If you’ve ever craved a bowl of comfort that warms you from the inside out, this Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. It’s that perfect balance of rich, silky broth with tender chicken, fresh veggies, and just the right amount of noodles to make every spoonful a cozy hug. Whether you’re nursing a cold, entertaining guests, or simply want to indulge in a soul-satisfying meal, this soup ticks all the boxes with its creamy texture and hearty flavors that feel like a warm embrace on a chilly day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe is refreshingly simple, yet each item plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and aroma that make this soup unforgettable. From crisp vegetables to creamy dairy, everything comes together to elevate your homemade soup experience.
- 2 sticks celery, chopped finely: Adds a subtle crunch and freshness that brightens the soup’s base.
- 2 medium carrots, peeled & chopped finely: Bring sweetness and vibrant color for an inviting appearance.
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped: A savory backbone that infuses deep aromatic notes.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps sauté vegetables while adding a delicate richness.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Adds creaminess and enhances the flavor of sautéed ingredients.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Offers a punch of warmth that enhances the overall taste.
- 1/4 cup flour: Acts as the thickening agent to give the soup its luscious creamy texture.
- 4 cups chicken broth: The flavorful liquid base that carries every ingredient’s essence.
- 1.5 pounds uncooked chicken breasts, boneless skinless: Tender protein that soaks up all those wonderful flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A pinch of herbs that gently boosts complexity and depth.
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream: The secret to silky smooth soup that feels indulgent without overpowering.
- 2 generous cups uncooked egg noodles: Adds satisfying chew and heartiness, making it truly comforting.
- Salt & pepper to taste: Essential for bringing out the natural flavors perfectly balanced.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley: A fresh, green touch that brightens every bite and adds a lovely aroma.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Base Vegetables
Start by heating the butter and olive oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Toss in the finely chopped celery, carrots, and onion. Sauté these until they soften and their natural sweetness shines through, about 5 to 7 minutes. This foundational step builds the flavor canvas for your soup.
Step 2: Add Garlic
Once the vegetables are tender, stir in the minced garlic. Cook it for just 30 seconds until fragrant. Garlic is your flavor amplifier here, adding that irresistible warmth without overshadowing the other ingredients.
Step 3: Create the Roux
Sprinkle in the flour and stir it constantly for about a minute. This step is crucial as it cooks out the raw flour taste and begins thickening your soup, setting the stage for that signature creamy texture.
Step 4: Add Broth, Chicken, and Cream
Pour in the chicken broth slowly, stirring to dissolve the flour completely. Next, add the uncooked chicken breasts and sprinkle the Italian seasoning over the top. Pour in the heavy cream, then bring everything to a gentle boil over high heat. Pop the lid on, leaving it slightly open to let steam escape as the chicken cooks through.
Step 5: Simmer Gently
Reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Let the soup cook for about 10 minutes. This allows the chicken to become tender and absorb all the surrounding flavors, while the broth thickens just right.
Step 6: Add the Noodles
Stir in the uncooked egg noodles and cover the pot again with the lid partially open. Cook for another 8 to 10 minutes, stirring once halfway through to prevent the noodles from sticking. This way, the noodles soak up all the creamy broth and offer that comforting chew.
Step 7: Finish and Season
Remove the chicken breasts from the pot and cut them into bite-sized pieces. Return them to the soup, then season with salt and pepper to your liking. Stir in the fresh parsley for a final burst of freshness. Now your soup is ready to be served piping hot!
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your bowl, add a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives. A light drizzle of extra cream or a pinch of grated Parmesan can make each bite feel extra special. These simple garnishes enhance both the look and flavor, making your soup irresistibly inviting.
Side Dishes
Traditionally, a rustic crusty bread or a warm garlic toast pairs beautifully with this creamy chicken noodle soup. If you want something lighter, a simple green salad with tangy vinaigrette or roasted vegetables balances the richness perfectly. These sides round out your meal without stealing the spotlight.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls for an attractive and edible touch. You can also garnish with a swirl of pesto or drizzle with chili oil if you like a subtle kick. Little details like this make your presentation Instagram-worthy and impressively comforting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your soup, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Because the noodles continue to absorb liquid, you might want to keep the noodles separate if possible for best texture, but the soup is still delicious as is.
Freezing
Freezing Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe can be tricky because the cream and noodles may change texture, but if you want to freeze it, do so before adding noodles and cream. Freeze the broth and chicken mixture in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before cooking noodles and stirring in cream fresh.
Reheating
When reheating, warm the soup on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If it’s thickened too much, add a splash of broth or water to restore the perfect consistency. If noodles were frozen in the soup, adding extra fresh noodles during reheating helps refresh the texture.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken will cut down cooking time significantly. Add it near the end after the broth is cooked and noodles are softened, just warm it through before serving.
What type of noodles work best in this soup?
Egg noodles are classic because they hold up well and absorb the creamy broth beautifully. Wide egg noodles or medium-sized ones work best, but feel free to use your favorite pasta shape for a fun twist.
Is there a dairy-free way to make this creamy?
Yes! You can substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative. Keep in mind this may slightly alter the flavor but still yield a wonderfully creamy and comforting soup.
Can I prepare this soup in a slow cooker?
You can. Start by sautéing the veggies and garlic on the stove, then transfer all ingredients except noodles and cream to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours, then add noodles and cream during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
How can I make this soup spicier?
To add some heat, toss in crushed red pepper flakes when adding the Italian seasoning, or drizzle some hot sauce into your bowl. A pinch of cayenne pepper also adds warmth without overpowering the creamy base.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have this cozy and luscious Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe in your culinary toolkit, it’s time to gather those simple ingredients and make a pot yourself. Nothing beats the joy of diving into a homemade bowl that feels like a warm hug with every spoonful. Whether it’s for a family dinner or a quiet night in, this soup is guaranteed to become a lasting favorite you’ll return to over and over again.
Print
Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup is a comforting, hearty dish perfect for chilly days or anytime you crave a warm bowl of homemade goodness. Featuring tender chicken breasts, fresh vegetables, and rich heavy cream, it combines classic flavors with creamy texture and wholesome egg noodles for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 2 sticks celery (chopped finely)
- 2 medium carrots (peeled & chopped finely)
- 1/2 medium onion (chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
Fats & Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Proteins & Dairy
- 1.5 pounds uncooked chicken breasts (boneless skinless)
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
Other
- 1/4 cup flour
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 generous cups uncooked egg noodles
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large soup pot over medium-high heat, heat the butter and olive oil. Add the finely chopped celery, carrots, and onion, stirring occasionally, and cook for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables soften.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, allowing the garlic aroma to release without burning.
- Make Roux: Sprinkle in the flour and cook for about one minute, stirring constantly to combine it with the fats and begin thickening the base.
- Add Broth and Chicken: Gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring to dissolve the flour completely. Add the uncooked chicken breasts and Italian seasoning. Pour in the heavy cream. Increase the heat to high and bring the soup to a gentle boil, covering the pot with the lid slightly ajar to prevent spillage.
- Simmer Soup: Reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Let the soup cook uncovered or with the lid slightly open for 10 minutes, allowing the chicken to cook through and flavors to meld.
- Add Noodles: Stir in the uncooked egg noodles. Cover the pot again with the lid slightly open and cook for another 8-10 minutes, stirring once halfway through to prevent the noodles from sticking.
- Shred Chicken and Season: Carefully remove the chicken breasts from the soup and cut them into bite-sized pieces. Return the chicken to the pot. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste, stir in the fresh chopped parsley, and serve immediately for a creamy, comforting meal.
Notes
- Use fresh parsley for a vibrant garnish and flavor.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter soup, though it will be less creamy.
- Ensure the lid is slightly open during boiling and simmering to prevent overflow and improve flavor concentration.
- Stir noodles halfway during cooking to prevent clumping and ensure even cooking.
- Leftover soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheats beautifully.
