Heartwarming Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe for Cozy Nights

Comfort wraps around you like a warm blanket when this creamy chicken noodle soup enters the kitchen.

Grandma’s classic recipe takes a luxurious twist with rich, velvety texture and deep flavor profiles.

Tender chicken pieces nestle among soft noodles, creating a harmonious blend of hearty ingredients.

Smooth cream transforms the traditional soup into an indulgent experience that soothes and satisfies.

Herbs and spices dance through each spoonful, promising a culinary journey of pure deliciousness.

Seasonal vegetables add vibrant color and nutritional depth to this soul-warming dish.

Craving a meal that feels like a culinary hug?

Dive right in and let this recipe become your new comfort food favorite.

How to Prepare Chicken Noodle Soup

Step 1: Warm Up The Cooking Base

Grab a large pot and melt butter with olive oil over medium heat, creating a delicious golden foundation for your soup.

Step 2: Sauté Veggie Medley

Toss in chopped:
  • Onions
  • Garlic
  • Carrots
  • Celery

Sauté until the vegetables become soft and fragrant, releasing their delightful aromas.

Step 3: Create A Thickening Magic

Sprinkle flour into the pot and stir quickly, cooking for about a minute to eliminate any raw flour taste and start building your soup’s creamy texture.

Step 4: Pour In Liquid Gold

Gradually stream chicken broth into the pot, stirring constantly to prevent any lumpy surprises and create a smooth base.

Step 5: Season With Herbal Goodness

Introduce:
  • Thyme
  • Parsley
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Let these herbs dance together and infuse the broth with incredible flavor.

Step 6: Simmer And Develop Flavors

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer gently for 10 minutes, allowing all ingredients to mingle and develop deep, rich tastes.

Step 7: Introduce Creamy Luxury

Stir in heavy cream and shredded chicken, creating a luxurious and hearty soup. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes.

Step 8: Add Noodle Comfort

Drop in egg noodles and cook until they reach perfect tenderness, absorbing all the delicious surrounding flavors.

Step 9: Final Touch And Serve

Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Ladle into bowls and serve piping hot, ready to warm hearts and souls.

Tips for Chicken Noodle Soup Success

  • Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels and create a healthier soup option.
  • Swap regular egg noodles with gluten-free or whole wheat noodles for dietary preferences.
  • Let soup cool slightly before adding cream to prevent curdling and maintain smooth texture.
  • Enhance flavor by roasting chicken beforehand or using rotisserie chicken for deeper taste profile.
  • Store leftovers in airtight container for up to 3 days, gently reheating to preserve creamy consistency.

Flavor Swaps for Chicken Noodle Soup

  • Gluten-Free Version: Replace wheat flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend. Use gluten-free egg noodles or rice noodles for a celiac-friendly option.
  • Dairy-Free Adaptation: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk. Use olive oil instead of butter for a lighter, lactose-free soup.
  • Vegetarian Transformation: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or plant-based chicken alternatives. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a meat-free version.
  • Low-Carb Alternative: Replace egg noodles with spiralized zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. Reduce carrots and use more low-carb vegetables like spinach or mushrooms.

What Goes Well with Chicken Noodle Soup

  • Cozy Family Dinner Companion: Pair this soup with warm, crusty bread for dipping and soaking up the rich, creamy broth.
  • Elegant Starter Presentation: Serve in smaller portions as an appetizer in cute ceramic bowls, garnished with fresh parsley and cracked black pepper.
  • Hearty Lunch Combo: Pack in a thermos for work or school lunches, accompanied by a simple side salad with light vinaigrette to balance the soup's creamy texture.
  • Winter Wellness Bowl: Top with extra shredded rotisserie chicken and a sprinkle of fresh herbs for added protein and nutrition during cold seasons.

Storing Chicken Noodle Soup Properly

  • Refrigerate leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, ensuring it cools completely before sealing.
  • Store soup without noodles for better texture when reheating, adding fresh noodles during the second cooking.
  • Transfer soup to freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space for expansion, and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
  • Thaw frozen soup overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

  • Is this chicken noodle soup healthy?

This soup provides balanced nutrition with protein from chicken, vitamins from vegetables, and comfort from creamy broth. While delicious, it contains higher calories due to heavy cream and should be enjoyed in moderation.

  • Can I use different types of noodles?

Yes, you can substitute egg noodles with wider pasta like pappardelle, fettuccine, or whole wheat noodles. Just adjust cooking time based on pasta thickness to prevent overcooking.

  • How can I make this soup more protein-rich?

Add extra protein by including cooked diced chicken, shredded rotisserie chicken, or stirring in white beans. These additions enhance nutrition and make the soup more filling.

Best Chicken Noodle Soup You’ll Love

  • Craft a Comforting Meal: This chicken noodle soup transforms simple ingredients into a soul-warming dish that hugs you from the inside out.
  • Simplify Your Cooking: The recipe requires basic kitchen skills and minimal prep, making it perfect for home cooks of all experience levels.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or add extra vegetables to match your family's taste preferences and nutritional needs.
  • Nourish Your Loved Ones: Packed with protein, vegetables, and creamy goodness, this soup delivers a balanced meal that keeps everyone satisfied and healthy.

Ingredients for Chicken Noodle Soup

Protein Base:
  • Chicken: Tender, shredded protein that provides the main flavor and substance of the soup.
  • Chicken Broth: Rich liquid base that creates the foundational flavor for the soup.
Vegetables:
  • Onion, Garlic, Carrots, Celery: Aromatic and nutritious vegetables that add depth and flavor to the soup.
Soup Enhancers:
  • Butter, Olive Oil: Ingredients that help sauté vegetables and create a rich, smooth base.
  • Flour: Thickening agent that helps create a creamy texture.
  • Heavy Cream: Adds luxurious creaminess and richness to the soup.
  • Egg Noodles: Soft pasta that provides comfort and substance to the dish.
  • Thyme, Parsley, Salt, Pepper: Herbs and seasonings that enhance the overall flavor profile of the soup.
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Homemade Comforting Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe


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4.9 from 22 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty chicken noodle soup elevates comfort cuisine with classic American flavors. Nutritious ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a soul-warming meal that nourishes and delights you.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Proteins:

  • 3 cups cooked shredded chicken
  • 8 ounces (226 grams) egg noodles

Vegetables and Aromatics:

  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 medium carrots, sliced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced

Liquids, Fats, and Seasonings:

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Warm a generous pot over medium heat, melting butter and olive oil together to create a flavorful base.
  2. Gently sauté diced onions, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and chopped celery until vegetables become tender and aromatic, approximately 4-5 minutes.
  3. Sprinkle flour over the softened vegetables, stirring continuously to coat and create a light roux, cooking for roughly 60 seconds.
  4. Gradually stream chicken broth into the pot, whisking consistently to prevent any potential lumps from forming.
  5. Introduce fragrant thyme, fresh parsley, salt, and ground pepper to enhance the soup’s depth of flavor.
  6. Increase heat to trigger a rolling boil, then immediately reduce to a gentle simmer, allowing ingredients to meld together for 10-12 minutes.
  7. Pour in rich heavy cream and fold in succulent shredded chicken, maintaining a low simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
  8. Introduce egg noodles directly into the simmering liquid, cooking until pasta reaches perfect al dente texture, typically 6-8 minutes.
  9. Taste and refine seasoning as needed, ensuring a balanced and robust flavor profile.
  10. Ladle the steaming, creamy soup into warm bowls and serve immediately for maximum enjoyment.

Notes

  • Transform the soup’s richness by swapping heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free alternative that maintains creamy texture.
  • Boost protein content by adding white beans or quinoa, creating a more substantial meal perfect for vegetarian adaptations.
  • Cut cooking time by using rotisserie chicken or pre-cooked shredded chicken, making this recipe incredibly convenient for busy weeknights.
  • Enhance nutritional value by tossing in extra vegetables like spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking, amplifying flavor and health benefits.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 24 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 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.

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