Name: Easy Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tbsp butter; 1 onion, diced; 2 carrots, sliced; 2 celery stalks, sliced; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 6 cups chicken broth; 1 cup milk or heavy cream; 3 cups cooked shredded chicken; 2 cups egg noodles; 1 tsp dried thyme; 1 tsp dried parsley; Salt and pepper to taste

There's nothing quite like a warm bowl of Easy Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup on a chilly evening. With its velvety broth, tender chicken, and hearty noodles, this soup feels like a comforting hug in a bowl. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend meal, it’s as easy to make as it is satisfying.

I discovered this recipe on a particularly cold winter evening, inspired by a desire for something homemade yet simple. Now, it’s become my go-to recipe whenever my family craves comfort food that doesn’t take hours to prepare.

Let’s dive into what makes this soup such a crowd-pleaser.

Why You'll Love This Easy Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

Get ready to add this recipe to your list of quick and reliable dinner ideas. This Easy Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup is a game-changer, and here’s why.

First, it’s incredibly easy to make. With a handful of pantry staples and minimal prep, you can have this dish on the table in under 40 minutes. Perfect for those days when you don’t have the energy for complicated recipes.

This soup is also wonderfully versatile. Whether you use rotisserie chicken, leftover turkey, or even a vegetarian substitute, it adapts beautifully to whatever ingredients you have on hand.

The flavor is out of this world. The combination of a rich, creamy broth, fresh herbs, and a touch of garlic makes every bite irresistible. It tastes like it’s been simmering all day, but it’s quick enough for any weeknight.

Lastly, it’s a true family-friendly meal. The noodles, creamy texture, and savory chicken make it appealing to both kids and adults alike.

Now that you’re convinced, let’s take a closer look at the simple ingredients that make this soup so special.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this Easy Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in achieving that perfect balance of flavor and texture.

Chicken: For ultimate convenience, rotisserie chicken is my top pick. It’s already cooked, juicy, and full of flavor. If you prefer to cook your own, shredded boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work just as well.

Noodles: Egg noodles are the traditional choice, and their soft, slightly chewy texture is perfect for this soup. If you’re out of egg noodles, penne or rotini are great substitutes.

Broth: A high-quality chicken broth forms the base of this soup. Opt for low-sodium so you can control the salt levels. If you want an extra layer of depth, add a splash of white wine while the broth simmers.

Cream: Heavy cream adds the luscious texture that makes this soup so comforting. If you’re looking for a lighter option, half-and-half or even whole milk can work, though the soup won’t be quite as rich.

Vegetables: Classic options like carrots, celery, and onion provide the perfect aromatic base. Dice them finely so they cook evenly and infuse the broth with flavor.

For this recipe, a large pot or Dutch oven is essential to allow the flavors to develop as the soup simmers. Now, let’s get to the fun part—making it!

How To Make This Easy Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

Creating this cozy soup is easier than you might think. Let me walk you through the steps to ensure it turns out perfectly every time.

Start by heating a splash of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté until softened—about 5 minutes. The aroma of these vegetables cooking will have your kitchen smelling amazing in no time.

Next, stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn, as this could give the soup a bitter taste.

Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle boil. Once boiling, add your egg noodles and let them cook until tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Reduce the heat to low and stir in shredded chicken, heavy cream, and fresh thyme. Simmer for 5 minutes to let the flavors meld together. If the soup is too thick for your liking, add a little more broth until it reaches your desired consistency.

Finish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and added freshness. Ladle into bowls and serve immediately, perhaps with a slice of crusty bread or crackers on the side.

From start to finish, this soup takes just about 35 minutes to prepare, making it an ideal choice for a busy weeknight dinner.

Storage Options

This Easy Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup stores beautifully, so you can enjoy it for days to come. Here’s how to keep it fresh:

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen as it sits, making it even tastier the next day.
Freezer: If you plan to freeze the soup, leave out the noodles. They tend to become mushy when reheated. Freeze the soup base in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months, and cook fresh noodles when reheating.
Reheating: To reheat, warm the soup gently on the stove over low heat. If it’s too thick, add a splash of broth or milk to loosen it up.

With these tips, you’ll have a comforting bowl of soup ready whenever you need it.

Variations and Substitutions

The best thing about this recipe is how customizable it is. Here are a few ideas to make it your own:

Make it dairy-free: Substitute the cream with coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative for a dairy-free version.
Add extra vegetables: Toss in spinach, kale, or peas for added nutrition and vibrant color.
Spice it up: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the broth.
Use different proteins: Swap the chicken for cooked turkey, ham, or even tofu for a vegetarian twist.
Low-carb option: Replace the noodles with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice to make this a low-carb, keto-friendly soup.

Don’t be afraid to experiment and find the version that your family loves the most. After all, cooking is all about making a dish your own.

With its creamy texture, hearty ingredients, and endless adaptability, this Easy Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup is sure to become a staple in your meal rotation. Enjoy every warm and comforting spoonful!