Cozy Wholesome Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

The Coziest Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe for Comfort

Comfort often arrives unexpectedly through a steaming creamy chicken noodle soup that whispers memories of grandmother’s kitchen.

Soft noodles curl around tender chicken pieces in a velvety broth.

Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly, creating warmth with each spoonful.

Fragrant herbs dance through the creamy landscape, promising deliciousness in every bite.

Perfectly balanced and simple to prepare, this recipe speaks directly to busy home cooks seeking nourishment.

Salt and pepper become your flavor allies in crafting something truly memorable.

You’ll find solace simmering in a pot of pure, comforting goodness.

What Goes Well with Chicken Noodle Soup

  • Cozy Comfort Bowl: Ladle the steaming soup into large, deep bowls and pair with crusty garlic bread for soaking up the rich, creamy broth.
  • Hearty Lunch Companion: Pack in a thermal container for a satisfying work or school lunch, keeping it warm and delicious until mealtime.
  • Wellness Recovery Meal: Serve to someone feeling under the weather, offering a nurturing and healing bowl of chicken noodle soup that provides warmth and comfort.
  • Rustic Family Gathering: Present the soup in a large, shared pot at the center of the table, allowing family members to serve themselves and enjoy a communal dining experience.

How to Keep Chicken Noodle Soup Fresh

  • Refrigerate leftover soup in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Store soup in shallow containers to help it cool quickly and evenly, which preserves flavor and texture.
  • Consume refrigerated chicken noodle soup within 3-4 days for optimal taste and safety.
  • Freeze soup in freezer-safe containers, leaving about an inch of space at the top to allow for expansion, and use within 2-3 months.

FAQs

  • Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh ones?

Yes, you can substitute dried thyme and parsley. Use 1 teaspoon of dried herbs for every 1 tablespoon of fresh herbs.

  • Is it okay to use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saving option and adds delicious flavor to the soup.

  • How can I make this soup more nutritious?

Add extra vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or peas during the last few minutes of cooking to boost nutritional value.

  • Can I freeze this chicken noodle soup?

Yes, you can freeze it without the cream. Add the heavy cream after thawing and reheating for the best texture and flavor.

Chicken Noodle Soup That Warms the Soul

  • Comfort in a Bowl: Warm, hearty chicken noodle soup that wraps you in comfort like a cozy blanket.
  • Create in Minutes: Quick and simple recipe perfect for busy cooks who want delicious meals without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • Family-Friendly Favorite: Classic dish that pleases everyone from kids to grandparents, making mealtime a delightful shared experience.
  • Versatile Meal Solution: Ideal for sick days, chilly evenings, or when you crave a nutritious and satisfying one-pot wonder that comes together with minimal effort.

Chicken Noodle Soup Ingredients

Main Ingredients:
  • Chicken: Shredded protein that provides the hearty base for the soup.
  • Egg Noodles: Soft, comforting pasta that adds texture and substance to the dish.
  • Chicken Broth: Flavorful liquid that creates the soup's foundation and enhances overall taste.
Vegetables:
  • Onion, Garlic, Carrots, Celery: Classic soup vegetables that build a rich, aromatic flavor profile and provide nutritional depth.
Creamy and Seasoning Components:
  • Butter, Flour: Create a smooth roux that thickens the soup and adds richness.
  • Heavy Cream: Adds a luxurious, velvety texture to the soup.
  • Thyme, Parsley, Salt, Pepper: Herbs and seasonings that enhance and balance the soup's flavor.

How to Prepare Chicken Noodle Soup

Step 1: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

Heat a generous pat of butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add finely chopped onions, minced garlic, diced carrots, and sliced celery.

Cook the vegetables, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and release their fragrant flavors, about 5-6 minutes.

Step 2: Create Smooth Base

Sprinkle flour over the softened vegetables and stir continuously for one minute to cook out the raw flour taste.

Slowly pour in chicken broth, whisking constantly to prevent lumps and create a silky, smooth liquid base.

Step 3: Build Soup Layers

Add these ingredients to the pot:
  • Shredded cooked chicken
  • Egg noodles
  • Fresh thyme leaves
  • Chopped parsley
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer.

Cook until the noodles become tender and soft, usually around 8-10 minutes.

Step 4: Finish With Creamy Touch

Pour in heavy cream and gently stir.

Allow the soup to heat through for an additional 2-3 minutes. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, adding more salt or pepper to enhance the flavor profile.

Step 5: Serve and Savor

Ladle the piping hot soup into bowls. Garnish with extra fresh herbs if desired.

Enjoy this comforting, soul-warming meal that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day.

Tips for Chicken Noodle Soup Success

  • Swap regular flour with gluten-free flour to make this soup celiac-friendly and accommodate dietary restrictions.
  • Choose low-sodium chicken broth to control salt intake and create a healthier version of the classic comfort dish.
  • Enhance flavor by roasting chicken beforehand or using rotisserie chicken for deeper, more complex taste profile.
  • Prep vegetables in advance and store in refrigerator to speed up cooking process and reduce weeknight meal stress.
  • Add extra herbs like fresh rosemary or dill for a personalized touch and boost nutritional value of the soup.

Variations to Try with Chicken Noodle Soup

  • Gluten-Free Version: Replace wheat flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend. Use gluten-free egg noodles or substitute with rice noodles for a celiac-friendly option.
  • Dairy-Free Alternative: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk. Use olive oil instead of butter to maintain creamy texture while avoiding dairy.
  • Vegetarian Transformation: Replace chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and add extra herbs like rosemary for depth of flavor.
  • Low-Carb Adaptation: Swap egg noodles with spiralized zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. Reduce carrots and use more low-carb vegetables like spinach or mushrooms.
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Cozy Wholesome Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

Cozy Wholesome Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 25 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Homemade creamy chicken noodle soup delivers comfort in a bowl, blending tender chicken and silky noodles. Hearty ingredients and simple preparation make this classic soup a perfect meal for family gatherings and chilly evenings you’ll want to savor.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 2 cups cooked shredded chicken

Vegetables:

  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced

Liquid and Seasonings:

  • 6 cups (1.4 liters) chicken broth
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
  • 2 cups (56 grams) egg noodles
  • 2 tablespoons (28 grams) butter
  • 1/4 cup (30 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Warm butter in a spacious pot at medium temperature, gently sautéing diced onions, minced garlic, julienned carrots, and chopped celery until vegetables become translucent and tender, approximately 5-6 minutes.
  2. Sprinkle flour over the vegetable mixture, stirring continuously for 60 seconds to create a golden roux and eliminate raw flour taste.
  3. Gradually pour chicken broth into the pot, whisking methodically to ensure a silky, lump-free liquid base.
  4. Incorporate shredded chicken, dry egg noodles, fragrant thyme, fresh parsley, and seasoning components, then elevate heat to generate a robust boil.
  5. Reduce temperature to a gentle simmer, allowing noodles to cook and absorb flavors until perfectly tender, roughly 6-8 minutes.
  6. Drizzle heavy cream into the soup, stirring gently to integrate and create a luxurious, velvety texture.
  7. Taste and calibrate seasonings, adding additional salt and pepper as necessary to enhance overall flavor profile.
  8. Ladle steaming soup into serving bowls, garnishing with extra parsley for a vibrant presentation, and serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

  • Choose wide or thick egg noodles for a heartier texture that holds up well in the creamy soup base.
  • Opt for rotisserie chicken to save time and add extra flavor depth without additional cooking steps.
  • If avoiding dairy, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for a lighter, plant-based alternative that maintains richness.
  • Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels, allowing you to season gradually and prevent an overly salty final dish.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 280 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 540 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 18 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Jack Monroe

Jack Monroe

Founder & Recipe Innovator

Expertise

Pacific Northwest cuisine, Single-serving recipe development, Sustainable sourcing and cooking, Modern comfort food​

Education

Brightwater
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Sustainable cooking, seasonal ingredients, and food systems education


Jack grew up with a fishing rod in one hand and a cast-iron skillet in the other. After graduating from Brightwater: A Center for the Study of Food, he set out to prove that cooking for one could still taste like a feast.
Jack believes that food should feel real: fresh, fearless, and a little wild, just like the rivers he grew up around. For Jack, every single dish is a small adventure, and the best ones are the ones you can cook with heart, not hassle.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star