Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup – Comforting Cook Time: 25 Minutes
Short introduction
Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup is the epitome of comfort food. This delicious and hearty dish combines tender pieces of chicken, nourishing vegetables, and egg noodles in a rich and creamy broth. It’s perfect for chilly days, when you’re feeling under the weather, or whenever you need a warm hug in a bowl. This soup is not just tasty; it’s also a fantastic way to enjoy a variety of nutrients all in one meal.
Why you’ll love it
This soup is sure to win you over for many reasons! First and foremost, it’s packed with protein from the chicken, making it filling and satisfying. The vegetables add important vitamins and minerals, while the creamy broth creates a delightful texture that’s hard to resist. It’s easy to make, taking only around 25 minutes in total from prep to table. Plus, you can make a big batch to share or save for later!
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups egg noodles
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Substitutions & key variations
Feel free to adapt the ingredients to fit your taste or what you have on hand. Instead of heavy cream, you can use half-and-half or coconut milk for a lighter option. If you want a healthier soup, consider using whole wheat noodles or zucchini noodles instead of egg noodles. You can also throw in your choice of vegetables like peas, corn, or even spinach for extra flavor and nutrition.
Step-by-step
Step 1: Sauté Vegetables
In a large pot, heat a bit of oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, diced carrots, and diced celery. Sauté these for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened.
Step 2: Add Garlic
Once the vegetables are soft, stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Pour in Chicken Broth
Pour in the 6 cups of chicken broth and raise the heat until the mixture comes to a boil.
Step 4: Cook the Noodles
Once boiling, add the egg noodles. Cook according to the package instructions, usually around 7-8 minutes, until the noodles are al dente.
Step 5: Add Chicken and Cream
Stir in the shredded chicken and heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook everything together for another 2-3 minutes until heated through and the soup is creamy.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Just before serving, garnish with fresh parsley to add a pop of color and flavor.
Success tips
Make sure not to overcook the noodles. They will continue to soften once you add them to the soup, so it’s best to stick to the package instructions. For an even creamier texture, let the soup simmer for a few more minutes after adding the chicken and cream. If you have leftovers, they may thicken up, so feel free to add a splash of broth when reheating.
How to serve
Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup can be served in bowls as a stand-alone meal. Pair it with crusty bread or a fresh side salad to make it even more satisfying. It’s versatile enough to be casual or dressed up for more formal gatherings.
Storage & reheating
Refrigerate any leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a little extra broth or water if necessary to loosen the consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use raw chicken instead of cooked chicken?
Yes, you can use raw chicken. Just add it to the pot when you sauté the vegetables, then cook it thoroughly before shredding.
2. Can I freeze Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup?
While it’s best fresh, you can freeze it without the noodles. Just add cooked noodles when you reheat, as they can become mushy after freezing.
3. What can I add for extra flavor?
Consider adding herbs like thyme or rosemary, or even a splash of lemon juice for brightness!
Nutrition notes / equivalents
This soup is rich in protein and a good source of vitamins A and C, thanks to the carrots and celery. It can be a complete meal on its own, providing carbohydrates and fats as well.
Conclusion
Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup is a delightful dish that brings warmth and comfort to any table. It’s easy to prepare, delicious to eat, and perfect for sharing with family and friends. Don’t hesitate to make it your own with various ingredients and flavors. Dive into a bowl of this hearty soup and enjoy every bite!
Links to related recipes
- Classic Chicken Soup
- Creamy Tomato Basil Soup
- Mushroom and Wild Rice Soup
- Cheesy Broccoli Potato Soup
Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded Use roasted or leftover chicken.
- 6 cups chicken broth Use low-sodium if preferred.
- 2 cups egg noodles Alternatively, use whole wheat noodles or zucchini noodles.
- 1 cup heavy cream Can substitute with half-and-half or coconut milk.
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish To add flavor and color.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large pot, heat a bit of oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, diced carrots, and diced celery. Sauté these for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened.
- Once the vegetables are soft, stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the 6 cups of chicken broth and raise the heat until the mixture comes to a boil.
- Once boiling, add the egg noodles. Cook according to the package instructions, usually around 7-8 minutes, until the noodles are al dente.
- Stir in the shredded chicken and heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook everything together for another 2-3 minutes until heated through and the soup is creamy.
- Just before serving, garnish with fresh parsley to add a pop of color and flavor.