If you’re craving something that feels like a warm, comforting hug on a chilly day, this Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a delightful twist on the traditional chicken noodle soup, featuring a luscious, velvety broth made creamy with heavy cream, tender chunks of chicken, perfectly cooked egg noodles, and a medley of fresh vegetables. Each spoonful offers a balance of rich flavors and satisfying textures that will have you coming back for seconds, and it’s so simple to prepare that it quickly becomes a household favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step toward a fantastic bowl of soup. These are everyday pantry staples and fresh veggies that together create a symphony of flavor, texture, and vibrant color in your Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe.
- Celery (2 sticks, chopped finely): Adds a subtle crunch and freshness that brightens the soup’s base.
- Carrots (2 medium, peeled & chopped finely): Bring sweetness and a lovely pop of orange for color.
- Onion (1/2 medium, chopped): Builds savory depth and aroma as it sautés.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Helps gently cook the vegetables and adds a subtle fruity richness.
- Butter (1 tablespoon): Contributes creaminess and richness to the soup’s flavor profile.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Infuses the broth with irresistible savory notes.
- Flour (1/4 cup): Thickens the broth for that perfect creamy consistency.
- Chicken broth (4 cups): The flavorful foundation that ties everything together.
- Chicken breasts (1.5 pounds, boneless skinless): Tender, lean protein that’s the heart of the soup.
- Italian seasoning (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a fragrant layer of herbs that elevate the dish.
- Heavy/whipping cream (1 cup): Creates the luscious creaminess that makes this recipe stand out.
- Egg noodles (2 generous cups, uncooked): Cook to tender perfection and soak up all that creamy goodness.
- Salt & pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings to enhance every flavor.
- Fresh parsley (1 tablespoon, chopped): Adds a fresh, herbaceous kick and a pop of vibrant green at the end.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the veggies
Start by heating the butter and olive oil together in a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Toss in the finely chopped celery, carrots, and onion, letting them soften and caramelize gently for about 5 to 7 minutes. This step builds the aromatic base of the soup, enhancing the natural sweetness of the vegetables while setting the stage for incredible flavor.
Step 2: Add garlic and flour
Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook it quickly for about 30 seconds to release that irresistible fragrance. Immediately after, sprinkle in the flour and stir continuously for about a minute; this cooks out the raw flour taste while helping to create that perfectly creamy texture in the finished soup.
Step 3: Pour in broth and add chicken
Pour the chicken broth gradually into the pot, whisking or stirring constantly to dissolve the flour lumps. Add the uncooked chicken breasts along with the Italian seasoning and heavy cream. Turn up the heat to bring everything to a gentle boil. Cover the pot with the lid slightly open and let the soup simmer for about 10 minutes so the chicken cooks through and the flavors meld beautifully.
Step 4: Cook the noodles
Once the chicken is tender, stir in the uncooked egg noodles, then recover the pot (lid slightly ajar) and let the noodles cook for about 8 to 10 minutes. Give it a gentle stir halfway through to prevent any sticking and to ensure the noodles cook evenly, soaking up that rich, creamy broth.
Step 5: Finish with chicken and seasoning
Carefully remove the chicken breasts from the pot and slice them into bite-sized pieces. Return the chicken to the soup, season generously with salt and pepper, and fold in the fresh chopped parsley. Give everything a final stir, then it’s ready to serve up piping hot!
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a bit more fresh parsley or even some finely chopped chives on top just before serving to add a fresh, herbal brightness and a lovely splash of green. A dusting of freshly cracked black pepper also adds a nice little kick to each bowl.
Side Dishes
Pair your creamy chicken noodle soup with a crisp green salad or simple garlic bread to add some crunch and balance to the rich, smooth broth. A crusty baguette or soft dinner rolls are also fantastic for dipping and sopping up every last drop of that delicious soup.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup in small bread bowls to impress guests or family. You can also top each bowl with a swirl of extra cream or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese to elevate the dish and add a touch of elegance to your dinner table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe keeps wonderfully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Transfer the soup into an airtight container as soon as it cools to maintain freshness and prevent the noodles from becoming overly mushy.
Freezing
Because of the cream and noodles, freezing is a bit tricky, but it’s still possible. Freeze the soup without the noodles first in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight and cook fresh noodles separately to add in when reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftover soup gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. If the soup seems too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the consistency and restore its comforting creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut. Just add shredded cooked chicken to the soup when you add the noodles, reducing overall cooking time without sacrificing flavor.
Is there a dairy-free version of this Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe?
Yes! You can substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free creamer to achieve creaminess. Just keep in mind the flavor will have a slight twist but remain delicious.
Can I use different noodles instead of egg noodles?
Definitely. While egg noodles are classic, feel free to swap in other pasta shapes like rotini, shells, or even small macaroni. Just adjust cooking time accordingly to ensure they are perfectly tender.
How do I prevent the noodles from getting mushy?
The key is to add the noodles toward the end of cooking and not overcook them. Also, if storing leftovers, consider cooking fresh noodles separately and adding them when reheating to keep that perfect texture.
Why does the soup need to simmer with the lid slightly open?
Keeping the lid slightly ajar helps prevent the soup from boiling over while allowing steam to escape, which thickens the broth gently and concentrates the flavors without making the noodles soggy.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe is pure comfort in a bowl, perfect for cozy afternoons and chilly nights alike. It’s so satisfying, easy to make, and full of flavors that feel like a warm embrace. Once you try this recipe, it’ll no doubt become a cherished go-to in your kitchen, ready to brighten up any day with its creamy goodness.
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Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A comforting and creamy chicken noodle soup made with tender chicken breasts, fresh vegetables, and egg noodles simmered in a rich, velvety broth enhanced by garlic, Italian seasoning, and fresh parsley. Perfect for a cozy meal that’s both hearty and soothing.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 2 sticks celery (chopped finely)
- 2 medium carrots (peeled & chopped finely)
- 1/2 medium onion (chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
Liquids & Dairy
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
Proteins
- 1.5 pounds uncooked chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
Pantry & Seasonings
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Pasta
- 2 generous cups uncooked egg noodles
Instructions
- Sauté the Vegetables: Heat the butter and olive oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the finely chopped celery, carrots, and onion, sautéing for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until aromatic, being careful not to burn it.
- Create the Roux: Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and garlic, stirring continuously for about a minute to cook out the raw flour taste and form a thick base for the soup.
- Add Broth and Chicken: Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring to dissolve the flour. Add the uncooked chicken breasts and Italian seasoning, then stir in the heavy cream. Increase heat to high and bring the soup to a gentle boil. Cover with the lid slightly ajar.
- Simmer the Soup: Reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Let the soup cook for 10 minutes to allow the chicken to cook through and flavors to meld.
- Cook Noodles: Stir in the uncooked egg noodles and cover the pot again with the lid slightly open. Let it cook for an additional 8-10 minutes, stirring halfway through to prevent noodles from sticking.
- Shred Chicken and Finish Soup: Remove the cooked chicken from the pot, shred or cut it into bite-sized pieces, and return it to the soup. Season with salt and pepper to taste and stir in the fresh chopped parsley. Serve the soup hot immediately.
Notes
- Stir the soup regularly after adding noodles to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Use fresh parsley for the best flavor, but dried parsley can be substituted in a pinch.
- This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- For a thicker soup, use slightly less broth or add a little more flour when making the roux.
- Feel free to swap egg noodles for any small pasta shape you prefer.