Best Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

Cozy Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe for Comfort Meals

Warm comfort finds its ultimate expression in this creamy chicken noodle soup that promises pure culinary bliss.

Memories of grandmother’s kitchen dance through each spoonful of richness.

Tender chicken pieces mingle with silky noodles, creating a symphony of flavors.

Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly, offering a soul-soothing experience that transcends ordinary meal expectations.

Delicate herbs and velvety broth embrace every bite with remarkable depth.

Crisp vegetables add layers of texture and nutrition to this irresistible classic.

Dive into this recipe and let comfort wrap around you like a cozy blanket.

Best Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup: A Classic You’ll Keep Coming Back To

  • Quick and Simple Comfort: Whip up this soul-warming soup in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights when time is precious.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients like using rotisserie chicken or adding different vegetables to match your pantry and preferences, making it incredibly flexible.
  • Creamy Crowd-Pleaser: Kids and adults alike will adore the rich, velvety texture and hearty flavors that make this soup irresistibly delicious and satisfying.
  • No-Fuss Cooking Method: Requires minimal culinary skills with straightforward steps, allowing even beginner cooks to create a restaurant-quality meal without stress.

Ingredients For Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

Base Vegetables:
  • Onion, Carrots, Celery: Classic soup aromatics that provide a rich, savory foundation with subtle sweetness and depth of flavor. Choose fresh, firm vegetables for best results.
  • Garlic: Adds robust, pungent flavor and enhances overall taste profile. Fresh garlic cloves recommended for maximum flavor.
Protein and Noodles:
  • Chicken, Egg Noodles: Hearty combination of protein and starch creating a satisfying main component. Use pre-cooked, shredded chicken for convenience and tender egg noodles for traditional soup texture.
Liquids and Seasonings:
  • Chicken Broth: Core liquid base providing essential savory chicken flavor. Low-sodium broth allows better control of salt levels.
  • Heavy Cream: Creates luxurious, creamy texture and adds rich smoothness to the soup.
  • Butter: Provides rich flavor and helps sauté vegetables smoothly.
  • Flour: Thickens soup and creates silky consistency. All-purpose flour works perfectly.
  • Dried Thyme: Adds herbal, earthy undertone that complements chicken beautifully.
  • Salt and Pepper: Classic seasonings for balanced flavor enhancement.
  • Fresh Parsley: Bright, fresh garnish that adds color and light herb notes.

Preparing Best Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

Step 1: Saute Vegetable Base

Create a flavorful foundation by melting butter in a large pot over medium heat.

Toss in chopped onions, carrots, and celery, gently cooking until the vegetables become soft and translucent, releasing their aromatic essence.

  • Onions
  • Carrots
  • Celery
  • Butter

Step 2: Boost Aromatic Profile

Introduce minced garlic and thyme to the vegetable mixture, stirring continuously for one minute until the kitchen fills with a delightful fragrant aroma that awakens your senses.

  • Garlic
  • Thyme

Step 3: Create Silky Roux

Sprinkle flour over the sautéed vegetables, stirring constantly for 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste and create a smooth, thickening base for your soup.

Step 4: Build Liquid Foundation

Gradually whisk chicken broth into the mixture, ensuring a smooth, lump-free consistency.

Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld together.

  • Chicken broth

Step 5: Add Protein and Noodles

Incorporate shredded chicken and egg noodles into the simmering broth.

Cook for approximately 10 minutes until the noodles reach perfect tenderness.

  • Shredded chicken
  • Egg noodles

Step 6: Finish with Creamy Richness

Stir in heavy cream, then season with salt and pepper to taste.

Let the soup simmer for an additional two minutes to marry all the flavors together.

  • Heavy cream
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Ladle the hot, creamy soup into bowls and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a bright, fresh finish that elevates the entire dish.

  • Fresh parsley

Tips for Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup With No Mushy Noodles

  • Toast flour briefly before adding liquid to develop a rich, nutty undertone that elevates the soup's overall taste profile.
  • Add heavy cream at the end of cooking and avoid boiling to prevent separation and maintain a smooth, velvety texture.
  • Choose wider egg noodles for a heartier feel or thin noodles for a lighter version, adjusting cooking time accordingly.
  • Swap some heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half-and-half to reduce calories while keeping the soup creamy.
  • Store chicken and broth separately to prevent noodles from becoming mushy, and reheat gently when ready to serve.

Reheat Chicken Noodle Soup Without Losing Creaminess

  • Store leftover soup in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
  • Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze up to 3 months for later enjoyment.
  • Warm soup in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth to restore creamy consistency if needed.
  • Heat in microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly and prevent overheating noodles.

Taste Bud Boosters for Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

  • Pair Hearty Sourdough Bread: Crusty, tangy sourdough perfectly complements the creamy soup's richness, offering a delightful textural contrast and absorbing the soup's flavorful broth.
  • Complement with Chardonnay: Crisp, medium-bodied Chardonnay with subtle oak notes balances the soup's creamy texture, enhancing its subtle herb and chicken flavors while providing a refreshing palate cleanser.
  • Match with Green Salad: Light, crisp mixed greens dressed in a bright vinaigrette cut through the soup's richness, adding freshness and providing a balanced, nutritious accompaniment to the hearty meal.
  • Select Herb-Infused Butter: Homemade herb butter spread on warm bread creates a delectable side that echoes the soup's thyme notes and adds an extra layer of comforting, aromatic flavor.

Chicken Noodle Soup in the Creamiest Best Version

  • Dairy-Free Delight: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk for a creamy texture without dairy. Use olive oil instead of butter for sautéing vegetables.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Swap wheat egg noodles with gluten-free rice noodles or zucchini spirals. Use cornstarch instead of flour for thickening the soup base.
  • Vegetarian Transformation: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas. Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth for a plant-based version of the classic soup.
  • Low-Carb Alternative: Trade traditional noodles for cauliflower rice or shirataki noodles. Reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining the soup's comforting qualities.

FAQs

  • How can I make this soup more hearty?

Add extra vegetables like diced potatoes or swap egg noodles for wider, more substantial pasta to increase the soup’s filling quality.

  • Is this soup nutritious?

Yes, it provides protein from chicken, vitamins from vegetables, and calcium from cream, making it a balanced meal with significant nutritional value.

  • Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken separately?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a convenient shortcut that saves time and adds extra flavor to the soup.

  • What if I want to make this soup gluten-free?

Replace all-purpose flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend, and ensure your chicken broth is certified gluten-free to maintain the recipe’s creamy texture.

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Best Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

Best Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe


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4.8 from 24 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty chicken noodle soup delivers pure comfort with its rich, velvety broth and tender chicken nestled among perfectly cooked noodles. Homemade warmth fills your bowl, promising soul-satisfying flavors that blend classic ingredients into a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 cups egg noodles
  • 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
  • 6 cups chicken broth

Vegetables and Aromatics:

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

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) butter
  • 1/4 cup (30 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Warm a spacious cooking vessel over moderate heat, gently melting butter until it turns golden and fragrant.
  2. Introduce diced onions, julienned carrots, and finely chopped celery, allowing them to soften and release their aromatic essence while gently stirring.
  3. Incorporate minced garlic and delicate thyme leaves, stirring continuously to prevent burning and awaken their robust flavors.
  4. Dust the vegetable mixture with a light layer of flour, whisking persistently to eliminate any raw flour undertones and create a smooth foundation.
  5. Gradually stream chicken broth into the pot, whisking methodically to prevent clumping and establish a silky, uniform liquid base.
  6. Allow the mixture to reach a gentle simmer, then fold in tender, pre-shredded chicken and delicate egg noodles.
  7. Maintain a steady simmer, letting the noodles dance and soften until they reach perfect al dente texture, approximately 8-10 minutes.
  8. Enrich the soup with a luxurious splash of heavy cream, creating a velvety consistency that blankets each ingredient.
  9. Season with salt and freshly cracked pepper, tasting and adjusting to elevate the soup’s complex flavor profile.
  10. Let the soup rest momentarily, allowing flavors to meld and intensify before ladling into warm bowls.
  11. Garnish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley, adding a bright, herbaceous note to the creamy, comforting soup.

Notes

  • Prevent lumpy soup by whisking constantly when adding broth and ensuring the flour is fully incorporated during the roux stage.
  • Select wide egg noodles for a more substantial texture and better absorption of the creamy broth.
  • For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream or use whole milk to reduce overall fat content.
  • Enhance protein by adding extra shredded rotisserie chicken or using leftover roasted chicken for deeper flavor complexity.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 15 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg
James Walker

James Walker

Lead Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Southern Cuisine & Farm-to-Table Cooking, Recipe Development & Testing, Culinary Education & Instruction​

Education

School: Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts

Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts and Operations

Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern culinary techniques, kitchen operations, and farm-to-table practices. ​


James didn’t learn cooking from a TV show, he learned it from busy kitchens, family gatherings, and long afternoons spent testing recipes the hard way.
After training at the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, he brought his love for real, down-to-earth food to every dish he makes.
At Dining At Home, James loves building recipes that feel familiar but still have something special, like adding a twist to a classic or making a slow Sunday dinner feel brand new.
When he’s not in the kitchen, you’ll probably find him swapping garden tips at the farmers’ market or teaching his daughter how to flip pancakes without a mess (almost).

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