Nothing beats a bowl of creamy chicken noodle soup when it’s chilly outside or when you need a comforting meal to warm you up from the inside out. This recipe takes classic chicken noodle soup and adds a creamy twist, making it extra cozy and satisfying. It’s perfect for nights when you want something filling but also crave that soul-soothing quality of a good soup. This creamy version builds on traditional flavors but adds a creamy texture, making it rich and velvety without being overly heavy. Plus, it’s a great way to use up some pantry staples and is super easy to customize.
This creamy chicken noodle soup is ideal for the entire family, and it’s made with love and easy-to-find ingredients, so it’s simple enough for a quick weeknight dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Comforting and Creamy: The creamy broth gives this soup an indulgent feel without the need for fancy ingredients.
- Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: You likely have most of these ingredients in your kitchen, making it an easy go-to recipe.
- Perfect for Leftovers: It’s great for meal prep and keeps well in the fridge, making it perfect for lunches the next day.
- Flexible and Customizable: Add your favorite vegetables or switch up the noodles to fit your tastes.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 large carrots, sliced
- 3 celery ribs, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup uncooked egg noodles
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How to Make Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup:
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
Before you begin, make sure all of your ingredients are chopped, sliced, and ready to go. Having everything prepped in advance will make cooking this soup feel effortless and fun. Chop the onion, slice the carrots and celery, and mince the garlic.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes or until it becomes translucent and soft. Stir occasionally to avoid any browning. Next, add the sliced carrots and celery, and cook for another 5 minutes, until they start to soften. This will release a lovely aroma that sets the foundation for your soup.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Seasoning
Add the minced garlic and Italian seasoning, stirring for about a minute until the garlic becomes fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn; it only needs a little time to release its flavor. The Italian seasoning infuses the soup with a balanced mix of herbs, giving it that classic chicken noodle soup taste with a slight twist.
Step 4: Pour in the Broth
Slowly pour in the chicken broth, stirring to combine all the flavors. Let the broth come to a simmer and allow it to cook for about 10 minutes. This softens the vegetables even more and brings the flavors together.
Step 5: Add the Cream and Noodles
Stir in the heavy cream, giving the soup a creamy consistency and rich taste. Next, add the uncooked egg noodles. These noodles will soak up the flavors of the soup as they cook, so make sure to stir every few minutes to prevent them from sticking to the bottom.
Step 6: Add the Chicken
Once the noodles are almost fully cooked (about 5–7 minutes), add the shredded chicken. Let the soup cook for an additional 5 minutes to allow the chicken to heat through. If you’re using rotisserie chicken, this is a great shortcut to add deliciously tender meat without any extra prep.
Step 7: Season and Serve
Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the flavors as needed. Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve hot. The fresh parsley adds a hint of brightness to the dish, rounding out the creamy richness.
Helpful Tips:
- Use Fresh Herbs for Extra Flavor: If you have fresh thyme or rosemary on hand, add a few sprigs to the pot while it simmers, then remove them before serving. It enhances the depth of flavor.
- Adjust the Thickness: For a thicker soup, reduce the amount of broth slightly, or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon of water) to the pot as it simmers.
- Cook Noodles Separately for Make-Ahead Meals: If you plan to have leftovers, consider cooking the noodles separately and adding them just before serving to prevent them from getting soggy.
- Extra Veggie Options: Add some chopped spinach or frozen peas for a little extra color and nutrition without changing the soup’s core flavors.
Recipe Details:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Can be made gluten-free with gluten-free noodles
Notes:
- For a dairy-free option, replace heavy cream with coconut milk or a non-dairy creamer.
- If you prefer a chunkier soup, simply add extra vegetables or chicken to the pot.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutritional Information:
(Approximate values per serving)
- Calories: 320
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld. If you make it in advance, consider cooking the noodles separately and adding them when reheating to avoid them becoming too soft.
What’s the best way to reheat this soup?
Reheat it gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. You can also reheat individual servings in the microwave, but be sure to stir it halfway through to ensure even heating.
Can I freeze creamy chicken noodle soup?
This soup can be frozen, but note that the creamy base may separate slightly upon thawing. To minimize this, let the soup cool completely, store it in a freezer-safe container, and reheat gently. Add fresh cream as needed to restore creaminess.
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Conclusion
This creamy chicken noodle soup is a cozy classic with a creamy twist, perfect for cold days or whenever you need a bit of comfort in a bowl. Simple to make and endlessly adaptable, it’s a recipe you’ll return to again and again. Whether you’re making it for the family or a quick solo dinner, it’s sure to hit the spot every time.
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Cozy Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Description
Nothing beats a bowl of creamy chicken noodle soup when it’s chilly outside or when you need a comforting meal to warm you up from the inside out. This recipe takes classic chicken noodle soup and adds a creamy twist, making it extra cozy and satisfying.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 large carrots, sliced
- 3 celery ribs, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup uncooked egg noodles
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
Before you begin, make sure all of your ingredients are chopped, sliced, and ready to go. Having everything prepped in advance will make cooking this soup feel effortless and fun. Chop the onion, slice the carrots and celery, and mince the garlic.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes or until it becomes translucent and soft. Stir occasionally to avoid any browning. Next, add the sliced carrots and celery, and cook for another 5 minutes, until they start to soften. This will release a lovely aroma that sets the foundation for your soup.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Seasoning
Add the minced garlic and Italian seasoning, stirring for about a minute until the garlic becomes fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn; it only needs a little time to release its flavor. The Italian seasoning infuses the soup with a balanced mix of herbs, giving it that classic chicken noodle soup taste with a slight twist.
Step 4: Pour in the Broth
Slowly pour in the chicken broth, stirring to combine all the flavors. Let the broth come to a simmer and allow it to cook for about 10 minutes. This softens the vegetables even more and brings the flavors together.
Step 5: Add the Cream and Noodles
Stir in the heavy cream, giving the soup a creamy consistency and rich taste. Next, add the uncooked egg noodles. These noodles will soak up the flavors of the soup as they cook, so make sure to stir every few minutes to prevent them from sticking to the bottom.
Step 6: Add the Chicken
Once the noodles are almost fully cooked (about 5–7 minutes), add the shredded chicken. Let the soup cook for an additional 5 minutes to allow the chicken to heat through. If you’re using rotisserie chicken, this is a great shortcut to add deliciously tender meat without any extra prep.
Step 7: Season and Serve
Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the flavors as needed. Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve hot. The fresh parsley adds a hint of brightness to the dish, rounding out the creamy richness.