Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

This Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup recipe is the perfect blend of warmth and comfort, making it ideal for chilly evenings or when you need a little lift. With its velvety broth and hearty vegetables, this soup is not just satisfying but also quick to prepare, especially when using rotisserie chicken. Whether you’re serving it as a family dinner or enjoying it solo, this dish promises to be a hit on any occasion.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Soup Base
• For the Broth
• For the Chicken
• For Creaminess
• For Noodles
• For Garnish
• How to Make Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup
• Step 1: Sauté Vegetables
• Step 2: Add Seasonings and Flour
• Step 3: Add Broth and Potato
• Step 4: Simmer
• Step 5: Add Chicken, Cream, and Noodles
• Step 6: Serve
• How to Serve Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup
• Garnish with Fresh Herbs
• Pair with Bread
• Add a Side Salad
• How to Perfect Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup
• Best Side Dishes for Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup
• Reheating Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Can I make Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup without cream?
• What type of chicken is best for this recipe?
• How long does it take to cook Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup?
• Can I add vegetables to my Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup?
• What pasta works best in this soup?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hearty and Satisfying: The combination of chicken, noodles, and vegetables creates a filling meal that warms the soul.
• Easy to Prepare: Using rotisserie chicken saves time, allowing you to whip up this creamy soup in no time.
• Versatile Options: You can customize this soup with different pasta shapes or add your favorite herbs for extra flavor.
• Perfect for Leftovers: This creamy chicken noodle soup stores well and tastes even better the next day!
• Comforting Flavor: The rich blend of thyme and oregano elevates the taste, making every spoonful delightful.

Tools and Preparation

To make this creamy chicken noodle soup efficiently, you’ll need some essential tools in your kitchen.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot or Dutch oven: Ideal for cooking soups; it provides enough space for all ingredients while ensuring even heat distribution.
• Cutting board: A sturdy surface for chopping vegetables safely and efficiently.
• Sharp knife: A good knife makes prep work quick and easy, ensuring clean cuts on your ingredients.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial for achieving the perfect flavor balance in your creamy chicken noodle soup.

Ingredients

For the Soup Base

• 1 tablespoon (14g) unsalted butter
• 3/4 cup (100g) chopped yellow onion (about 1/2 a large onion)
• 1 cup (120g) sliced or diced carrots (1–2 large carrots or a handful of baby carrots)
• 1 cup (120g) sliced or diced celery (2–3 stalks)
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 cup (31g) all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves (or 2 teaspoons fresh)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano (or 1 teaspoon fresh)

For the Broth

• 8 cups (1.92 liters) chicken broth (preferably reduced sodium)
• 1 medium potato, peeled and diced (about 1 1/2 cups or 280g)

For the Chicken

• 2 cups (about 250g) shredded or chopped cooked chicken

For Creaminess

• 1 cup (240ml) half-and-half or whole milk

For Noodles

• 3–4 cups (about 112–150g) uncooked wide egg noodles (or other dry pasta, see notes)

For Garnish

• Optional garnish: fresh thyme leaves

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How to Make Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

Step 1: Sauté Vegetables

Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, sliced carrots, diced celery, and minced garlic. Cook everything together for about 5 minutes until the vegetables soften.

Step 2: Add Seasonings and Flour

Stir in the flour, salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and oregano. Continue cooking for an additional 2 minutes while stirring constantly. This step helps to remove any raw flour taste.

Step 3: Add Broth and Potato

Pour in the chicken broth along with the diced potato. Stir all ingredients together thoroughly. Increase heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a boil without stirring. Allow it to boil for about 3 minutes.

Step 4: Simmer

Reduce heat to medium-low. Partially cover the pot with a lid and let it simmer for approximately 25 minutes until the potatoes become tender. Taste the soup at this stage; adjust seasoning if necessary.

Step 5: Add Chicken, Cream, and Noodles

Mix in the shredded chicken along with half-and-half or milk. Then add uncooked noodles into the pot. Cook everything together for around 10 minutes until noodles are tender and the soup thickens slightly. Taste again for seasoning adjustments if needed.

Step 6: Serve

Ladle the warm creamy chicken noodle soup into bowls. Optionally garnish with fresh thyme leaves before serving. Enjoy your cozy meal!

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

Serving Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup can elevate your meal experience. Whether you’re enjoying it on a chilly evening or serving it at a gathering, there are various ways to enhance the presentation and flavor.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

• Thyme or Parsley: Sprinkle fresh thyme leaves or chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness.
• Croutons: Add crispy croutons for texture and crunch, making each spoonful delightful.

Pair with Bread

• Baguette Slices: Serve warm baguette slices alongside the soup for dipping, providing a satisfying contrast.
• Grilled Cheese Sandwich: A classic pairing, this combination makes for a comforting meal that everyone loves.

Add a Side Salad

• Caesar Salad: A light Caesar salad with romaine and parmesan balances the creaminess of the soup.
• Garden Salad: A fresh garden salad with mixed greens and vinaigrette adds a refreshing touch to your meal.

How to Perfect Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

To make your Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup truly exceptional, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Homemade Broth: Opt for homemade chicken broth if possible; it enhances flavor significantly compared to store-bought options.
• Adjust Thickness: If your soup is too thick, add more broth or water until you reach your desired consistency.
• Season Gradually: Taste as you go! Adjust salt and pepper gradually to avoid over-seasoning.
• Cook Noodles Separately: For best results, cook noodles separately and add them to individual bowls before serving. This prevents them from becoming mushy in the soup.
• Incorporate Veggies: Feel free to add more vegetables like peas or spinach for added nutrition and flavor.
• Experiment with Spices: Don’t hesitate to try different spices or herbs such as bay leaves or rosemary for a unique twist.

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Best Side Dishes for Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

Pairing side dishes with your Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup can enhance your dining experience. Here are some great options.

1. Garlic Bread: Warm, buttery garlic bread complements the soup perfectly by adding rich flavors.
2. Cornbread: Slightly sweet cornbread provides a nice contrast to the savory soup, making each bite enjoyable.
3. Stuffed Peppers: Colorful stuffed peppers filled with rice and cheese make an exciting side dish that adds variety.
4. Spinach Artichoke Dip: A creamy dip served with tortilla chips enhances the meal with a creamy texture similar to the soup.
5. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with lemon vinaigrette offers freshness while being filling enough to round out the meal.
6. Roasted Vegetables: Oven-roasted seasonal vegetables add health benefits along with delicious caramelized flavors that pair well with the soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making creamy chicken noodle soup, even small errors can affect the final dish. Here are some common mistakes and how to steer clear of them.

• Skipping the Sautéing Step: Sautéing vegetables helps develop their flavors. Skipping this step can lead to a bland soup.
• Not Adjusting Seasonings: Tasting your soup before serving is crucial. If you don’t taste and adjust seasonings, the soup may end up too salty or lacking flavor.
• Using Regular Chicken Broth Without Adjustments: Regular broth can be salty. Start with less salt if you’re using regular broth to avoid overpowering the dish.
• Overcooking the Noodles: Uncooked noodles should only be added for about 10 minutes. Overcooking can make them mushy and ruin the texture of your creamy chicken noodle soup.
• Choosing Low-Quality Chicken: The quality of chicken matters. Using rotisserie chicken adds great flavor, while low-quality chicken can lead to a disappointing result.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Enjoy within 1 week for best flavor and texture.

Freezing Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• It can last for up to 3 months.

Reheating Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), place soup in an oven-safe dish, cover, and heat until warmed through.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in short intervals, stirring in between until hot.
• Stovetop: Pour into a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated thoroughly.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup without cream?

You can substitute half-and-half with whole milk or non-dairy options. The soup will be less creamy but still delicious.

What type of chicken is best for this recipe?

Rotisserie chicken is recommended for ease and flavor, but you can also use boiled or roasted chicken breasts if preferred.

How long does it take to cook Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup?

The total time from prep to serving is about 1 hour and 10 minutes, which includes both cooking and simmering time.

Can I add vegetables to my Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup?

Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite veggies like peas or spinach for added nutrition and color.

What pasta works best in this soup?

Wide egg noodles are traditional, but you can use other pasta shapes like elbows or fettuccine. Just adjust cooking time accordingly.

Final Thoughts

This creamy chicken noodle soup is not just comforting; it’s versatile too! Customize it with your favorite vegetables or spices to make it truly yours. Give this easy recipe a try on a chilly evening—you’ll love how warm and satisfying it is!

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