This Easy Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup is like a warm hug in a bowl! With tender chicken, tasty noodles, and a rich, creamy broth, it’s perfect for chilly days.
Honestly, every spoonful feels cozy. I love making a big pot and enjoying seconds while curled up on the couch—who needs fancy meals when you have this? 🥣
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Broth: Using low-sodium chicken broth allows you to control the saltiness. If you’re out, homemade broth or vegetable broth works too, just keep an eye on the flavors.
Cooked Chicken: This recipe is great for using up leftover rotisserie chicken or slow-cooked chicken. If you need a vegetarian option, try using chickpeas or tempeh instead!
Heavy Cream or Half-and-Half: For a lighter version, substitute with whole milk or even a non-dairy alternative like coconut cream or almond milk. Just know the consistency will vary a bit!
Egg Noodles: If egg noodles aren’t handy, feel free to use any pasta you like, such as fusilli or penne. Just adjust the cooking time based on the pasta you choose.
How Do You Ensure Your Soup Is Creamy Without Curdling?
Getting that silky finish without curdling the cream is all about temperature control! Here’s how:
- Bring the soup to a simmer, but avoid boiling when adding cream.
- Add the cream slowly and stir gently to mix.
- Maintain a medium-low heat after adding the cream to keep it warm without boiling.
Following these simple steps will keep your soup incredibly creamy and delicious. Enjoy making your comforting bowl of soup! 🥣
Easy Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 6 cups chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 2 cups egg noodles or any preferred pasta
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Time Needed:
This delicious soup will take roughly 30 minutes to prepare and cook, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
Start by melting the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Once it’s melted, toss in the chopped onion, sliced carrots, and celery. Cook these veggies, stirring occasionally, until they’re tender—this should take about 5-7 minutes. The kitchen will smell amazing!
2. Add Garlic:
Next, add the minced garlic to the pot and let it cook for about 1 minute until it’s fragrant. Be careful not to burn it, as burnt garlic can be bitter.
3. Boil the Broth:
Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Watch it closely so it doesn’t boil over!
4. Cook the Noodles:
Once it’s boiling, add the egg noodles (or your pasta of choice). Cook according to the package instructions until the noodles are tender, which usually takes about 7-8 minutes.
5. Add Chicken and Seasoning:
Now, stir in the shredded cooked chicken, dried thyme, and dried parsley. Let it all simmer for about 3-5 minutes to heat everything through.
6. Stir in Cream:
Lower the heat to medium-low, and carefully stir in the heavy cream or half-and-half. Make sure to mix it well and heat it through—just don’t let it boil to avoid curdling. This will take about 2-3 minutes.
7. Season to Taste:
Finally, taste your soup and season it with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your creamy chicken noodle soup hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if you like. Cozy up and enjoy every spoonful!
Happy cooking! This soup is sure to warm your heart and fill your belly! 🥣❤️
FAQ for Easy Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw the chicken completely before cooking. To thaw quickly, place it in a sealed bag submerged in cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes. Alternatively, you can cook it from frozen but you’ll need to increase the cooking time to ensure it’s cooked through.
Can I Make This Soup Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the soup a day in advance. Just make the soup without adding the cream, let it cool, and store in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, reheat it on the stove and stir in the cream just before serving.
What Should I Do with Leftovers?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it without the cream for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm gently on the stove, adding cream once it’s hot.
Can I Customize This Soup?
Definitely! Feel free to add your favorite veggies like peas or spinach for extra nutrition. If you’re looking for a twist, you can add herbs like dill or basil for different flavor profiles. Just remember to adjust the seasoning accordingly!
