This wholesome creamy chicken noodle soup is a delightful bowl of comfort that’s perfect for chilly evenings or family gatherings. With tender chicken, egg noodles, and a rich, creamy broth, this soup warms the heart and soul. Easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying, it brings together fresh ingredients in a way that makes every spoonful a joy. Whether you’re feeding the family or hosting friends, this creamy chicken noodle soup is bound to impress!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: This recipe takes just 50 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful Comfort: The combination of cream, chicken, and vegetables creates an irresistible flavor that’s hard to resist.
- Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables or use leftover chicken for an even quicker meal.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for serving at gatherings or cozy dinners; everyone will love this classic dish.
- Nutrient-Rich: Packed with protein and essential vitamins from fresh veggies, this soup is as nourishing as it is delicious.
Tools and Preparation
To make your creamy chicken noodle soup, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment makes cooking more efficient and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large soup pot
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon
Importance of Each Tool
- Large soup pot: A must-have for simmering all the ingredients together without overflowing.
- Chef’s knife: Essential for chopping veggies quickly and safely.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient portions for consistent results.
Ingredients
This wholesome creamy chicken noodle soup is simple, warming comfort food! It has egg noodles, tender chicken, and an irresistible broth made with real cream.
Vegetables
- 2 sticks celery (chopped finely)
- 2 medium carrots (peeled & chopped finely)
- 1/2 medium onion (chopped)
Fats and Flavorings
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
Base Ingredients
- 1/4 cup flour
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1.5 pounds uncooked chicken breasts (boneless skinless)
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Creamy Elements
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
Noodles
- 2 generous cups uncooked egg noodles
Seasoning
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
How to Make Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup
Step 1: Sauté Vegetables
Sauté the celery, carrots, and onion with the butter and olive oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes until they are soft.
Step 2: Add Garlic & Flour
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds. Next, add the flour and stir continuously for about a minute until well incorporated.
Step 3: Incorporate Broth & Chicken
Pour in the chicken broth gradually while stirring until the flour dissolves. Then add in the uncooked chicken breasts along with Italian seasoning and heavy cream. Increase the heat to high until it reaches a slight boil. Cover the pot with the lid slightly open.
Step 4: Simmer Soup
Reduce the heat to allow it to simmer gently. Let it cook for 10 minutes so the flavors meld together.
Step 5: Add Noodles
Stir in the uncooked egg noodles, re-covering the pot slightly open again. Cook for an additional 8-10 minutes, stirring halfway through to prevent sticking.
Step 6: Final Touches
Remove the chicken from the pot once cooked through; chop it up before adding it back into the soup. Season with salt and pepper to taste before stirring in fresh parsley. Serve immediately for best flavor!
Enjoy your homemade creamy chicken noodle soup!
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup
Creamy chicken noodle soup is a delightful dish that warms the heart and soul. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your meal experience.
Top it with Fresh Herbs
- Chopped Parsley: Adds a fresh flavor and vibrant color.
- Thyme Sprigs: Offers an aromatic touch that complements the soup.
Pair with Bread
- Crusty Bread Rolls: Perfect for dipping into the creamy broth.
- Garlic Bread: A flavor-packed option that pairs wonderfully with the soup.
Serve with a Salad
- Caesar Salad: The crisp romaine and creamy dressing balance out the richness of the soup.
- Mixed Greens Salad: Light and refreshing, this adds a nice contrast.
Add a Squeeze of Lemon
- Fresh Lemon Juice: A squeeze enhances flavors and adds brightness to the dish.
How to Perfect Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup
To make your creamy chicken noodle soup truly exceptional, consider these tips.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs bring out the best flavors in your soup.
- Cook Chicken Thoroughly: Ensure the chicken is fully cooked before shredding for safety and taste.
- Adjust Seasoning: Always taste before serving; add salt and pepper as needed for perfect seasoning.
- Avoid Overcooking Noodles: Cook noodles just until al dente to prevent them from becoming mushy in the soup.
- Let It Rest: Allow the soup to sit for a few minutes after cooking; this lets flavors meld beautifully.
- Experiment with Spices: Try adding different spices like paprika or cayenne for an extra kick.
Best Side Dishes for Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup
Complement your creamy chicken noodle soup with these delicious side dishes that enhance your meal.
- Garlic Toast: Crunchy and buttery, it’s perfect for soaking up every drop of soup.
- Coleslaw: A tangy slaw provides a refreshing crunch that pairs well with the creamy soup.
- Baked Potatoes: Simple yet satisfying, baked potatoes can be topped with sour cream or cheese.
- Cheesy Biscuit Bites: Soft and cheesy, these bites are great for dipping into the rich broth.
- Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins add a lovely contrast to the savory flavors of the soup.
- Stuffed Peppers: These can be made ahead of time and filled with rice, beans, or ground meat for added sustenance.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making creamy chicken noodle soup can be simple, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Using the wrong noodles – Not all noodles work well in soup. Use egg noodles for the best texture and flavor.
- Overcooking the chicken – Cook the chicken just until it’s done. Overcooked chicken can become dry and tough.
- Skipping seasoning – Neglecting to season your soup can lead to bland flavors. Always taste and adjust with salt and pepper.
- Not stirring enough – Letting ingredients settle can cause them to stick. Stir occasionally while cooking to prevent this.
- Ignoring the broth quality – A good broth is key. Use homemade or high-quality store-bought chicken broth for better flavor.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keep refrigerated for up to 3 days.
Freezing Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup
- Freeze in freezer-safe containers.
- It lasts up to 3 months in the freezer.
Reheating Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup
- Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish and heat for about 20-30 minutes.
- Microwave – Heat in a microwave-safe bowl for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop – Heat over medium-low heat in a pot, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making creamy chicken noodle soup.
How do I make my Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup thicker?
You can make your soup thicker by adding more flour or letting it simmer longer to reduce.
Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?
Yes! Leftover rotisserie or cooked chicken is perfect for a quick version of creamy chicken noodle soup.
What can I add for extra flavor in my Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup?
Consider adding herbs like thyme or rosemary, or even a splash of lemon juice for brightness.
Is there a vegetarian version of Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup?
Absolutely! Substitute the chicken with vegetables and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
How long does it take to make Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup?
The total time is about 50 minutes, including prep and cooking time, making it a quick comfort food option!
Final Thoughts
This creamy chicken noodle soup is not only comforting but also highly versatile. You can customize it with different vegetables or spices according to your taste. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to bring warmth and joy on any chilly day!
Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup
Enjoy a warm bowl of Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup that’s easy to make and full of delicious flavors. Try this cozy recipe today!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups uncooked egg noodles
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 sticks celery (chopped)
- 2 medium carrots (chopped)
- 1/2 medium onion (chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to taste
Instructions
- In a large soup pot, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Sauté celery, carrots, and onion until soft (5-7 minutes).
- Add minced garlic; cook for an additional 30 seconds. Stir in flour continuously for about a minute.
- Gradually pour in chicken broth while stirring until the flour dissolves. Incorporate chicken breasts and seasonings; bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes to meld flavors.
- Stir in egg noodles; cover slightly open and cook for another 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove cooked chicken, chop it, then return it to the pot. Season with salt, pepper, and fresh parsley before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
