There's nothing like a warm, comforting bowl of creamy chicken noodle soup to make everything feel better. With tender chicken, hearty noodles, and a luxuriously creamy broth, this recipe is a hug in a bowl. Whether youโre looking for the perfect cold-weather meal or just need something quick and satisfying, this soup has you covered.
I first discovered this recipe on a chilly evening when I needed to whip up something cozy for my family in under an hour. It quickly became a staple, loved for its rich flavors and simplicity. Letโs dive into what makes this soup irresistible.
Why You'll Love This Easy Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup
Get ready to make your new favorite comfort food! This creamy chicken noodle soup isnโt just deliciousโitโs incredibly easy to prepare.
First, itโs a time-saver. You can have this hearty, restaurant-quality soup on the table in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. The ingredients are simple, so you probably already have most of them in your kitchen.
Another reason to love this soup? Itโs family-friendly. Kids adore the creamy texture and mild flavor, while adults appreciate the layers of comfort packed into every bite.
And did I mention itโs versatile? Whether you want to use leftover chicken, swap the noodles for a low-carb alternative, or add extra veggies, this recipe is endlessly adaptable to suit your needs.
Lastly, this soup is freezer-friendly, so you can make a big batch and save some for those days when you need a little extra warmth and comfort.
Ingredients Notes
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Each one plays a key role in making this creamy chicken noodle soup the ultimate comfort food.
- Chicken: Use shredded rotisserie chicken for convenience, or cook and shred chicken breasts or thighs. Either way, the tender, juicy chicken is the star of the dish.
- Noodles: Egg noodles are classic for this soup. Their soft, chewy texture holds up beautifully in the creamy broth, but feel free to use any pasta you have on hand.
- Broth: A combination of chicken broth and heavy cream creates a rich, silky base. For a lighter option, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or milk.
- Vegetables: Carrots, celery, and onions add a traditional, hearty flavor. Make sure to dice them evenly so they cook at the same rate.
- Seasonings: A touch of thyme, garlic powder, and a hint of parsley bring the flavors together, while salt and pepper balance the soup perfectly.
- Butter and Flour: These two ingredients are the foundation of a simple roux, which thickens the soup to creamy perfection.
No special equipment is neededโjust a good stockpot or Dutch oven and a ladle to serve your delicious creation!
How to Make This Easy Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup
Making this creamy chicken noodle soup is a breeze, and youโll love how quickly it comes together. Hereโs a step-by-step guide to soup perfection.
- Prepare Your Vegetables
Start by dicing your carrots, celery, and onion into small, even pieces. This ensures they cook quickly and evenly. Mince a few cloves of garlic to add an extra layer of flavor. - Cook the Vegetables
In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add your diced vegetables and sautรฉ for 5โ7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until theyโre soft and fragrant. Sprinkle in a touch of salt to help the veggies release their juices. - Make the Roux
Once the vegetables are ready, sprinkle flour over them and stir to coat. Cook for about 1โ2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, making sure there are no lumps. - Simmer the Soup
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil and add your shredded chicken, thyme, and egg noodles. Reduce the heat to a simmer and let it cook for 8โ10 minutes, or until the noodles are tender. - Add the Cream
Stir in the heavy cream and let it heat through for 2โ3 minutes. Adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper to taste, and donโt forget a sprinkle of fresh parsley for garnish. - Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the soup into bowls and serve immediately. Itโs best enjoyed with a slice of crusty bread or crackers on the side.
This recipe takes about 30 minutes from start to finish, and the result is a soup so creamy and delicious, youโll want to make it again and again.
Storage Options
This creamy chicken noodle soup stores beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep or leftovers. Hereโs how to keep it fresh:
- Refrigerate: Store the soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The noodles may absorb some of the liquid, so you might need to add a splash of broth or water when reheating.
- Freeze: For longer storage, freeze the soup (without the noodles) in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the fridge and cook fresh noodles to add in.
- Reheat: Warm the soup gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Avoid boiling to prevent the cream from separating.
Variations and Substitutions
This soup is wonderfully versatile, so feel free to get creative and make it your own!
- Low-Carb Option: Swap the egg noodles for zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a lighter, low-carb version.
- Dairy-Free Alternative: Use coconut milk or a non-dairy creamer instead of heavy cream. It wonโt be as rich, but itโll still be delicious.
- Add More Veggies: Toss in some diced potatoes, spinach, or mushrooms for extra nutrients and flavor.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a little heat. A splash of hot sauce at the end can also give it a nice kick.
- Use Turkey: Leftover turkey works just as well as chicken in this recipe, especially around the holidays.
No matter how you customize it, this creamy chicken noodle soup is bound to become a staple in your kitchen.
With its comforting flavors and creamy texture, this easy creamy chicken noodle soup is the ultimate weeknight dinner or cozy weekend treat. Perfect for family meals, meal prepping, or just spoiling yourself, itโs a recipe youโll want to make on repeat. So grab your stockpot and get ready to savor a bowl of pure comfort.
PrintEasy Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
This easy creamy chicken noodle soup recipe is the ultimate comfort food, loaded with tender chicken, soft noodles, and a rich creamy broth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 1 cup egg noodles
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1 cup diced onion
- 3 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced carrots, celery, and onion. Sautรฉ until tender, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.
- Gradually pour in chicken broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
- Add garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
- Stir in the noodles and cook until tender, about 8-10 minutes.
- Add the shredded chicken and heavy cream. Stir well and heat through.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve warm.
Notes
- Substitute rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Add extra veggies like peas or corn for more flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 720mg
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