the soup its hearty and satisfying substance.
Liquid and Creamy Base:
  • Chicken Broth: A rich, flavorful liquid that creates the soup's primary cooking medium.
  • Heavy Cream: Adds a luxurious and silky texture that makes the soup creamy and smooth.
Noodles:
  • Noodles: The comforting pasta that provides a classic chicken noodle soup texture and substance.
Seasonings and Thickeners:
  • Butter, Flour: Work together to create a roux that thickens the soup and adds a rich, smooth consistency.
  • Garlic Powder, Thyme, Salt, Pepper: A blend of herbs and spices that enhance the overall flavor profile of the soup.

How to Prepare Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

Step 1: Sizzle Aromatic Vegetables

In a spacious pot, melt butter over medium heat.

Add diced carrots, celery, and onions.

Sauté these colorful veggies until they become soft and fragrant, releasing their delightful flavors for about 5 minutes.

  • Carrots
  • Celery
  • Onions
  • Butter

Step 2: Create a Silky Roux

Sprinkle flour into the vegetable mixture and stir continuously.

Cook this blend for 1-2 minutes, transforming it into a golden, thickening base that will give your soup luxurious body and depth.

Step 3: Pour and Blend Liquid Gold

Slowly stream chicken broth into the pot, whisking constantly to prevent any pesky lumps from forming.

This technique ensures a smooth, velvety texture for your soup.

Step 4: Boost Flavor Profile

Introduce a symphony of seasonings to elevate the soup’s taste:
  • Garlic powder
  • Thyme
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer, allowing the herbs and spices to mingle and intensify.

Step 5: Cook Noodle Perfection

Add tender noodles to the simmering broth.

Let them dance and soften for 8-10 minutes until they reach that ideal al dente consistency.

Step 6: Incorporate Protein and Creaminess

Fold in shredded chicken and luxurious heavy cream.

Stir thoroughly, ensuring everything is heated through and beautifully combined.

Step 7: Final Flavor Adjustment

Taste your creation and fine-tune the seasonings.

Serve piping hot and enjoy the comforting embrace of homemade chicken noodle soup.

Tips for Smooth and Creamy Soup

  • Whisk flour slowly and steadily into the butter-vegetable mixture, ensuring smooth incorporation without clumping.
  • Use homemade chicken stock instead of store-bought for richer, more complex taste profiles in your soup.
  • Select wider egg noodles or fresh pasta for a more substantial and satisfying soup consistency.
  • Add heavy cream at the end and avoid boiling to prevent separation and maintain a silky, smooth texture.
  • Swap shredded chicken with rotisserie chicken or leftover roasted turkey for quick and convenient meal preparation.

Flavor Variations for Chicken Noodle Soup

  • Dairy-Free Comfort: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk for a lactose-free version.
  • Vegetarian Swap: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour for the roux and replace regular noodles with rice noodles or zucchini spirals.
  • Low-Carb Alternative: Skip noodles entirely and add extra vegetables like cauliflower rice or spiralized vegetables to maintain the soup's heartiness.

Serving Suggestions for Chicken Soup

  • Comfort Corner Companion: Pair this hearty soup with a slice of crusty sourdough bread for perfect dipping and soaking up all those delicious creamy flavors.
  • Fresh Herb Finale: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives on top just before serving to add a bright, colorful garnish that brings extra freshness to the rich soup.
  • Cozy Side Kick: Serve alongside a small green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the soup's creamy texture and provide a crisp, refreshing contrast to the warm dish.
  • Texture Twist: Top with some crispy croutons or toasted breadcrumbs to add a delightful crunch that complements the soft noodles and tender chicken.

Storage Tips for Creamy Chicken Soup

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool soup completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Freeze for 2-3 months. Label with date and contents.
  • Transfer desired portion to microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly. Check temperature before serving.
  • Pour soup into saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir frequently to prevent scorching. Add splash of chicken broth if soup seems too thick. Heat until steaming and warmed through.

FAQs

  • Is this chicken noodle soup healthy?

While comforting, this soup contains cream and butter which increases calories. For a lighter version, use milk instead of heavy cream and reduce butter quantity.

  • Can I use frozen vegetables?

Absolutely! Frozen carrots and celery work perfectly if fresh ones aren’t available. Just add them directly to the pot and adjust cooking time slightly.

  • What type of chicken works best?

Rotisserie chicken is excellent for quick shredding. Alternatively, poached or leftover grilled chicken also work great in this recipe. Ensure chicken is fully cooked before adding.

  • How can I make this soup gluten-free?

Replace regular flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend. Use gluten-free noodles and ensure your chicken broth is certified gluten-free to adapt the recipe safely.

Highlights of Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

  • Whip Up Comfort Quickly: This chicken noodle soup delivers maximum comfort with minimal effort, perfect for busy home cooks wanting a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Family Favorite: Packed with tender chicken, soft noodles, and rich creamy broth, this recipe appeals to everyone from kids to grandparents, making mealtime a delightful experience.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or adjust seasonings to match your family's taste preferences, allowing you to create a personalized soup that feels uniquely yours every single time.
  • One-Pot Wonder: Using just a single pot means less cleanup and more time enjoying your delicious meal, making this recipe a total win for home cooks seeking convenience and flavor.
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Easy Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

Easy Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe


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4.7 from 37 reviews

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

Description

Hearty chicken noodle soup delivers comfort through rich, creamy broth and tender ingredients. Home cooks discover a classic American dish that warms hearts and satisfies hunger with simple, nourishing components.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken

Vegetables:

  • 1 cup diced carrots
  • 1 cup diced celery
  • 1 cup diced onion

Noodles and Liquid Ingredients:

  • 1 cup egg noodles
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream

Seasoning and Thickening Agents:

  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat butter in a spacious stockpot at medium temperature, introducing diced vegetables and sautéing until softened and translucent, approximately 4-5 minutes.
  2. Sprinkle flour across the vegetable mixture, stirring continuously to create a smooth, golden roux that prevents clumping and enhances flavor depth.
  3. Slowly cascade chicken broth into the pot, whisking consistently to ensure a silky, lump-free liquid base with consistent texture.
  4. Incorporate aromatic seasonings including garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper, allowing the mixture to gently simmer and develop rich flavor profiles.
  5. Introduce egg noodles directly into the simmering liquid, cooking until perfectly tender and al dente, which typically requires 8-9 minutes of gentle bubbling.
  6. Fold shredded chicken and luxurious heavy cream into the soup, stirring carefully to distribute ingredients evenly and create a velvety, comforting consistency.
  7. Perform a final taste assessment, adjusting seasonings as desired to achieve optimal flavor balance, then ladle into warm bowls and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Roux Perfection: Stir flour constantly while cooking to prevent burning and create a smooth, lump-free base for the soup.
  • Vegetable Texture: Dice carrots, celery, and onions uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent bite in every spoonful.
  • Cream Caution: Add heavy cream at the end and avoid boiling to prevent separation and maintain a silky, rich consistency.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap wheat flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend, and use gluten-free noodles for a celiac-friendly version.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 370 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 23 g
  • Saturated Fat: 13 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 24 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
Amanda Bennett

Amanda Bennett

Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Baking and Pastry Arts, Recipe Testing and Development, Culinary Instruction, Food Styling and Photography

Education

​Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, Asheville, NC
​Diploma in Culinary Arts
Emphasized practical cooking skills, nutrition, and kitchen management.​

Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, Cambridge, MA
Certificate in Professional Pastry Arts
Specialized in baking techniques, dessert presentation, and flavor profiling


Amanda’s roots run deep in the Southern hills, where every meal started fresh from the garden and every dessert came with a story. She trained at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and sharpened her pastry skills at the Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, blending classic technique with everyday charm.
At The Liffey, Amanda’s passion is making baking and home cooking feel natural and joyful. She’s all about single recipes that are simple enough for a busy afternoon, but special enough to make someone’s day a little sweeter.

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