Creamy chicken noodle soup

Creamy chicken noodle soup is a comforting bowl made with tender chicken, soft noodles, and a gently rich broth that feels like a warm blanket. People love it because it’s familiar, filling, and easy to make without much planning. It fits perfectly into busy evenings when dinner needs to be simple, family meals where everyone wants something cozy, and cold nights when only soup sounds right. The ingredients are everyday basics, and the steps feel calm instead of rushed. I usually start chopping while the pot warms, and the kitchen quickly smells soft and comforting, like a meal everyone is ready for.

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Why You Will Love This Recipe

You’ll love this recipe because it balances comfort and ease in the best way. The broth turns creamy without feeling heavy, the chicken stays tender, and the noodles soak up all that warmth. It’s cozy, weeknight-friendly, and made with budget ingredients that stretch well. This creamy chicken noodle soup is flexible too—you can adjust thickness, add vegetables, or keep it simple. Leftovers reheat nicely, making it useful for lunch the next day. It’s crowd-pleasing without being complicated, and it works just as well for quiet dinners as it does for feeding a hungry family. It’s the kind of recipe people save because it always feels dependable.

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Ingredients

Tip: Boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs both work well for tender bites.

  • Olive oil – 1 tablespoon
  • Onion – 1 small, diced
  • Carrots – 2 medium, sliced
  • Celery – 2 stalks, sliced
  • Garlic – 2 cloves, minced
  • Chicken broth – 6 cups
  • Chicken breast or thighs – 1 pound
  • Egg noodles – 2 cups
  • Milk or light cream – 1 cup
  • Flour – 2 tablespoons
  • Salt – 1 teaspoon
  • Black pepper – ½ teaspoon
  • Dried thyme – ½ teaspoon
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Instructions

Step 1: Preparation
Dice the onion, slice the carrots and celery, and mince the garlic. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Keep everything close to the stove so cooking feels steady and unhurried once the pot is warm.

See also  Lasagna Soup

Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Heat olive oil in a large pot. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until soft and lightly glossy. Stir in garlic and thyme. The vegetables should smell sweet and warm, not browned.

Step 3: Combining Ingredients
Add chicken and broth to the pot. Bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in noodles and let them soften. In a small bowl, whisk milk with flour until smooth, then slowly pour it in.

Step 4: Finishing & Final Simmer
Let the soup simmer gently until slightly thick and creamy. Stir occasionally. The broth should coat the spoon lightly. Season with salt and pepper, then rest a few minutes before serving.

Why This Recipe Works for Busy Days

This recipe works well on busy days because it’s one-pot and forgiving. You can prep quickly, let it simmer, and walk away for short moments. Leftovers store well and reheat smoothly, making it ideal for saving and cooking later when time feels tight.

Tips & Tricks

  • Keep the heat gentle once the milk is added. Boiling too hard can thin the soup or change the texture. A soft simmer keeps everything creamy and smooth without needing extra work.
  • Don’t overcook the noodles. They continue to soften as the soup rests. Slightly firm noodles in the pot turn perfectly tender by the time you serve.
  • Whisk the flour and milk until fully smooth before adding. Lumps are hard to fix once they’re in the pot. A quick whisk makes the broth creamy instead of grainy.
  • Taste at the end, not the beginning. Broth reduces as it cooks, which can increase saltiness. Adjust seasoning after the soup has thickened for better balance.

Variations

Meaty Version
Add cooked shredded chicken or a handful of diced turkey. Stir it in near the end so it stays tender. This works well for using leftovers and makes the soup extra filling without changing the creamy base.

See also  Beef Barley Soup

Vegetarian Option
Skip the chicken and use vegetable broth. Add mushrooms and extra carrots for texture. A splash of cream still gives that cozy feel while keeping the soup gentle and satisfying.

Ingredient Swap
Use rotini or small shells instead of egg noodles. They hold the creamy broth nicely and work well if that’s what you have on hand. Adjust cooking time until just tender.

Flavor or Herb Boost
Add a pinch of dried parsley or a small splash of lemon juice at the end. It brightens the soup and balances the richness without overpowering the familiar flavors.

Serving Suggestions

  • With Fresh Bread
    Serve with warm bread or rolls on the side. The soft crumb soaks up the creamy broth and makes the meal feel complete without extra dishes.
  • Simple Family Dinner
    Pair with a green salad or sliced cucumbers. The freshness balances the soup and keeps the meal light and comfortable for everyone.
  • Cozy Bowl Night
    Serve in deep bowls with a little extra pepper on top. It feels relaxed and comforting, perfect for quiet evenings at home.
  • Lunch the Next Day
    Enjoy leftovers in a smaller bowl with crackers. The flavors settle overnight, making it just as comforting the next day.

Storage Instructions

  • Fridge Storage
    Let the soup cool fully before storing in an airtight container. Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. The noodles may absorb some broth, which is normal.
  • Reheating
    Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. Stir often and add a splash of milk or broth if it thickens too much. Avoid high heat.
  • Freezing
    Freezing is possible, but best without noodles. If freezing, leave them out and add fresh noodles when reheating. Store up to 2 months.
  • Make-Ahead Tips
    You can prep vegetables and chicken a day ahead. Store separately, then cook fresh when ready for the best texture and flavor.

Recipe Timing

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Rest Time: 5 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
See also  Baked potato soup

Nutrition Information (Approximate)

Each serving contains about 320–380 calories. Protein ranges from 22–28 grams per serving. Calcium from milk and protein from chicken contribute to the overall balance. Values are estimates and may vary by ingredients and portion size.

FAQs

Yes, it keeps well for a few days in the fridge.

Boiling after adding milk can affect texture.

Yes, stir it in near the end.

Add more broth or milk to loosen it.

Up to 3 days refrigerated.

Conclusion

Creamy chicken noodle soup is the kind of recipe that fits naturally into everyday life. It’s comforting without being heavy, simple without feeling plain, and easy to adjust based on what’s in your kitchen. You can make it once and come back to it again, changing small details each time. Save it for evenings when you want something warm and familiar, and let it become one of those recipes you reach for without thinking twice.

Creamy chicken noodle soup Save
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Creamy chicken noodle soup

Recipe by Tasty VaultCourse: Soup Recipes
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

15

minutes
Cooking time

30

minutes
Calories

300

kcal

A warm, comforting soup with tender chicken, soft noodles, and a gently creamy broth. Easy to make, filling, and perfect for cozy family meals.

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • 1 small onion, diced

  • 2 carrots, sliced

  • 2 celery stalks, sliced

  • 2 garlic cloves, minced

  • 6 cups chicken brot

  • 1 pound chicken breast or thighs

  • 2 cups egg noodles

  • 1 cup milk or light cream

  • 2 tablespoons flour

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme

Directions

  • Heat olive oil in a large pot.
  • Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until soft.
  • Stir in garlic and thyme.
  • Add chicken and broth. Simmer gently.
  • Add noodles and cook until tender.
  • Whisk milk and flour. Stir into soup.
  • Simmer gently until creamy.
  • Season and rest briefly before serving.

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