Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup: The Ultimate Comfort in a Bowl
This creamy chicken noodle soup is full of flavor, with tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and a rich, velvety broth. A perfect dish for chilly nights or whenever you need a little comfort.
There’s nothing more comforting than a bowl of Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup—it’s like a hug in a bowl, packed with tender chicken, creamy broth, fresh vegetables, and flavorful herbs. Whether you're looking for a meal to help you unwind after a long day, want to nourish your body with something wholesome, or simply crave the familiar comfort of this classic dish, this creamy chicken noodle soup has you covered.
In this blog post, I’ll guide you through the steps to make the perfect creamy chicken noodle soup. We'll dive deep into the ingredients, share tips on how to make it even more flavorful, and give you helpful suggestions on how to make this dish your own. I’ll also provide you with key information on how to serve, store, and reheat this delicious soup, so you can enjoy it even after your first bowl.
Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup
This creamy chicken noodle soup is a modern twist on the classic chicken noodle soup, but with an indulgent, velvety twist. Here’s why you’ll love it:
Comfort Food at its Best: The blend of tender chicken, creamy broth, and soft vegetables is pure comfort. It’s the perfect dish to cozy up with when you need a little TLC.
Rich & Creamy: The addition of heavy cream takes this soup to the next level. It adds a silky texture to the broth, making every spoonful rich and decadent.
Hearty & Filling: With potatoes, egg noodles, and chicken, this soup is not just light—it's a complete meal that will leave you satisfied and warm.
Full of Flavor: The mix of Italian seasoning, fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and dill, and the bright, tangy splash of lemon juice really amps up the flavor of the broth.
Easy to Make: Despite its indulgent taste, this soup comes together in just one pot. It’s perfect for busy nights when you want a comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Customizable: You can adjust the seasoning, the vegetables, or even use a different protein to make this recipe your own.
The Ingredients: What You’ll Need
Let’s break down the ingredients so you can understand why each one plays an important role in making this creamy chicken noodle soup so delicious:
1. Chicken Breasts (2 pieces)
Chicken breasts are the star of this soup. They cook quickly and shred easily, making them perfect for this dish. When seasoned and seared in butter and olive oil, they provide the rich base of flavor for the soup. You can substitute chicken thighs for a more tender, flavorful option if you prefer.
2. Butter (2 tbsp) & Olive Oil (2 tbsp)
Both butter and olive oil are used to cook the chicken and sauté the vegetables. The combination of the two creates a balanced richness and helps prevent the butter from burning. It gives a beautiful base of flavor to the soup.
3. Onion (1/2 large yellow onion, diced)
Onions are a must in any soup. They add a natural sweetness and depth to the broth. We’ll sauté them until soft, allowing them to release their aromatic oils.
4. Celery (3 stalks, diced) & Carrots (2-3 large, diced)
Celery and carrots are the classic "mirepoix" in soups, which form the foundation of flavor. The celery adds a slight peppery bite, while the carrots bring a mild sweetness. Together, they create a savory balance that enhances the taste of the broth.
5. Italian Seasoning (1 tbsp)
Italian seasoning is a pre-blended mix of herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme, adding a perfect savory touch to the soup. It complements the other fresh herbs and gives the broth a herby aroma.
6. Red Pepper Flakes (1 tsp, to taste)
For a little kick! Red pepper flakes add warmth and a hint of spice, which elevates the depth of the soup. You can adjust this according to your spice preference.
7. Garlic (8-10 cloves, minced)
Garlic is a non-negotiable ingredient in any savory dish. It brings a pungent, aromatic flavor that is essential to the overall taste profile of the soup.
8. White Wine (1/2 cup, optional)
White wine adds complexity and acidity to the broth. It balances out the richness of the cream and helps elevate the flavors. If you don’t want to use wine, you can skip it or substitute with a splash of lemon juice or vinegar.
9. Chicken Broth (6 cups)
Chicken broth is the backbone of this soup. It adds a savory base for the soup and brings all the ingredients together. For a deeper flavor, you can use homemade chicken stock or add a bit of chicken bouillon to enhance the taste.
10. Potatoes (2-3 cups, diced)
Diced potatoes add heartiness to the soup and make it extra filling. They break down slightly during cooking, thickening the broth for that satisfying creamy texture.
11. Parmesan Rind (1, optional)
If you have a leftover Parmesan rind from a block of Parmesan cheese, toss it into the pot. It adds a subtle, umami-rich flavor that enhances the depth of the broth. Remove it before serving.
12. Bay Leaf (1)
Bay leaves are aromatic leaves that bring a gentle, earthy flavor to soups and stews. You’ll remove it before serving.
13. Heavy Cream (1/2 - 1 cup, to taste)
This is the ingredient that makes this chicken noodle soup “creamy.” The heavy cream gives the broth a luscious, silky texture and a rich taste. Add it to your desired creaminess level.
14. Lemon Juice (Juice of 1/2 lemon)
The citrusy burst of lemon juice cuts through the richness of the cream and adds a touch of freshness and brightness to the soup.
15. Fresh Herbs (Parsley, Dill, Rosemary, Thyme)
Fresh herbs like parsley, dill, rosemary, and thyme add incredible fragrance and flavor to the broth. You can adjust the quantity of each herb depending on your taste preferences.
16. Egg Noodles (1 lb, cooked separately)
Egg noodles are the classic choice for chicken noodle soup. They absorb the broth well and have a soft, comforting texture. Cook them separately and add them to the soup at the end to avoid them getting too soggy.
The Directions: How to Make Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup
Now that we’ve gone over the ingredients, it’s time to make the soup. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you create the ultimate creamy chicken noodle soup:
Cook the Egg Noodles
Cook the egg noodles in salted water according to package instructions, drain, and set aside. This prevents them from becoming overcooked when added to the soup later.Sear the Chicken Breasts
In a large pot, heat 1 tbsp of butter and 1 tbsp of olive oil over medium-high heat. Season your chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then sear them in the hot pan for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Once done, remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.Sauté the Vegetables
Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining butter and olive oil. Add the diced onion, celery, and carrots to the pot, then sprinkle in salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened.Add Garlic and Wine
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the white wine, if using, and simmer for about 2 minutes to reduce.Add Broth and Potatoes
Pour in the chicken broth and season with additional salt and pepper. Stir in the diced potatoes, chicken bouillon, Parmesan rind, and bay leaf. Return the seared chicken breasts to the pot.Simmer
Bring the soup to a boil, then lower the heat to a simmer. Cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.Shred the Chicken
Remove the chicken breasts from the pot, shred them with two forks, and return the shredded chicken to the soup.Add Cream and Herbs
Remove the Parmesan rind and bay leaf from the soup. Stir in the heavy cream, lemon juice, fresh parsley, dill, rosemary, and thyme. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed.Combine with Noodles
Finally, add the cooked egg noodles to the soup, and stir to combine. Let everything warm together for a few minutes.
Serving Suggestions and Tips
Serve with fresh crusty bread or crackers on the side for dipping.
Top with extra Parmesan, a sprinkle of fresh herbs, or a drizzle of olive oil for added flavor.
Make it ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day! The flavors continue to meld as it sits.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding more broth if needed.
Freezing: You can freeze this soup for up to 3 months. When reheating, add some extra cream to bring back the creamy texture.
Why You’ll Want to Make This Recipe
This Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup is a meal that will warm your heart and fill your belly. With its rich, creamy broth, tender chicken, and vegetables, it’s the ultimate comfort food. Whether you’re sick, it’s a chilly evening, or you’re simply craving something delicious and nourishing, this soup is the answer.
Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup
This creamy chicken noodle soup is full of flavor, with tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and a rich, velvety broth. A perfect dish for chilly nights or whenever you need a little comfort.
Ingredients
- Chicken Breasts (2 pieces)
- Butter (2 tbsp) & Olive Oil (2 tbsp)
- Onion (1/2 large yellow onion, diced)
- Celery (3 stalks, diced) & Carrots (2-3 large, diced)
- Italian Seasoning (1 tbsp)
- Red Pepper Flakes (1 tsp, to taste)
- Garlic (8-10 cloves, minced)
- White Wine (1/2 cup, optional)
- Chicken Broth (6 cups)
- Potatoes (2-3 cups, diced)
- Parmesan Rind (1, optional)
- Bay Leaf (1)
- Heavy Cream (1/2 - 1 cup, to taste)
- Lemon Juice (Juice of 1/2 lemon)
- Fresh Herbs (Parsley, Dill, Rosemary, Thyme)
- Egg Noodles (1 lb, cooked separately)
Instructions
- Cook the egg noodles in salted water according to package instructions, drain, and set aside. This prevents them from becoming overcooked when added to the soup later.
- In a large pot, heat 1 tbsp of butter and 1 tbsp of olive oil over medium-high heat. Season your chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then sear them in the hot pan for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Once done, remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
- Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining butter and olive oil. Add the diced onion, celery, and carrots to the pot, then sprinkle in salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the white wine, if using, and simmer for about 2 minutes to reduce.
- Pour in the chicken broth and season with additional salt and pepper. Stir in the diced potatoes, chicken bouillon, Parmesan rind, and bay leaf. Return the seared chicken breasts to the pot.
- Bring the soup to a boil, then lower the heat to a simmer. Cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
- Remove the chicken breasts from the pot, shred them with two forks, and return the shredded chicken to the soup.
- Remove the Parmesan rind and bay leaf from the soup. Stir in the heavy cream, lemon juice, fresh parsley, dill, rosemary, and thyme. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed.
- Finally, add the cooked egg noodles to the soup, and stir to combine. Let everything warm together for a few minutes.
I hope this Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup becomes your go-to recipe for cozy nights in! Try it out and let me know how it turns out in the comments below. Don't forget to share it with your friends and family – they’ll love it too!
There you have it! Now, you’re ready to make the most comforting, creamy chicken noodle soup that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!
This creamy chicken noodle soup is full of flavor, with tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and a rich, velvety broth. A perfect dish for chilly nights or whenever you need a little comfort.