Description
Comforting “creamy chicken noodle soup” brings warmth and nostalgia to classic comfort food. Rich broth, tender chicken, and silky noodles create a soul-soothing meal perfect for chilly evenings when home feels like a delicious embrace.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or boiled)
- 4 cups chicken broth
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Base and Seasonings:
- 2 tablespoons butter (or olive oil)
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- ¼ teaspoon paprika (optional)
- 2 cups egg noodles (or any pasta)
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- 1 tablespoon flour or cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (for a fresh touch)
- Fresh parsley
- Extra Parmesan cheese
- Cracked black pepper
Instructions
- Warm the large pot over medium heat and gently melt butter, creating a golden base for sautéing aromatic vegetables until they transform into tender, translucent morsels.
- Introduce minced garlic and fragrant herbs, stirring briskly to release their essential oils and create a rich, layered foundation of flavor.
- Pour chicken broth into the vegetable mixture, allowing the liquid to merge with the caramelized aromatics and create a robust, savory backdrop.
- Carefully add diced chicken pieces, ensuring they are fully submerged in the simmering broth to cook evenly and absorb the surrounding seasonings.
- Gradually incorporate egg noodles, watching them gracefully unfurl and soften within the bubbling liquid, absorbing the soup’s deep, complex taste.
- Reduce heat and let the mixture gently simmer, allowing the ingredients to meld together and develop a harmonious, comforting profile.
- Stir in heavy cream during the final moments of cooking, transforming the soup into a luxuriously smooth and velvety texture that coats the palate.
- Taste and adjust seasonings, sprinkling additional salt, pepper, and herbs to elevate the soup’s overall depth and character.
- Ladle the steaming, creamy soup into serving bowls, garnishing with fresh parsley for a bright, verdant finish.
Notes
- Opt for low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels and create a healthier version of this comforting soup.
- Swap regular noodles with gluten-free or whole wheat pasta to accommodate different dietary needs and boost nutritional value.
- Enhance the soup’s creaminess by using Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream for a lighter, protein-rich alternative that adds tangy depth.
- Fresh herbs make a significant difference – use freshly chopped thyme and parsley right before serving to maximize flavor and aroma.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg