Chicken Noodle Soup is the ultimate comfort dish, but when you add cream to the broth, it transforms into something rich, velvety, and extra cozy. This creamy chicken noodle soup combines tender chicken, egg noodles, and hearty vegetables with a luscious broth that makes every spoonful satisfying. Perfect for chilly evenings, family dinners, or when you’re craving something warm and nourishing, this recipe will quickly become a go-to favorite.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 2 cups egg noodles
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté vegetables: Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 6 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for another minute.
- Build the soup base: Pour in chicken broth, then add thyme and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add noodles and chicken: Stir in egg noodles and cook until tender, about 8 minutes. Add shredded chicken and simmer for another 2–3 minutes.
- Make it creamy: Stir in heavy cream until fully incorporated. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve: Remove bay leaf, ladle soup into bowls, garnish with parsley, and enjoy warm.
Health Benefits of Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup
- Protein for Energy: The chicken provides lean protein that keeps you feeling full and strong.
- Nourishing Vegetables: Carrots, celery, and onions add vitamins, minerals, and fiber for a balanced meal.
- Immune Boost: Garlic and chicken broth help support the immune system—perfect for when you’re under the weather.
- Comforting Warmth: The cream adds a soothing, satisfying texture that enhances both body and spirit.
Variations and Serving Ideas
- Chicken Pasta Soup Twist: Swap egg noodles for small pasta shapes like fusilli or rotini.
- Turkey Noodle Soup: Replace chicken with leftover turkey for a post-holiday meal.
- Rice Noodle Soup: Make it gluten-free by using rice noodles instead of egg noodles.
- Flavor Boost: Add lemon juice, fresh dill, or mushrooms for extra depth and variety.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This creamy chicken noodle soup strikes the perfect balance between hearty and indulgent. It’s simple enough for weeknight dinner recipes, yet impressive enough to serve to guests. The creamy broth gives it a luxurious twist on the classic, making it one of those noodle soup recipes you’ll want to save and remake often.
Conclusion
Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup is more than just a bowl of soup—it’s cozy, filling, and deeply satisfying. With tender chicken, silky noodles, vegetables, and a rich broth, it’s the kind of recipe that feels like home. Save this to your collection of soup noodle recipes and enjoy a comforting meal whenever you need a warm, delicious hug in a bowl.