This creamy chicken noodle soup is the ultimate comfort food… And so simple to make!
This creamy chicken noodle soup is the ultimate comfort food on a cold day.
Creamy chicken noodle soup stirs up nostalgic memories of childhood… And just makes you feel better!
- Warmth and Nourishment: The hot broth, tender chicken, and soft noodles provide both warmth and nourishment, making it the perfect meal to combat the winter chill.
- Nostalgia and Sentimentality: Chicken noodle soup evokes nostalgic memories of childhood care and comfort.
- Simple and Satisfying: This easy recipe with simple ingredients make it a satisfying and easy-to-make meal.
Simple Ingredients
The Flavor Base
Butter, onion, garlic, celery, and carrots are the foundation of this soup and where all the flavor begins. Slowly sautéing them brings out their natural sweetness and gives the soup that classic, cozy chicken noodle flavor we all love. Fresh thyme, a little oregano, and bay leaves add depth without overpowering the soup.
The Broth & Chicken
A good broth makes all the difference here. I like to use chicken bone broth or homemade stock when I have it because it adds richness and body to the soup. Tender, shredded chicken breasts make this filling and hearty while still keeping it simple and comforting.
The Creamy Finish & Noodles
Heavy cream is what gives this soup its creamy, luxurious texture, though half-and-half works well if you prefer it a little lighter. Egg noodles are my favorite because they’re soft and comforting, but ditalini is a great option too—they hold their shape and soak up all that delicious broth. Finish with salt and pepper to taste, and you’ve got a soup that’s pure comfort in a bowl.
Chicken Stock or Chicken Broth
You can use either chicken stock or chicken broth in this chicken noodle soup. But they are different and will make your soup taste a little different.
- Stock: Deeper flavor, thicker consistency, often used for a stronger base. If you want a richer, more flavorful base for your soup or stew, opt for chicken stock.
- Broth: Lighter flavor, thinner consistency, often used for a more subtle base. If you prefer a lighter, more delicate flavor that allows other ingredients to shine, choose chicken broth.
Making creamy chicken noodle soup:
Build Flavor Slowly
Don’t rush the beginning. Taking a few extra minutes to slowly sauté the butter, onions, garlic, and herbs helps release their natural sweetness and creates a deeper, richer flavor throughout the entire soup.
Choose Your Broth Wisely
Chicken stock will give you a richer, more full-bodied soup, while chicken broth keeps things lighter. If you’re craving extra comfort and depth, bone broth or homemade stock makes a noticeable difference.
Add Cream & Noodles at the End
For the creamiest texture, always add the cream and dry noodles toward the end of cooking. This prevents the cream from separating and keeps the noodles tender instead of mushy. Simmer gently and stop as soon as the noodles are soft.
I always serve warm with soft yeast rolls or fermented soft sourdough rolls!
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Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 stalks celery chopped
- 3 large carrots chipped
- 1 large onion diced
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1/4 tsp oregano crushed
- 6 cups chicken broth bone broth, or chicken stalk
- 2 large chicken breasts cooked and shredded
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 3 cups of uncooked egg noodles
- Salt & Pepper to taste.
Instructions
Aromatic Base:
- In a large Dutch oven or pot, sauté the onion, garlic, thyme, and oregano over medium heat for 5 minutes, or until softened and fragrant.
- Add the celery and carrots to the pot and sauté for an additional 5 minutes, or until they begin to soften.
Flavorful Broth:
- Pour the chicken broth into the pot, along with the bay leaves and shredded chicken.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat and cook for 15 minutes, or until the carrots are tender and the flavors have melded together.
Creamy Finish:
- Stir in the heavy cream and egg noodles.
- Continue to simmer gently for 10 minutes, or until the noodles are cooked through.
Season to Perfection:
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper, or additional herbs as desired.
- Tip: Taste frequently throughout the cooking process to ensure optimal flavor.
Serve:
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh thyme leaves.
- Serve immediately with soft rolls or sourdough bread.
Notes
- Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality ingredients, especially a flavorful chicken broth, for the best results.
- Rotisserie Chicken: A quick and easy option is to use rotisserie chicken. Simply shred it and add it to the soup.
- Don’t Overcook: Overcooking can lead to a mushy soup. Simmer gently and remove from heat as soon as the noodles are tender.
- Experiment with Herbs: Try adding different herbs like rosemary, sage, or parsley to customize the flavor.
- Customize Your Creaminess: Adjust the amount of cream to your desired level of richness. For a lighter soup, use half-and-half or milk.
- Thickening: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can add a slurry of cornstarch and water.
- Serve warm with a sprig of thyme leaves, and soft yeast rolls or fermented soft sourdough rolls!
Nutrition
About Juliea
Juliea Huffaker is the creator of Farmhouse Harvest, and dedicated to teaching from-scratch cooking, sourdough baking, gardening, and food preservation. With over 25 years of hands-on experience she has preserved hundreds of jars of produce, mastered the art of meats and sourdough baking, and nurtured a thriving organic garden. Her recipes and articles have been featured across the web. And she’s passionate about inspiring others to embrace a simpler, self-sufficient life style.
1 comment
Dixie Clements
So creamy & cozy! The perfect meal for a rainy day & so easy to make! This recipe makes it simple!