Growing up, Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup was the ultimate comfort food in our household. There’s just something so nostalgic and soothing about that rich, velvety broth and tender chunks of chicken. Whenever I’d come home from school on a chilly day, the aroma of Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup simmering on the stove would instantly lift my spirits.
My mom had this special recipe that she’d been perfecting for years, and she’d always make a big batch on the weekends so we’d have leftovers throughout the week. I can still remember the way the steam would curl up from the bowl, the tiny flecks of parsley adding a pop of freshness, and the noodles soaking up all that dreamy, creamy broth. It was pure heaven.
Even now, as an adult, whenever I make a batch of Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup, it takes me right back to those cozy childhood memories. There’s just something about the combination of tender chicken, velvety broth, and hearty noodles that is so incredibly comforting and satisfying. It’s the kind of meal that warms you from the inside out.
Table of Contents
Why This Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup
What makes this Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup recipe so special is the unique technique we use to achieve that wonderfully thick and creamy texture. Instead of simply stirring in heavy cream at the end, we actually blend a portion of the soup together to create a luxurious, velvety base that gets stirred back into the rest of the broth. This gives you the best of both worlds – the comforting heartiness of a classic chicken noodle soup, with an extra layer of richness and creaminess that takes it to the next level.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
– Chicken Breasts – The foundation of any great Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup. We use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for easy shredding.
– Onion – Sautéed onion adds depth of flavor and aroma to the broth.
– Carrots – Tender, sweet carrots are a must-have in this soup.
– Celery – Crisp celery stalks lend a refreshing crunch.
– Garlic – Minced garlic enhances the savory notes.
– Thyme – Fresh thyme leaves add an earthy, herbal note.
– Egg Noodles – Wide egg noodles are the perfect pairing for the creamy broth.
– Chicken Broth – Use a high-quality chicken broth or stock as the base.
– Heavy Cream – This is the secret ingredient that makes the soup oh-so-velvety.
Step-by-Step Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Instructions
Preparing Your Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup
This Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup recipe is surprisingly easy to make, with just a handful of simple steps. It takes about an hour from start to finish, and the result is a cozy, comforting meal the whole family will love. All you’ll need is a large pot or Dutch oven, a blender or immersion blender, and a few basic kitchen tools.
1- In a large pot or Dutch oven, sauté the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic in a bit of olive oil until softened and fragrant.
2- Add the chicken breasts, thyme, and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
3- Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it into bite-sized pieces using two forks.
4- Carefully transfer 2 cups of the hot broth to a blender and blend until smooth and creamy. Pour the blended broth back into the pot with the shredded chicken.
5- Add the egg noodles to the pot and let the soup simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the noodles are tender.
6- Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper to taste. Ladle the Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup into bowls and garnish with fresh thyme leaves.
Pro Tips for Success
The key to making the creamiest Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup is to not overcook the chicken. Make sure to remove it from the pot as soon as it’s cooked through, so it stays tender and juicy. Additionally, be careful when blending the hot broth – start on a low speed and hold a kitchen towel over the top of the blender to prevent any splashing.
Serving and Storing Your Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup
Perfect Pairings for Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup
Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup is the ultimate comfort food, so it pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, fresh salads, or even a simple side of roasted vegetables. For a heartier meal, you could serve it alongside a grilled cheese sandwich or a crisp, green salad. And of course, no bowl of Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup is complete without a slice of lemon on the side to add a bright, refreshing note.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftover Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply bring the soup back to a simmer on the stovetop, stirring occasionally. You can also freeze Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup for up to 3 months. Just be sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer bag. When ready to enjoy, thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat on the stove.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup
Creative Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Variations
While this Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup recipe is already a classic, there are so many ways to put your own spin on it. Try adding diced potatoes or parsnips for extra heartiness, or swap out the egg noodles for gluten-free pasta or rice. You could also experiment with different herbs, like rosemary or oregano, or add a dash of white wine or sherry for a more sophisticated flavor profile.
Making Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Diet-Friendly
To make this Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup recipe more diet-friendly, you can use low-fat or non-dairy milk instead of heavy cream. For a gluten-free version, replace the egg noodles with gluten-free pasta or quinoa. And for a lighter take, you can skip the creamy blended broth and simply stir in a splash of unsweetened almond milk or cashew milk at the end.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen chicken in this Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup recipe?
A: Absolutely! Simply add the frozen chicken breasts to the pot and cook them until they’re cooked through, about 30-35 minutes. Then shred the chicken and proceed with the rest of the recipe.
Q: How long does the Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup take to make?
A: This recipe takes about an hour from start to finish, including the time it takes to cook the chicken, prepare the vegetables, and simmer the soup.
Q: Can I make this Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can definitely make this soup in advance. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, and it can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Just be sure to let it cool completely before storing.
Q: How much does this Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup recipe serve?
A: This recipe makes a large batch, enough to serve 6-8 people as a main course. If you’re serving it as a starter or side dish, it could easily feed 8-10 people.
Q: What can I do if my Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup turns out too thick?
A: If your soup ends up too thick, simply add a bit more chicken broth or milk to thin it out to your desired consistency. You can also add a splash of water or a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten up the flavors.
Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup
- Total Time: 40
- Yield: 4
Description
Indulge in the comforting warmth and velvety texture of this homemade Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup, a classic recipe that’s perfect for chilly days or when you need a soothing bowl of comfort.
Ingredients
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
– 3 celery stalks, sliced
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
– 8 oz egg noodles
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 2 tsp dried thyme
– 1 tsp dried parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. – In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened.
2. – Add the garlic and sauté for an additional minute.
3. – Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Add the cooked chicken, egg noodles, heavy cream, thyme, and parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. – Reduce heat to low and let the soup simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the noodles are tender.
5. – Serve hot, garnished with additional fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
For a thicker, heartier soup, you can add 1-2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour to the sautéed vegetables before adding the broth. This will help create a richer, creamier base.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 25
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
There’s truly nothing more comforting and satisfying than a big bowl of homemade Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup. This recipe is the ultimate hug in a bowl – it’s rich, velvety, and packed with tender chicken and hearty noodles. Whether you’re looking for a cozy meal on a chilly day or simply craving a taste of nostalgia, this Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup is sure to become a new family favorite. So what are you waiting for? Grab your pot and get ready to savor every last spoonful of this creamy, dreamy soup!
