There's nothing quite as comforting as a warm bowl of Easy Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup on a chilly day. The velvety broth, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked noodles come together to create a dish that feels like a cozy hug in a bowl.
This recipe became a favorite in my home after a particularly cold winter evening when all we wanted was something warm and hearty. It’s now a go-to meal for busy nights, thanks to its quick prep and family-friendly appeal. Let’s dive into what makes this dish so special.
Why You'll Love This Easy Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup
Get ready to savor your new favorite comfort food. This Easy Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup is everything you want in a soup: delicious, easy to make, and irresistibly creamy.
First off, this recipe is incredibly quick and convenient. In just about 30 minutes, you can have a hearty meal on the table, perfect for those hectic weeknights or last-minute dinner plans.
It’s also a budget-friendly dish that uses simple pantry staples like egg noodles, chicken broth, and cream, making it accessible and affordable without sacrificing flavor.
Another reason to love this soup is its versatility. You can easily adapt it based on what you have on hand—use rotisserie chicken for even quicker prep, or toss in your favorite veggies to make it extra nutritious.
Finally, this recipe is loved by all ages. From picky eaters to those who love a more gourmet twist, this creamy soup can be customized to please everyone. Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients that make it so special.
Ingredients Notes
The beauty of this soup lies in its simplicity. A few key ingredients come together to create a rich, creamy dish that's as satisfying as it is easy to prepare.
Chicken: I recommend using shredded rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken for convenience. It adds a tender, flavorful protein element to the soup. If you have raw chicken, simply cook and shred it before adding it to the broth.
Noodles: Egg noodles are the star here, thanks to their tender texture and ability to soak up all that creamy goodness. You can substitute with other pasta shapes, but egg noodles truly shine in this dish.
Broth and Cream: The base of this soup is a blend of chicken broth and heavy cream, creating a rich, velvety texture. For a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or even evaporated milk.
Vegetables: A classic mirepoix of carrots, celery, and onions adds depth and sweetness. These vegetables not only enhance the flavor but also bring a pop of color to the soup.
Seasonings: A mix of garlic, thyme, and bay leaves gives this soup its comforting, homey aroma. Feel free to adjust the seasoning to suit your taste preferences.
No special equipment is needed—just a trusty large pot and a wooden spoon for stirring. Now, let’s move on to the step-by-step process of creating this cozy dish.
How To Make This Easy Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup
Creating this Easy Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup is as simple as it is delicious. With just a few steps, you’ll have a satisfying meal ready to enjoy.
Start by sautéing your vegetables. Heat a bit of butter in a large pot over medium heat, then add diced onions, sliced carrots, and chopped celery. Cook until the onions are translucent and the vegetables start to soften, about 5 minutes.
Next, add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Stir in your chicken broth, along with a bay leaf and a sprinkle of thyme. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer.
Once simmering, stir in your egg noodles. Let them cook directly in the broth for about 7-8 minutes, or until tender. Cooking the noodles in the soup ensures they soak up all the delicious flavors.
When the noodles are almost done, add your shredded chicken to the pot. Let it warm through, then pour in the heavy cream. Stir gently until the soup takes on a creamy consistency.
Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Remove the bay leaf, and your soup is ready to serve! This recipe comes together in about 30 minutes, making it ideal for weeknight meals or quick lunches.
Storage Options
If you have leftovers of this creamy chicken noodle soup, don’t worry—it stores beautifully! Here’s how to keep it fresh and delicious:
For refrigeration, store the soup in an airtight container and place it in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of broth or water to thin it out, as the noodles may absorb some of the liquid.
To freeze, allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. For best results, freeze it without the noodles, as they can become mushy when reheated. Simply cook fresh noodles and add them to the thawed soup when ready to eat.
Reheat the soup gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Avoid boiling, as it can cause the cream to separate.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, making it easy to suit your preferences or use up what you have in your kitchen.
- Swap the egg noodles for gluten-free pasta or rice if you need a gluten-free version.
- Add extra veggies like spinach, peas, or corn for a nutritional boost.
- Use turkey instead of chicken to make this a post-holiday favorite for using up leftovers.
- If you’re watching your fat intake, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based alternative like coconut milk.
- For a flavor twist, try adding a dash of lemon juice or a pinch of nutmeg to enhance the soup’s depth.
Feel free to get creative with the ingredients—this soup is as flexible as it is delicious. Once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again!
PrintEasy Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
This easy creamy chicken noodle soup recipe is a perfect comfort food for any season. With tender chicken, rich creaminess, and hearty noodles, it’s a delicious and simple meal that satisfies your cravings for warmth and flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Soups & Stews
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 2 cups egg noodles
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper (or to taste)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Sauté onion, garlic, carrots, and celery until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
- Gradually pour in chicken broth while stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and stir in the heavy cream.
- Add shredded chicken, egg noodles, thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer until noodles are cooked through, about 8-10 minutes.
- Adjust seasoning as needed and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- For a lighter option, substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or milk.
- Use leftover rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- This soup thickens as it cools; add a splash of broth or cream to thin when reheating.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (¼ of recipe)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 860mg
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