Creamy Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup

There’s nothing quite like the comfort of a steaming bowl of chicken noodle soup, especially on a chilly evening. I remember the first time I had this creamy version—my grandmother made it on a snowy day, each bite warming not just my tummy but my heart. There’s a certain magic in homemade chicken soup; it brings back memories, nourishes the soul, and absolutely fills your kitchen with an aroma that will make anyone feel at home. So grab your favorite apron, and let’s get those cozy vibes rolling!

Why you’ll love this recipe

Now you might be wondering, what sets this creamy homestyle chicken noodle soup apart from the rest? Well, let me paint you a picture. Imagine rich chicken broth folded seamlessly with tender egg noodles, vibrant veggies, and juicy chunks of chicken—all coming together to create an indulgent, creamy embrace. It’s like a hug in a bowl!

Not only is this soup incredibly delicious, but it also boasts a versatility that makes it a staple in any household. Whether you’re nursing a cold or celebrating a small victory, this dish has your back. Plus, it’s a one-pot wonder that keeps the clean-up minimal, leaving you more time to enjoy your creation rather than feeling like you’ve gone 10 rounds with the dish soap!

Gather these ingredients

Let’s dive into what you’ll need to whip up this delightful dish. Here’s the fun part—each ingredient plays a vital role in building layers of flavor, so pay close attention!

• 1 tablespoon olive oil: We start off with a splash of olive oil, perfect for frying and giving the veggies a golden touch.
• 1 small onion, diced: Sweet, aromatic, and the backbone of flavor; onion is absolutely essential for this soup’s profile.
• 2 carrots, diced: Adding a splash of color and natural sweetness, diced carrots contrast beautifully with the savory notes.
• 2 celery stalks, diced: Crunchy and refreshing, celery is like the refreshing breeze in this cozy concoction.
• 3 garlic cloves, minced: Ah, garlic—the secret weapon! Its aromatic charm transforms this soup into something truly irresistible.
• 4 cups chicken broth: The soul of the soup. Homemade is ideal, but a good quality store-bought broth works wonders too.
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded: Any cooked chicken works! Leftovers from last night’s roast chicken? Perfect!
• 1 cup egg noodles: These tender spirals give a hearty texture that soaks up all that yummy broth.
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Earthy and fragrant, thyme adds that “home-cooked” taste we all cherish.
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley: A sprinkle of dried parsley keeps the flavor bright without overpowering the other ingredients.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for balancing the flavors—don’t skip this crucial step!
• 1 cup heavy cream: This is where the magic lies—adding cream brings richness, turning good into great.
• Fresh parsley for garnish: A sprinkle of fresh herbs uplifts the whole dish, making it look as good as it tastes.

How this recipe comes together

Let’s dive right into cooking! Follow these steps, and I promise you’ll have a delightful soup in no time.

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once it’s warm, toss in the diced onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until those veggies soften and the onions turn translucent.
2. Add minced garlic and let it sauté for about 1 minute until it’s fragrant—this will make your kitchen smell heavenly, trust me!
3. Pour in the chicken broth and add the shredded chicken, egg noodles, dried thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. Bring the entire mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the noodles are tender.
4. Stir in the heavy cream and allow it to heat through—watch that luscious cream swirl; it’s a sight to behold!
5. Serve hot in bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Take a moment to admire your creation; you deserve it!

Best way to enjoy it

When it comes to serving this dreamy soup, keep it simple. Ladle generously into bowls and let guests help themselves to warm, crusty bread on the side—because what’s soup without bread, right? Some might even enjoy a sprinkle of grated cheese on top or a dash of chili flakes for a delightful kick.

Pairing it with a fresh garden salad can also elevate the meal, giving it a vibrant, crisp balance. The bright greens contrast nicely with the creamy mouthfeel of the soup, rounding out the experience delightfully!

Storage and reheating tips

Planning ahead? This soup stores beautifully! You can keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently over low heat, stirring occasionally—you might find a splash of broth or cream helps restore the creamy consistency if it thickens a tad too much during storage.

For long-term preservation, freezing is an option, but the noodles can become mushy. For best results, freeze the base (without noodles and cream) and cook fresh noodles when you’re ready to eat. Just remember, cool it down before popping it in the freezer!

Helpful cooking tips

Here are a few nuggets of wisdom to ensure your soup turns out spectacularly every time:

• Quality ingredients matter: Opt for fresh vegetables and high-quality chicken broth for layers of flavor you won’t forget.
• Adjust thickness: If you prefer a thicker soup, leave the lid on while simmering to limit evaporation.
• Flavor building: Don’t skip sautéing the veggies; it’s all about layers of flavor!
• Vegetarian option: Swap the chicken for chickpeas or tofu and use vegetable broth for a plant-based twist!

Creative Twists

Get adventurous and don’t be shy about experimenting! Here are a few fun twists to make this recipe your own:

• Spice it up: Add a splash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne for a kick.
• Herbal enhancements: Try adding fresh herbs like dill or basil as you finish cooking!
• Veggie lovers: Toss in a handful of spinach or peas for added nutrition and color.
• Noodle alternatives: Experiment with different pasta shapes like orzo or even rice for a delightful variation!

Ingredients list

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 1 cup egg noodles
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Directions to follow

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add onions, carrots, and celery; sauté until softened.
3. Stir in garlic; cook until fragrant.
4. Pour in chicken broth, cooked chicken, egg noodles, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then simmer.
5. Cook for about 10 minutes or until the noodles are tender.
6. Stir in heavy cream; heat through.
7. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Your questions answered

1. Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken? Absolutely! It’s a huge time-saver and adds incredible flavor.
2. How can I keep leftovers from getting soggy? Store noodles separately if possible or add more broth when reheating.
3. What can I serve alongside this? Fresh bread and a simple salad are perfect complements.
4. Can I make this ahead of time? Yes! Just store the soup and noodles separately if you plan to keep it for later.
5. How can I make it healthier? Consider using less cream or switching to low-fat milk, and load it up with more veggies.

There’s nothing quite like this soup to warm your heart and fill your belly. It’s a classic recipe that adapts beautifully to your tastes and needs. So, roll up your sleeves, gather those ingredients, and get cooking! Remember, cooking is all about joy and creativity, so don’t forget to add a sprinkle of your personality to the pot. I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out—let’s keep sharing the love of good food!

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Creamy Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup

Cooking Method: Sauteing, Simmering Courses: Comfort Food, Main Course, Soups Recipe Keys: C Comfort Food E Easy Non Vegetarian W Warm W Weeknight

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 20 mins Total Time 35 mins

Cooking Temp: medium  C Servings: 4 Estimated Cost: $ 10 Calories: 350

Best Season: Winter

Description

This creamy chicken noodle soup is a warm embrace in a bowl, perfect for chilly evenings. It's comforting, versatile, and easy to make in one pot.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)
• 1 small onion, diced (the backbone of flavor)
• 2 carrots, diced (adds color and sweetness)
• 2 stalks celery, diced (crunchy texture)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced (for aromatic flavor)
• 4 cups chicken broth (homemade or store-bought)
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (leftovers work great)
• 1 cup egg noodles (for hearty texture)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (adds earthy flavor)
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley (for a bright flavor)
• Salt and pepper to taste (essential for flavor)
• 1 cup heavy cream (for richness)
• Fresh parsley for garnish (to uplift the dish)

Instructions

1. Sauté the vegetables

   Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions, carrots, and celery; sauté until softened.
   Mark as complete

2. Add garlic

   Stir in garlic; cook until fragrant.
   Mark as complete

3. Combine & boil

   Pour in chicken broth, cooked chicken, egg noodles, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
   Mark as complete

4. Simmer until noodles are tender

   Cook for about 10 minutes or until the noodles are tender.
   Mark as complete

5. Stir in cream

   Stir in heavy cream; heat through.
   Mark as complete

6. Serve

   Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
   Mark as complete

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 350kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 21g33%

Saturated Fat 10g50%

Trans Fat 0g

Cholesterol 80mg27%

Sodium 900mg38%

Potassium 600mg18%

Total Carbohydrate 30g10%

Dietary Fiber 2g8%

Sugars 4g

Protein 20g40%

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Vitamin A 150% IU

Vitamin C 35% mg

Calcium 8% mg

Iron 10% mg

Vitamin K 20% mcg

Thiamin 15% mg

Riboflavin 10% mg

Niacin 20% mg

Vitamin B6 15% mg

Folate 6% mcg

Vitamin B12 30% mcg

Pantothenic Acid 5% mg

Phosphorus 15% mg

Magnesium 5% mg

Zinc 10% mg

Selenium 20% mcg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

To make it healthier, consider using less cream or switching to low-fat milk, and load it up with more veggies.

Keywords: chicken noodle soup, creamy soup, comfort food, one-pot meal, homestyle recipe