Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

Need something warm and cozy? This creamy chicken noodle soup is like a hug in a bowl. So creamy, so comforting!

It’s packed with tender chicken, soft noodles, and a rich, creamy broth. Every spoonful feels cozy and full of love.

Perfect for chilly nights, sick days, or when you just need a little extra comfort. Easy to make. Hard to stop eating.

Grab a big pot and a cozy blanket. Let’s make creamy chicken noodle soup magic today!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Cozy and Comforting: Rich, creamy broth with tender chicken and soft noodles—perfect for cold days or whenever you need a pick-me-up.
• Easy to Make: No complicated steps; just basic kitchen techniques anyone can master.
• Family Favorite: This recipe makes a big batch, perfect for feeding a family or freezing for later.
• Customizable: You can tweak it to your liking—use different veggies, swap the noodles, or adjust the creaminess.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Keeps well for a few days and tastes even better the next day.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time:

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: About 1 hour and 5 minutes

Servings:

• This recipe makes about 6 hearty bowls of soup. Perfect for a family dinner or meal prep for the week.

Difficulty:

• Easy. A great recipe even for beginner cooks.

Required Kitchen Tools

• Large soup pot or Dutch oven
• Sharp chef’s knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Ladle

Ingredients for Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

Here’s what you’ll need to make this cozy, flavorful soup (exact measurements will also be in the recipe card at the end):

• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps sauté the vegetables.
• Yellow Onion: Brings a savory sweetness to the base.
• Carrots: Sliced or diced for color, texture, and a hint of natural sweetness.
• Celery: Adds crunch and a classic soup flavor.
• Garlic: Freshly minced for a fragrant, deep flavor.
• All-Purpose Flour: Thickens the broth to make it creamy without needing heavy cream.
• Salt and Black Pepper: For seasoning and balance.
• Dried Thyme Leaves: Earthy and aromatic; fresh thyme can be used if you have it.
• Dried Oregano: Adds a subtle herbal background note.
• Chicken Broth: The flavorful foundation—use reduced-sodium if you prefer.
• Potato: Peeled and diced; it helps make the soup hearty and thick.
• Cooked Chicken: Shredded or chopped. Rotisserie chicken works great here too.
• Half-and-Half or Whole Milk: Brings creaminess without being overly heavy.
• Uncooked Wide Egg Noodles: Or substitute with any favorite pasta shape.
• Fresh Thyme Leaves (optional): For a beautiful, fragrant garnish.

Variations for Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

• Swap the Noodles: Try small pasta shapes like ditalini, rotini, or even broken spaghetti.
• Go Dairy-Free: Use a dairy-free milk alternative and extra broth for a lighter version.
• Add More Vegetables: Spinach, peas, green beans, or mushrooms would be delicious.
• Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a little kick.
• Use Turkey Instead: Great way to use up leftover Thanksgiving turkey!

How to Make Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup – Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sauté the Vegetables

In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat.
Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring often, until the vegetables begin to soften, about 5–7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.

2. Make the Roux

Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables. Stir well, letting the flour coat everything evenly.
Cook for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly. This step helps get rid of the raw flour taste and builds the base for a creamy broth.

3. Add Seasonings and Broth

Slowly pour in the chicken broth, stirring the whole time to prevent lumps.
Add the diced potatoes, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring everything to a gentle boil.

4. Simmer the Soup

Reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for about 15–20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.

5. Stir in Chicken, Milk, and Noodles

Add the shredded or chopped chicken into the pot. Pour in the half-and-half (or milk), stirring to combine.
Add the uncooked egg noodles and continue to simmer until the noodles are tender, about 8–10 minutes.

6. Taste and Adjust

Taste the soup and adjust seasoning if needed. You might want a little more salt or pepper depending on your broth.

Serving and Decoration

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

This soup is hearty enough to be a full meal all on its own, but it also pairs well with:

• Crusty Bread: Warm baguette slices or homemade biscuits for dipping.
• Simple Side Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness.
• Crackers: Classic oyster crackers or buttery round crackers on the side.

For a finishing touch, sprinkle fresh thyme leaves over the top right before serving.
It adds a fresh pop of flavor and a little bit of rustic beauty.

Storing Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

• Refrigerator: Store leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. The noodles may soak up more liquid over time, so you can thin the soup with a splash of broth when reheating.
• Freezer: It’s best to freeze this soup without the noodles (they get too soft). Cook the soup up until adding the noodles, then freeze. Add freshly cooked noodles when you reheat.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Chop Evenly: Cut the carrots, celery, and potatoes into similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly.
• Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Add the noodles toward the end and cook just until tender. Overcooked noodles can get mushy.
• Use Rotisserie Chicken: For a shortcut, shred a rotisserie chicken—it adds flavor and saves time.
• Adjust Creaminess: If you want a thinner soup, add more broth. For a thicker, creamier texture, add a little more flour during the roux step or simmer a few minutes longer.
• Fresh Herbs Finish: Stir in a few fresh thyme leaves or parsley at the end for a fresh, vibrant flavor boost.

Nutrition

Serving Size	1 Bowl (About 1 ½ Cups)
Calories	320
Protein	22g
Fat	13g
Saturated Fat	6g
Cholesterol	65mg
Carbohydrates	28g
Fiber	3g
Sugar	5g
Sodium	680mg

Nutrition facts are estimates and can vary based on exact ingredients used.

Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup FAQs

Q: Can I use heavy cream instead of half-and-half?
A: Absolutely. It’ll make the soup even richer and creamier.

Q: What if I don’t have egg noodles?
A: You can use any small pasta shape you have on hand like rotini, shells, or ditalini.

Q: How do I keep the noodles from getting soggy?
A: Cook the noodles separately and add them to each bowl when serving if you plan to have leftovers.

Q: Can I make this soup gluten-free?
A: Yes! Use gluten-free flour for thickening and gluten-free pasta.

Q: Can I freeze this soup?
A: Yes, but it’s best to freeze it without the noodles. Add freshly cooked noodles when reheating.

Conclusion

This Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup is everything comfort food should be—rich, hearty, and soul-warming.
It’s the perfect meal to curl up with after a long day, whether you’re fighting off a cold or just need something cozy and nourishing.
With its simple steps, flexible ingredients, and rich homemade flavor, you’ll find yourself making this soup all year long.