Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for the ultimate comfort food, this Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup checks every box—rich, velvety, and loaded with tender chicken, slurp-worthy noodles, and a medley of vegetables. It’s a hug in a bowl, ready in under an hour and destined to become a cherished staple in your home kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of humble pantry staples and some fresh fridge picks, you’ll be amazed how they all meld together to create the creamiest, coziest chicken noodle soup ever. Each ingredient plays a starring role, building depth, creaminess, and that irresistible soup pot magic.

• Celery (2 sticks, chopped finely): Adds a fresh, aromatic bite and classic chicken soup flavor.
• Carrots (2 medium, peeled & chopped finely): Bring vibrant color, subtle sweetness, and loads of nutrition.
• Onion (1/2 medium, chopped): Lays the flavor foundation—don’t skip it!
• Olive oil (1 tablespoon): For sautéing, giving veggies richness and helping flavors bloom.
• Butter (1 tablespoon): Gives the soup that signature silkiness and depth.
• Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Adds a punch of warmth and aroma that ties all the flavors together.
• Flour (1/4 cup): Thickens the broth, transforming it from a plain soup into a luscious, creamy bowlful.
• Chicken broth (4 cups): The savory base—use good-quality broth for the best flavor.
• Chicken breasts (1.5 lbs, uncooked): Cooked right in the pot for the juiciest, most flavorful chicken (or swap for thighs if you love a bit more richness).
• Italian seasoning (1/4 teaspoon): A quick way to infuse herby complexity with minimal effort.
• Heavy/whipping cream (1 cup): The secret to that dreamy, cloud-like texture and taste.
• Egg noodles (2 generous cups, uncooked): Classic, hearty, and made for slurping—feel free to use your favorite shape!
• Salt & pepper (to taste): Essential for balancing all the flavors—don’t be shy!
• Fresh parsley (1 tablespoon, chopped): Brings a final pop of freshness and color just before serving.

Variations

The beauty of Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup is how easily it morphs with whatever you’ve got tucked away in your fridge or pantry. Make it gluten-free, amp up the veggies, go lighter on dairy—your soup, your way!

• Swap the Noodles: Try rotini, fusilli, or even gluten-free pasta for a twist on tradition.
• Make It Dairy-Free: Use full-fat coconut milk or cashew cream to achieve that luscious texture without any dairy.
• Add Greens: Stir in fresh spinach, kale, or peas at the end for an extra veggie boost and pop of color.
• Change the Chicken: Substitute cooked rotisserie chicken, leftover turkey, or boneless chicken thighs for even more flavor.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

Step 1: Sauté Your Veggies

Begin by warming up the olive oil and butter in a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Toss in the chopped celery, carrots, and onion. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the vegetables start to soften and everything smells heavenly. The secret here is letting the veggies sweat to build that foundational soup flavor.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Flour

Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for just about 30 seconds—enough for your kitchen to fill with aroma, but not long enough for it to burn. Immediately scatter the flour over the veggies and cook for another minute, stirring constantly. This creates a light roux, giving your soup that gorgeous, creamy body.

Step 3: Build the Broth & Cook Chicken

Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring, dissolving every bit of flour and scraping up any lovely brown bits from the bottom of the pot. Add the uncooked chicken breasts, Italian seasoning, and heavy cream. Crank up the heat to bring everything to a gentle boil, then cover with the lid slightly ajar.

Step 4: Simmer For Full Flavor

Lower the heat so your soup is simmering softly. Set a timer for 10 minutes, letting the chicken gently poach and all those flavors meld together. This technique keeps your chicken extra moist—no dry bites around here!

Step 5: Noodle Time!

Stir in the uncooked egg noodles, re-cover the pot with the lid slightly open, and let everything simmer for another 8–10 minutes. Stir halfway through to keep any noodles from sticking together or settling at the bottom. The soup will already look gloriously creamy at this point.

Step 6: Chop Chicken & Season

Remove the chicken breasts to a cutting board (they’ll be perfectly cooked by now). Dice or shred into bite-sized pieces and return to the pot. Season to taste with salt and pepper, sprinkle in the fresh parsley, and give one last good stir so everything comes together beautifully. Serve your Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup piping hot.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

Garnishes

Add a hearty sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives right into each steaming bowl—these fresh herbs brighten the richness in a beautiful way. A twist of cracked black pepper and maybe a dusting of grated Parmesan will send your Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup over the top!

Side Dishes

This soup is absolutely made for dunking, so serve it with warm, crusty bread (sourdough or baguette is my favorite), buttery biscuits, or even a crisp green salad for contrast. A little cheese toast or garlic bread on the side turns it into a hearty meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Ladle Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup into vintage mugs for a cozy lunch, serve in small bread bowls for fun gatherings, or dish it out family-style in a big Dutch oven at the table. Top each bowl with a swirl of cream or scatter microgreens for a restaurant-worthy finish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any leftover soup to airtight containers once it’s cooled. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep in mind, the noodles will continue to absorb some broth, so expect a thicker, stew-like texture on day two—delicious in its own right!

Freezing

For best results, freeze the soup before adding the noodles. The creamy broth and chicken freeze beautifully—simply thaw, reheat, and drop in fresh noodles to cook just before serving. This helps preserve the perfect soup texture and avoids mushy pasta.

Reheating

Gently warm leftovers on the stove over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen it up if needed. Stir often and heat just until hot—this keeps the soup creamy and the chicken tender. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick lunch.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Once you experience a steaming bowl of homemade Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup, it’s hard to go back to the canned stuff. This is the kind of recipe you’ll make on repeat—for yourself, or for someone who needs a little extra warmth and comfort. Give it a whirl, and don’t forget to share a cozy bowl with someone you love!

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