There's nothing quite like the comforting embrace of a warm bowl of Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup on a chilly evening. The rich, velvety broth, tender chicken, and hearty noodles come together to create a meal that's both soothing and satisfying.
This recipe became a staple in my kitchen during a particularly cold winter when all I craved was something cozy and nourishing. Now, it’s a family favorite that makes everyone feel right at home. Let’s dive into why this recipe is about to become your go-to comfort food.
Why You'll Love This Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup
Get ready to fall head over heels for the ultimate comfort food. This Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup is more than just a bowl of soup – it’s a warm hug in a bowl.
First, it’s incredibly easy to make. With just one pot and a handful of ingredients, you’ll have a soul-soothing meal on the table in under an hour. It’s perfect for those nights when you need something quick yet fulfilling.
Next, the flavors are simply unbeatable. The combination of tender chicken, rich cream, and perfectly cooked noodles makes this soup feel indulgent without being heavy. A hint of garlic and herbs ties everything together beautifully.
This recipe is also wonderfully versatile. Whether you want to add extra veggies, swap the protein, or use gluten-free noodles, the soup adapts effortlessly to your needs.
And let’s not forget the leftovers! This soup tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for meal prep or lazy weekend lunches.
Now that your appetite is whetted, let’s dive into the ingredients that make this dish so special.
Ingredients Notes

The beauty of Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Each component is carefully chosen to ensure the perfect balance of taste and texture.
Chicken is the star of the show, and boneless, skinless chicken breasts work beautifully here. They cook quickly and shred easily, but chicken thighs are a great option if you prefer a richer flavor.
The noodles bring heartiness to the dish. Egg noodles are a classic choice because of their soft, tender texture, but you can experiment with other pasta shapes like rotini or bowties. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
To create the creamy base, you’ll need a mix of chicken broth and heavy cream. The broth provides a savory foundation, while the cream adds that luscious texture. For a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or even evaporated milk.
Fresh vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions form the aromatic base of the soup. These humble ingredients add sweetness and depth, creating a balanced flavor profile.
Finally, don’t forget the herbs and seasonings. A blend of garlic, thyme, and parsley brings freshness, while a touch of black pepper and salt ties everything together.
You’ll also need a large pot or Dutch oven to cook everything evenly and ensure the noodles have plenty of room to expand.
How To Make This Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

Making this soup is easier than you might think. Let’s walk through the steps to bring this comforting dish to life.
Start by heating a drizzle of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add your diced onions, carrots, and celery, cooking them until they soften and release their natural sweetness – about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute, letting its aroma fill the kitchen.
Next, pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Add your chicken breasts directly into the pot, ensuring they’re fully submerged. Cover and cook until the chicken is tender and easily shreds, about 15-20 minutes. Remove the chicken, shred it with two forks, and set it aside.
With the chicken out, it’s time to add the noodles. Drop them into the simmering broth and cook until al dente, following the package instructions.
While the noodles cook, prepare the creamy base by whisking together heavy cream with a ladle of the hot broth. This step tempers the cream, preventing it from curdling when added to the soup. Stir the mixture back into the pot, and watch as your soup transforms into a rich, creamy masterpiece.
Finally, return the shredded chicken to the pot and season with salt, pepper, and fresh thyme. Let everything simmer for a couple of minutes to meld the flavors. Serve hot, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
In under an hour, you’ll have a pot of soup that’s as satisfying as it is beautiful.
Storage Options
One of the best things about this soup is how well it stores. Whether you want to save some for later or prepare it ahead of time, here’s how to do it.
For leftovers, let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, it will keep for up to 4 days.
If you’d like to freeze it, avoid adding the noodles before freezing, as they can become mushy when reheated. Instead, freeze the soup base and cook fresh noodles when you’re ready to serve. It will last up to 3 months in the freezer.
Reheating is a breeze. Simply warm the soup on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup has thickened too much in storage, add a splash of broth or cream to restore its original consistency.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is incredibly adaptable, making it easy to customize based on your preferences and dietary needs.
If you’re looking for a lighter version, swap out the heavy cream for a non-dairy alternative like coconut milk or almond milk. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
For a protein boost, consider adding shredded rotisserie chicken or leftover turkey. This is especially handy around the holidays!
Vegetarians can omit the chicken entirely and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add hearty vegetables like potatoes or mushrooms for a satisfying alternative.
You can also experiment with the herbs and spices. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat or swap thyme for rosemary for a unique twist.
Finally, get creative with the noodles. Gluten-free pasta or even rice can work beautifully in this recipe.
With so many ways to make it your own, this Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Warm, comforting, and endlessly versatile – what more could you ask for?
PrintBest Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Discover the Best Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe, packed with tender chicken, hearty noodles, fresh vegetables, and a creamy, flavorful broth. Perfect for a cozy meal or when you're craving something comforting and satisfying.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 8 ounces egg noodles
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat butter and olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Sauté onion, garlic, carrots, and celery until softened.
- Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Slowly pour in chicken broth while stirring to prevent lumps.
- Add thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer for 10 minutes.
- Stir in heavy cream and shredded chicken, simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add egg noodles and cook until tender.
- Adjust seasoning and serve hot.
Notes
- For a lighter option, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half.
- Use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 820mg
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