Best Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

Cozy Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe for Rainy Days

Comfort arrives with this best creamy chicken noodle soup that wraps you in warmth like a soft blanket on a chilly evening.

Grandma’s kitchen secrets merge with modern cooking techniques to create something truly special.

Rich, velvety broth cradles tender chicken and perfectly cooked noodles in each spoonful.

Layers of flavor dance across your palate, telling stories of home and hearth.

Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly, promising satisfaction in every delightful bite.

Carefully selected spices add depth that makes this soup more than just a meal, it’s an experience.

We promise this recipe will become your new go-to comfort classic that everyone will request again and again.

Storing Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Correctly

  • Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2-3 months, ensuring a tight seal to prevent freezer burn.
  • Thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight. Warm gently in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth if the soup seems too thick after freezing.
  • Reheat only the portion you plan to eat. Multiple reheating cycles can degrade the soup's texture and flavor, making noodles mushy and cream separate.

FAQs

  • Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken from scratch?

Yes, rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time. Simply shred the meat and add it to the soup during the simmering stage.

  • Is heavy cream necessary for this recipe?

Heavy cream creates the creamy texture, but you can substitute with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version. Each option will slightly change the soup’s richness.

  • How can I make this soup more nutritious?

Add extra vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or kale during the sautéing stage. These boost nutritional value and add more flavor to the soup.

  • Can I prepare this soup ahead of time?

You can make the soup and store it in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. When reheating, add a splash of broth to restore the creamy consistency.

Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup’s Comforting Taste

  • Boost Flavor Complexity: Combine zesty orange and tart cranberries for a vibrant, sophisticated taste profile that elevates traditional bread recipes.
  • Master Simple Baking Skills: Enjoy a straightforward recipe with basic mixing techniques that even novice bakers can successfully create without advanced culinary training.
  • Versatile Serving Options: Perfect for breakfast, afternoon snack, holiday gatherings, or gifting to friends and family, this bread adapts beautifully to multiple occasions and settings.
  • Nutritious Comfort Food: Packed with natural fruit ingredients and potentially nuts, this bread offers a wholesome alternative to processed store-bought pastries while delivering delicious homemade satisfaction.

Essential Ingredients For Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

For the Main Ingredients:
  • Chicken: Shredded protein that adds heartiness and flavor to the soup.
  • Egg Noodles: Soft, tender pasta that creates the classic soup texture.
  • Chicken Broth: Rich liquid base that provides depth and warmth to the soup.
For the Vegetables:
  • Onion, Garlic, Carrots, Celery: Aromatic vegetables that build a flavorful foundation and add nutritional value.
For the Finishing Ingredients:
  • Heavy Cream: Creamy ingredient that brings richness and smoothness to the soup.
  • Thyme, Parsley: Fresh herbs that contribute a subtle, bright flavor and green color.
  • Olive Oil: Cooking fat that helps sauté vegetables and adds a light, smooth taste.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall flavor profile.

Stepwise Instructions For Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

Step 1: Sizzle and Soften Aromatic Vegetables

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in chopped:
  • Onions
  • Garlic
  • Carrots
  • Celery

Saute the vegetables until they become soft and fragrant, releasing their delicious flavors.

Step 2: Create Flavorful Broth Base

Pour in chicken broth and add:
  • Shredded chicken
  • Fresh thyme
  • Chopped parsley

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the herbs and chicken to infuse the liquid with rich taste.

Step 3: Cook Tender Noodles

Drop egg noodles into the simmering broth.

Let them dance and cook for 8-10 minutes until perfectly tender and soft.

Step 4: Enrich with Creamy Finish

Lower the heat and pour in heavy cream.

Stir gently to blend the cream into the soup, creating a luxurious and silky texture. Season with salt and pepper to elevate the flavors.

Step 5: Serve and Savor

Ladle the steaming, creamy chicken noodle soup into bowls. Garnish with extra fresh herbs if desired.

Enjoy the comforting warmth and delightful flavors of this classic soup.

Cooking Insights For Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

  • Enhance the soup's richness by using homemade chicken broth for deeper flavor profiles.
  • Opt for wide egg noodles to create a more substantial and satisfying texture in each spoonful.
  • Keep the cream separate and add just before serving to prevent curdling and maintain a smooth consistency.
  • For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt for reduced calories.
  • Freeze leftover soup in individual portions for quick future meals, ensuring noodles are slightly undercooked to prevent mushiness when reheating.

Flavor Twists For Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

  • Mediterranean Herb Infusion: Replace thyme and parsley with oregano, rosemary, and basil for a vibrant Mediterranean flavor profile.
  • Spicy Southwest Kick: Add diced green chiles, cumin, and a dash of chili powder to transform the soup into a zesty southwestern-inspired version.
  • Coconut Curry Fusion: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk and incorporate curry powder for an aromatic and creamy international adaptation.
  • Vegetarian Veggie Swap: Substitute chicken with roasted cauliflower or white beans, using vegetable broth to create a hearty plant-based alternative.

Best Pairings For Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

  • Rustic Bread Bowl Delight: Ladle the creamy soup into a freshly hollowed-out sourdough bread bowl. The crusty exterior soaks up the rich broth while providing a rustic, edible serving vessel that adds texture and charm to your meal.
  • Cozy Winter Comfort Plate: Pair the soup with a side of warm, buttered cornbread or garlic toast. Sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and added freshness that elevates the entire dining experience.
  • Gourmet Lunch Combo: Serve alongside a crisp mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette. The bright, tangy salad perfectly complements the creamy, hearty soup, creating a balanced and satisfying lunch that feels both comforting and sophisticated.
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Best Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

Best Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe


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4.9 from 26 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Classic chicken noodle soup brings comfort and warmth to kitchen tables across North America. Hearty broth, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked noodles create a soul-soothing meal you’ll crave on chilly evenings.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (454 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cooked and shredded
  • 6 cups (1.4 L) chicken broth
  • 2 cups (224 g) egg noodles
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
  • 2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 carrots, sliced
  • 2 celery stalks, sliced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp dried parsley
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Warm olive oil in a spacious pot over medium-high temperature, gently sautéing diced onions, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and chopped celery until vegetables become translucent and fragrant, approximately 4-5 minutes.
  2. Pour chicken broth into the pot, introducing shredded chicken, fresh thyme, and chopped parsley. Allow mixture to reach a gentle bubbling simmer.
  3. Carefully add egg noodles to the liquid, stirring occasionally and cooking until pasta reaches perfect al dente texture, roughly 8-9 minutes.
  4. Lower heat to minimal setting, slowly incorporate heavy cream into the soup, allowing ingredients to meld and warm together for 2-3 minutes.
  5. Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper, ensuring balanced flavors are distributed evenly throughout the pot.
  6. Ladle the creamy, aromatic soup into warm bowls, garnishing with additional fresh herbs if desired, and serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

  • Use bone-in chicken breasts or thighs for deeper, richer flavor that infuses more taste into the soup.
  • Choose wide egg noodles for a heartier texture that holds up better in creamy soups and provides a satisfying bite.
  • For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream to reduce overall calories while maintaining creaminess.
  • Make this dish gluten-free by replacing egg noodles with zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta alternatives, ensuring everyone can enjoy this comforting meal.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 312 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 480 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 21 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 27 g
  • Cholesterol: 95 mg
Maya Thompson

Maya Thompson

Culinary Content Creator & Nutrition Enthusiast

Expertise

Healthy single-serving recipes, Meal prepping for individuals, Integrating nutrition into everyday cooking, Vegetarian and plant-based cuisine​

Education

The Chef’s Academy at Harrison College
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Nutrition, meal planning, and culinary techniques for healthy living.


Maya found her passion in the kitchen by mixing good food with good energy. After earning her culinary degree at The Chef’s Academy at Harrison College, she made it her mission to keep cooking simple, wholesome, and packed with flavor.
At Steelhead Diner, Maya shares easy, healthy recipes built for real life. For Maya, great food seems like a celebration of everyday moments, made better one fresh bite at a time.

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