When the temperature drops and comfort food is on your mind, Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup emerges as a timeless favorite. This soothing dish brims with flavors and warmth, weaving together tender pieces of chicken, wholesome vegetables, and rich, creamy broth in a dance of comfort that soothes the soul. The beauty of this recipe lies not just in its taste but in its simplicity—perfect for busy weeknights or those cozy evenings when you need something special yet easy to prepare.
As the delicious aromas fill your kitchen, you’ll be drawn in by the delicious blend of thyme, oregano, and garlic that elevate this classic dish. It’s not just about eating soup; it’s about nourishing your body and spirit. Each bite brings warmth and satisfaction, making it an excellent choice for family gatherings, or simply to enjoy while curled up on the couch with your loved ones. With basic ingredients and a few simple steps, this creamy chicken noodle soup provides an effortless way to indulge in a hearty meal while keeping health in check.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup
- Heartwarming Comfort: This soup envelops you in warmth, making it perfect for chilly nights.
- Simplicity at Its Best: With straightforward steps and easily accessible ingredients, it’s a great recipe for any home cook.
- Customizable: Easily adjust the flavors and ingredients to cater to your family’s taste preferences.
- Nutritious: Packed with vegetables, lean protein, and wholesome broth—goodness in every bowl.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before you dive into making this delicious Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup, it’s important to prepare your kitchen and gather the necessary tools. Start by ensuring your workspace is clean and organized to make the cooking process smooth.
For this recipe, you will need a large pot or Dutch oven that offers ample space for simmering and stirring. This helps in achieving an even cooking temperature, ensuring all ingredients are well blended. You will also require a cutting board and a knife for chopping vegetables, along with measuring spoons for the precise ingredient measurements. A ladle will be helpful for serving, and don’t forget a stirring spoon to bring all those flavors together.
Ingredients
- 14 g unsalted butter
- 100 g chopped yellow onion
- 120 g sliced or diced carrots
- 120 g sliced or diced celery
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 31 g all-purpose flour
- 0.5 teaspoon fine salt
- 0.5 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves or 2 teaspoons fresh thyme
- 0.5 teaspoon dried oregano or 1 teaspoon fresh oregano
- 1.92 liters reduced sodium chicken broth
- 280 g peeled and diced potato
- 250 g shredded or chopped cooked chicken
- 240 ml half-and-half or whole milk
- 112–150 g uncooked wide egg noodles or other dry pasta
- Fresh thyme leaves (garnish, optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Begin by melting the unsalted butter in your large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once the butter is warm and bubbling, add in the chopped yellow onion, diced carrots, and diced celery. Stir these vegetables occasionally as they sauté for about five minutes, allowing them to soften and meld their flavors together. The foundation of your soup is taking shape here, with the aromatic blend creating an inviting fragrance!
Step 2: Create the Roux
Next, sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the softened vegetables. This step is crucial for that creamy texture we love in chicken noodle soup. As you stir the mixture in, also add the fine salt, freshly ground black pepper, dried thyme, and oregano. Cook this mixture for an additional two minutes—this will help the spices release their oils and form a flavorful roux, which thickens your soup and enhances its depth.
Step 3: Combine the Broth and Potato
It’s time to pour in the reduced sodium chicken broth and introduce your diced potatoes. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the pot to a gentle boil without stirring. Allow it to boil for two to three minutes. This part is essential for cooking down the potatoes, as they will become tender and infuse the broth with their creaminess.
Step 4: Simmer for Perfection
Reduce the heat to medium-low, partially cover the pot, and let the soup simmer for about 25 minutes. This slow cooking process will ensure the potatoes are cooked through. After this time, check for seasoning and adjust if necessary—personalizing it to your taste is what makes this soup special!
Step 5: Final Touches and Serve
The last step involves adding the shredded chicken, half-and-half or whole milk, and the uncooked wide egg noodles. Stir everything together and continue to cook for another ten minutes, stirring occasionally. You’ll notice the noodles will become al dente, and the soup will begin to thicken beautifully. This is your moment to taste and tweak any final seasonings—each bowl is just for you!
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Once your Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup is ready, ladle it into bowls and don’t forget the garnish! A sprinkle of fresh thyme leaves adds a lovely touch and a burst of flavor. Serve warm, and enjoy the comforting flavors as they warm your soul!
Variations
- Protein: Substitute shredded rotisserie chicken for a quicker meal, or use turkey if you have leftovers.
- Vegetables: Add or swap in vegetables like peas, corn, or green beans for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Spices: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary or parsley to elevate the flavor further.
Cooking Notes
- For gluten-free options, swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour substitute and use gluten-free pasta.
- Be cautious when reheating; if it thickens too much, add a bit of chicken broth to achieve your desired consistency.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair this soup with crusty bread or dinner rolls for a heartier meal.
- Consider a side salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the creaminess of the soup.
Tips
- For a richer flavor, let the soup simmer longer, enhancing the taste with every minute.
- Fresh herbs really uplift the dish, so try to use them whenever possible for a boost in flavor.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 20 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
FAQs
Can I freeze creamy chicken noodle soup?
Yes! This soup freezes well. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container. When ready to enjoy, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently.
Can I make this soup in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the soup a day ahead. Just store it in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove before serving. The flavors often deepen overnight!
How can I make this soup healthier?
Substituting half-and-half with low-fat milk or a non-dairy alternative can reduce calorie content. Adding more vegetables will also boost its nutritional value.
What if I don’t have thyme or oregano?
You can use Italian seasoning as a convenient alternative, or leave out any herbs if preferred. It will still taste great!
Conclusion
Your journey with Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup not only warms your belly but also brings joy and comfort. This delightful recipe provides a simple yet satisfying way to embrace wholesome eating. Share this soup with family and friends or enjoy it solo as your go-to remedy for a long day. Feel free to experiment with variations and encourage others to discover the flavors! Remember, cooking is all about making it your own, and this inspiring recipe encourages that creativity. We’d love to hear about your experience, so do comment below or share your unique twists with us!
Print
Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This delightful recipe provides a simple yet satisfying way to embrace wholesome eating.
Ingredients
- 14 g unsalted butter
- 100 g chopped yellow onion
- 120 g sliced or diced carrots
- 120 g sliced or diced celery
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 31 g all-purpose flour
- 0.5 teaspoon fine salt
- 0.5 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves or 2 teaspoons fresh thyme
- 0.5 teaspoon dried oregano or 1 teaspoon fresh oregano
- 1.92 liters reduced sodium chicken broth
- 280 g peeled and diced potato
- 250 g shredded or chopped cooked chicken
- 240 ml half-and-half or whole milk
- 112–150 g uncooked wide egg noodles or other dry pasta
- Fresh thyme leaves (garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Begin by melting the unsalted butter in your large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once the butter is warm and bubbling, add in the chopped yellow onion, diced carrots, and diced celery. Stir these vegetables occasionally as they sauté for about five minutes, allowing them to soften and meld their flavors together.
- Next, sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the softened vegetables. This step is crucial for that creamy texture we love in chicken noodle soup. As you stir the mixture in, also add the fine salt, freshly ground black pepper, dried thyme, and oregano. Cook this mixture for an additional two minutes.
- It’s time to pour in the reduced sodium chicken broth and introduce your diced potatoes. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the pot to a gentle boil without stirring. Allow it to boil for two to three minutes.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low, partially cover the pot, and let the soup simmer for about 25 minutes. This slow cooking process will ensure the potatoes are cooked through.
- The last step involves adding the shredded chicken, half-and-half or whole milk, and the uncooked wide egg noodles. Stir everything together and continue to cook for another ten minutes.
- Once your Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup is ready, ladle it into bowls and don’t forget the garnish! A sprinkle of fresh thyme leaves adds a lovely touch and a burst of flavor.
Notes
For gluten-free options, swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour substitute and use gluten-free pasta.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Soup
Nutrition
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Protein: 20 g