Here’s an easy and comforting recipe for Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup that’s perfect for busy days and cozy evenings!
Easy Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken works great!)
- 2 cups wide egg noodles
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
- Fresh parsley or chives, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened.
- Stir in the minced garlic, thyme, and parsley, and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add Broth and Chicken:
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil.
- Stir in the shredded chicken and cook for 5 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Cook the Noodles:
- Add the egg noodles and simmer for 8-10 minutes, or until the noodles are tender.
- Make It Creamy:
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream.
- If you’d like a thicker soup, whisk the flour with ¼ cup cold water to create a slurry, then stir it into the soup. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until thickened.
- Taste and Adjust:
- Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve:
- Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley or chives, and serve warm with crusty bread or crackers.
Tips
- Rotisserie Shortcut: Pre-cooked rotisserie chicken saves time and adds rich flavor.
- Light Version: Use milk instead of cream for a lighter option, though the soup will be less creamy.
- Extra Veggies: Add spinach, peas, or corn for a pop of color and nutrition.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove to avoid curdling.