Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup is a comforting twist on the classic. With tender chicken, hearty noodles, and a velvety broth enriched with cream, this cozy dish is perfect for chilly nights, sick days, or anytime you crave something warm and nourishing. It’s a one-pot wonder the whole family will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe combines the nostalgic flavors of traditional chicken noodle soup with a luscious, creamy base that takes the comfort level up a notch. It’s easy to make with simple ingredients, and it comes together quickly, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or meal prep. Plus, it’s customizable—use rotisserie chicken for ease, or toss in extra veggies to suit your taste.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- Egg noodles
- Carrots, sliced
- Celery, chopped
- Onion, diced
- Garlic, minced
- Chicken broth
- Heavy cream
- Butter
- All-purpose flour
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- Fresh thyme or parsley (optional, for garnish)
directions
- In a large pot, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add onions, carrots, and celery, and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir to coat. Cook for 1–2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Slowly pour in chicken broth while stirring to avoid lumps. Bring to a simmer and let cook until slightly thickened, about 5–7 minutes.
- Add shredded chicken and egg noodles. Cook according to noodle package instructions until tender.
- Reduce heat and stir in heavy cream. Simmer for a few more minutes until heated through and creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
- Serve hot with crusty bread or crackers.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields approximately 6 servings.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Variations
- Low-Carb Option: Replace noodles with cauliflower florets or zucchini noodles.
- Dairy-Free: Use coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative.
- Gluten-Free: Swap in gluten-free noodles and use a gluten-free flour blend to thicken.
- Add More Veggies: Stir in peas, corn, or spinach during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
storage/reheating
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat gently on the stove over medium heat, stirring frequently. Add a splash of broth or cream if the soup has thickened too much.
Freezing is possible, but the noodles may soften upon thawing. For best results, freeze without the noodles and add them fresh when reheating.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes, using rotisserie chicken saves time and adds great flavor.
How can I make this soup ahead of time?
Prepare the soup without adding the noodles. Store it in the fridge or freezer, and cook noodles fresh when you’re ready to serve.
Can I freeze creamy chicken noodle soup?
Yes, but it’s best to freeze it without the noodles and cream. Add those ingredients fresh when reheating for the best texture.
What noodles work best in this recipe?
Egg noodles are classic, but you can also use rotini, fusilli, or any short pasta.
How do I thicken the soup?
The flour and butter mixture acts as a roux to thicken the soup. You can also add more cream or a cornstarch slurry if needed.
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Yes, though the soup will be less rich. Whole milk or half-and-half are better alternatives than low-fat milk.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Not by default, but it can be made gluten-free by using GF noodles and flour.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes, cook the vegetables, chicken, broth, and seasonings on low for 6–7 hours, then stir in cooked noodles and cream before serving.
What can I serve with this soup?
Crusty bread, crackers, or a simple side salad pair well with this creamy soup.
How long does it last in the fridge?
It stays fresh in the refrigerator for about 4 days in a sealed container.
Conclusion
Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup is a satisfying, soul-warming dish that brings comfort with every spoonful. Whether you’re feeding a family or storing some for later, this easy recipe is a go-to for any season. Rich, hearty, and full of flavor—it’s everything you want in a bowl of soup.
Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This creamy chicken noodle soup is cozy, hearty, and loaded with tender chicken, veggies, and egg noodles—all in a rich, velvety broth. It’s the perfect comfort food for chilly days and comes together easily on the stovetop. Great for leftovers and kid-approved!
Ingredients
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2 tablespoons butter
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 medium yellow onion, diced
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3 carrots, sliced
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2 celery stalks, chopped
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1/4 cup all-purpose flour
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6 cups chicken broth
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1 teaspoon dried thyme
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1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
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1/2 teaspoon salt (more to taste)
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1/4 teaspoon black pepper
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3 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie works great)
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2 cups egg noodles
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1 cup heavy cream
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1/2 cup frozen peas (optional)
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Fresh chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
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In a large pot, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat.
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Add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until softened.
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Stir in garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
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Sprinkle in the flour and stir well to coat the veggies. Cook for 1–2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
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Gradually add the chicken broth while stirring, making sure to break up any lumps.
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Add thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
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Add the shredded chicken and egg noodles. Cook for 8–10 minutes, or until noodles are tender.
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Stir in the heavy cream and peas (if using), and let simmer for another 3–5 minutes.
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Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
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Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Notes
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You can use leftover turkey instead of chicken.
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Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version.
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Add a splash of lemon juice at the end for brightness.
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