Best Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

Cozy Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe for Comfort Days

Comfort arrives in a steaming bowl of creamy chicken noodle soup that feels like a warm embrace from grandma’s kitchen.

Memories of childhood blend seamlessly with rich, velvety broth and tender chicken pieces.

Soft noodles dance among fresh vegetables, creating a symphony of flavors that soothe your soul.

Hearty ingredients promise a meal that restores energy and wraps you in culinary warmth.

Fragrant herbs whisper hints of home-cooked goodness throughout each spoonful.

Layers of cream and carefully selected seasonings elevate this classic recipe beyond ordinary expectations.

FAQs

  • How do I prevent lumps when adding flour to the soup?

Whisk the flour constantly while adding it to the pot and stir continuously to create a smooth roux without clumps.

  • Can I use different types of noodles?

Yes, you can substitute egg noodles with pasta like rotini, shells, or wide egg noodles based on your preference.

  • What if I don't have fresh chicken?

Rotisserie chicken or canned chicken work perfectly as time-saving alternatives to freshly cooked chicken.

  • Is this soup freezer-friendly?

The soup freezes well for up to 3 months. Just avoid adding cream before freezing and stir in fresh cream after reheating.

Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Comforts All

  • Speedy Comfort Cooking: Whip up this creamy chicken noodle soup in under an hour, perfect for those craving a warm, satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • Customize Your Flavor: Easily adapt the recipe by swapping ingredients or adding your favorite herbs and spices to make it uniquely yours, appealing to different taste preferences.
  • Nutritious One-Pot Wonder: Packed with vegetables, protein, and creamy goodness, this soup delivers a balanced meal that keeps everyone full and happy, making it ideal for family dinners.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Versatility: Great for weeknight meals, potlucks, or when you need a comforting dish that impresses both kids and adults with its rich, creamy texture and hearty ingredients.

Gathering Ingredients For Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

Main Ingredients:
  • Chicken: A tender protein that provides the hearty base for this comforting soup.
  • Egg Noodles: Soft, classic pasta that adds a satisfying texture to the soup.
  • Chicken Broth: A flavorful liquid that forms the foundation of the soup's delicious base.
Vegetables:
  • Onion, Carrots, Celery: A classic aromatic trio that creates a rich and deep flavor profile for the soup.
  • Garlic: A pungent ingredient that adds depth and warmth to the overall taste.
Seasonings and Finishing Ingredients:
  • Thyme: A fragrant herb that brings a subtle earthy note to the chicken soup.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the soup's flavors.
  • Butter, Flour: Key components for creating a smooth and creamy roux.
  • Heavy Cream: A luxurious ingredient that adds richness and silky texture to the soup.
  • Fresh Parsley: A bright garnish that provides a fresh and colorful finishing touch.

How To Make Chicken Noodle Soup Cozy

Step 1: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

Heat butter in a large pot over medium heat.

Add onions, carrots, celery, and garlic.

Cook these vegetables until they become soft and release their delightful fragrance, which typically takes about 4-5 minutes.

The vegetables will start to look translucent and become slightly tender.

Step 2: Create a Flavor-Packed Roux

Sprinkle flour over the sautéed vegetables and stir continuously.

This magical mixture will help thicken the soup and create a rich, velvety texture.

Keep stirring for 1-2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste and develop a golden base for your soup.

Step 3: Build the Soup Foundation

Slowly pour in chicken broth while whisking constantly.

This technique prevents any pesky lumps from forming and ensures a smooth, silky liquid.

Continue stirring until the broth and roux are completely integrated and the mixture begins to slightly thicken.

Step 4: Add Protein and Seasonings

Incorporate shredded chicken into the pot.

Sprinkle in thyme, salt, and pepper to enhance the overall flavor profile.

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, allowing the chicken to warm through and the seasonings to meld together beautifully.

Step 5: Cook the Noodles

Add egg noodles directly into the simmering soup.

Let them cook until they reach perfect tenderness, which usually takes around 8-10 minutes.

The noodles will absorb the delicious broth and become wonderfully soft.

Step 6: Create Creamy Perfection

Reduce the heat to low and pour in heavy cream.

Stir gently to create a luxurious, creamy texture that makes this soup irresistibly comforting.

Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed, ensuring a balanced and delightful flavor.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Ladle the hot, creamy soup into bowls.

Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and a fresh herb flavor.

Serve immediately while the soup is steaming hot and incredibly inviting.

Key Tips For Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

  • Choose high-quality, fresh vegetables and chicken for the most vibrant flavor profile in your soup.
  • Adjust flour quantity to manage soup's consistency – less flour for lighter texture, more for thicker base.
  • Add egg noodles near end of cooking to maintain perfect al dente texture and prevent mushiness.
  • Temper heavy cream by slowly adding small amounts of hot soup liquid before final pour to prevent curdling.
  • Consider adding a splash of white wine or a pinch of dried herbs like rosemary for complex, restaurant-style taste.

Chicken Noodle Soup – Ideas For Extra Flavor

  • Dairy-Free Comfort: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk for a lighter, lactose-free version that maintains creamy texture.
  • Gluten-Free Goodness: Swap wheat flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend, and use gluten-free egg noodles to accommodate celiac or gluten-sensitive diets.
  • Vegetarian Transformation: Substitute chicken with plant-based protein like tofu, chickpeas, or meat alternatives, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a meat-free option.
  • Low-Carb Alternative: Replace egg noodles with spiralized zucchini, cauliflower rice, or shirataki noodles to reduce carbohydrate content while keeping the soup's rich flavor profile.

Serving Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Warm

  • Cozy Dinner Companion: Pair this creamy chicken noodle soup with crusty sourdough bread for dipping and soaking up the rich, velvety broth.
  • Hearty Side Kick: Serve alongside a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the soup's creamy texture and add a fresh contrast.
  • Comfort Meal Upgrade: Top with crispy bacon bits or homemade croutons for extra crunch and depth of flavor that elevates the classic soup experience.
  • Wellness Bowl Boost: Sprinkle some grated parmesan cheese and chopped fresh herbs like chives or thyme to enhance nutritional value and add a gourmet touch.

Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Storage Secrets

  • Store leftover soup in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Freeze up to 2-3 months. Avoid freezing noodles separately as they might become mushy.
  • Thaw overnight in refrigerator. Warm gently over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add splash of chicken broth to restore creamy consistency if needed.
  • Transfer single serving to microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly. Watch carefully to prevent overheating.
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Best Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

Best Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe


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4.6 from 27 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Comfort meets culinary magic in this soul-warming Chicken Noodle Soup, where tender chicken, silky noodles, and aromatic herbs dance together in a rich, velvety broth. Hearty spoonfuls promise instant comfort, inviting you to savor each comforting bite of this timeless classic.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 2 cups shredded cooked chicken

Vegetables:

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

Base and Seasonings:

  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) butter
  • 1/4 cup (30 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 6 cups (1.4 liters) chicken broth
  • 2 cups (480 milliliters) egg noodles
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Heat butter in a spacious pot over medium temperature, gently sautéing chopped onions, carrots, celery, and minced garlic until vegetables become translucent and tender.
  2. Dust flour over the softened vegetables, continuously stirring for approximately 90 seconds to develop a smooth, golden roux that will thicken the soup’s base.
  3. Slowly incorporate chicken broth while whisking methodically to prevent any lumpy formations, creating a silky liquid foundation.
  4. Introduce shredded chicken, fragrant thyme, seasoned salt, and cracked black pepper into the simmering broth, allowing flavors to meld and intensify.
  5. Carefully drop egg noodles into the bubbling liquid, cooking for 7-9 minutes until they reach a perfectly tender consistency.
  6. Lower the cooking temperature and stream in rich heavy cream, gently folding until the soup transforms into a luxuriously creamy texture with a velvety appearance.
  7. Perform a final taste assessment, adjusting seasonings to enhance depth of flavor.
  8. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley across the surface for a vibrant garnish and serve piping hot in deep ceramic bowls.

Notes

  • Customize the soup’s thickness by adjusting flour quantity, creating a lighter or more substantial texture depending on preference.
  • Swap regular egg noodles with gluten-free alternatives for a celiac-friendly version without compromising taste and comfort.
  • Enhance protein content by adding cooked quinoa or white beans, transforming the classic soup into a more nutritionally dense meal.
  • Reduce calories by substituting heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half-and-half, maintaining creamy consistency while cutting fat content.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 580 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 22 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg
Lucas Bennett

Lucas Bennett

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Developing single-serving recipes with a rustic, seasonal twist.
  • Crafting engaging food insights that connect with readers.
  • Developing content that educates readers on healthy baking alternatives.
  • Integrating local ingredients into accessible home cooking.​

Education

Blue Ridge Community College – Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focused on seasonal cooking, sustainable kitchen practices, and farm-to-table techniques.

Appalachian State University – B.A. in English
Built critical thinking and analysis through diverse texts. Guided by faculty, it prepares graduates for publishing and more.


Growing up in the rolling hills of North Carolina, Lucas learned early that some of life’s best memories start around a kitchen table. After studying English at Appalachian State University and honing his culinary skills at Blue Ridge Community College, he dreamed of blending storytelling with rustic, seasonal cooking, and The Scrumptious Pumpkin was born.
Lucas focuses on easy, single-serving recipes that turn fresh, local ingredients into something special. His style is simple, heartfelt, and rooted in the beauty of the seasons. When he’s not testing a new dish, you’ll probably find him hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains, browsing farmers’ markets, or scribbling food stories in a notebook.

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