Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

If you’re craving a warm, comforting bowl that feels like a big cozy hug, this Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. It masterfully combines tender chicken, silky cream, and perfectly cooked noodles in a rich broth flavored with fresh vegetables and fragrant herbs. Every spoonful feels like pure comfort, making it a perfect meal for chilly days or when you just want to feel nurtured from the inside out. This recipe is straightforward, flavorful, and guaranteed to become one of your go-to soups for any occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient here plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color that make this Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe so irresistible. From the crisp celery to the creamy heavy whipping cream, every component is simple yet essential for the perfect balance.

• 3 celery sticks (sliced): Adds a fresh crunch and a subtle earthiness to the broth.
• 2 carrots (peeled and sliced): Provides natural sweetness and vibrant color.
• 1/2 cup finely chopped onion: Creates a savory base that boosts aroma and taste.
• 3 Tablespoons unsalted butter: Brings richness and helps soften the veggies beautifully.
• 3 garlic cloves (minced): Infuses the soup with warm, aromatic depth.
• 1/4-1/2 cup all-purpose flour: Thickens the soup to your liking—less for a lighter broth, more for a heartier creaminess.
• 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth: Forms the comforting liquid heart of the soup without overpowering saltiness.
• 1 Tablespoon Chicken Better Than Bouillon: Amplifies savory umami flavor naturally.
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Delivers a subtle, warming spice.
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano: Offers a hint of herbal brightness.
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme: Adds earthy, slightly minty undertones.
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances garlic notes without being overpowering.
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder: Boosts savory depth gently.
• 2 cups egg noodles (uncooked): Soft and chewy noodles create perfect texture contrast.
• 2-3 cups shredded chicken (cooked): Provides protein and hearty substance.
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream (room temperature): Enriches the soup with velvety smoothness and luxurious mouthfeel.
• 1/4-1 teaspoon coarse kosher salt: To taste, bringing all flavors together harmoniously.
• 2 Tablespoons fresh parsley: Brightens the soup with fresh, vibrant herbaceous notes.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Your Vegetables

Start by warming your pot over medium heat and adding the celery, carrots, onion, and butter. Cooking these for about 7 minutes softens the veggies and releases their natural sweetness while the butter adds that luscious richness. Wait until the onions turn translucent – that’s when you know the base is perfectly ready to build flavor.

Step 2: Garlic Increases Aroma

Next, add the minced garlic and stir for one minute. Garlic cooks quickly, and this short step unlocks its fragrant oils without burning it, layering in that savory punch that makes chicken soups so exciting.

Step 3: Create the Roux

Sprinkle in your choice of flour—between 1/4 and 1/2 cup—depending on how thick and creamy you want the soup. Stir the mixture vigorously for 3 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste. This roux acts as a natural thickener to give the soup its signature velvety body.

Step 4: Pour in Broth and Season

Pour in the chicken broth and add the chicken bouillon, black pepper, oregano, thyme, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir everything well, then bring the pot to a rolling boil. This combination makes the broth deeply savory and herbaceous, setting the stage for the noodles and chicken.

Step 5: Cook the Noodles

Add in the uncooked egg noodles and allow them to cook for about 5 minutes. The noodles will soften perfectly amidst the rich broth, soaking up tons of delicious flavor as they cook.

Step 6: Add Chicken and Cream

Stir in the shredded cooked chicken and the heavy whipping cream. The chicken adds hearty protein, while the cream turns the soup luxuriously smooth and full-bodied, a defining element of this Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe.

Step 7: Simmer

Bring the soup back to a gentle simmer. Simmering slowly integrates all the flavors and thickens the soup gently without curdling the cream. It’s where everything melds together beautifully.

Step 8: Season to Taste

Taste your soup and add the kosher salt gradually, about a quarter teaspoon at a time. This careful seasoning rounds out the dish perfectly, ensuring every spoonful hits the right savory note.

Step 9: Finish with Fresh Parsley

Just before serving, sprinkle fresh parsley over the top. The bright herb adds a pop of color and a refreshing note to cut through the richness, bringing your soup to an irresistible finish.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

Garnishes

For a final touch, consider extra freshly chopped parsley or even a sprinkle of cracked black pepper. A drizzle of good olive oil or a few grates of sharp Parmesan can also elevate each bowl beautifully. These little add-ons make the dish not only tastier but visually inviting.

Side Dishes

Serve your creamy soup alongside classic crusty bread, buttery dinner rolls, or even garlic toast for dipping. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette creates a lovely contrast, balancing the soup’s richness and making the meal feel complete and satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the soup in rustic bowls with a side of herb-infused olive oil or in mason jars for a charming, casual dinner party vibe. You could also offer toppings like shredded cheese, crispy bacon bits, or chopped scallions on the side for personalized bowls—this way everyone can create their own cozy masterpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s best to store the soup without adding extra cream or noodles beforehand if possible, as these elements keep their textures better when added fresh after reheating.

Freezing

This soup can be frozen but with a small caveat: creamy soups sometimes separate upon freezing. For best results, freeze the soup base and chicken separately from the cream and noodles. When ready to eat, thaw completely, reheat gently, then stir in cream and fresh noodles for that fresh-out-of-the-pot taste.

Reheating

Reheat your soup gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring often to prevent scorching. Add a splash of broth or cream if it looks too thick. This careful approach keeps the soup silky smooth and ensures the flavors stay fresh, just like when you first made it.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken works wonderfully as a quick, flavorful shortcut for this Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe. Just shred it and toss it in during the later step to keep the chicken tender and juicy.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

If you want a lighter version, coconut milk or half-and-half can be used instead of heavy cream, though the soup will be less rich. For a dairy-free alternative, try unsweetened almond or cashew milk, but skip the flour or adjust it to get the right consistency.

How do I make the soup gluten-free?

Swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch slurry to thicken the soup. Also, be sure to use gluten-free noodles or spiralized vegetables like zucchini noodles as a substitute for traditional egg noodles.

Can I prepare this soup in a slow cooker?

You sure can! Add all ingredients except cream and noodles to your slow cooker, cook on low for 4-6 hours, then stir in the cream and noodles during the last 30 minutes of cooking to keep the texture perfect.

How long does the soup take to cook from start to finish?

This Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe comes together in roughly 35 minutes total, including prepping your vegetables and simmering. It’s a quick, comforting meal perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you want something homemade fast!

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe enough for those moments when you long for something both simple and soul-satisfying. It’s an absolute joy to make, bursting with flavor, and perfect for sharing with family or curling up with a good book. Give it a go—you might just find your new favorite comfort food!

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