Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup
Creamy chicken noodle soup is the ultimate comfort food, blending tender chicken, hearty noodles, and a rich, creamy broth. This dish warms your soul on a chilly day and is easy to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight dinners. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a delicious meal that the whole family will enjoy. Let’s dive into this heartwarming recipe!
Ingredients
– 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
– 1 cup egg noodles
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup carrots, diced
– 1 cup celery, diced
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley for garnish
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe makes 4 servings. Preparation time is approximately 15 minutes, and cooking time is about 30 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving of creamy chicken noodle soup (1 bowl) contains approximately 350 calories, 20g protein, 15g fat, and 35g carbohydrates. This delicious dish provides a balanced meal, perfect for a nourishing lunch or dinner.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. 2. Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery; sauté until softened. 3. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute. 4. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil. 5. Add egg noodles and cook according to package instructions. 6. Reduce heat and stir in shredded chicken. 7. Slowly add heavy cream, stirring to combine. 8. Season with salt and pepper to taste. 9. Let simmer for 5-10 minutes until heated through. 10. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. 
Alternative Ingredients
If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut milk. You can also use rotisserie chicken for convenience, and swap egg noodles for whole wheat or gluten-free pasta.
Serving and Pairings
Creamy chicken noodle soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a fresh garden salad. It also complements a side of garlic bread, enhancing the overall dining experience.
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed. This soup can be frozen for up to 3 months; however, the noodles may become softer upon thawing.
Cooking Mistakes
- Don’t overcook the noodles; they can become mushy.
- Ensure to sauté the vegetables until soft for better flavor.
- Always use low-sodium broth for better control over saltiness.
- Don’t skip the garlic; it adds essential flavor.
- Be careful with the heat when adding cream to prevent curdling.
Helpful Tips
- Use fresh herbs for a brighter flavor.
- Consider adding peas or corn for extra veggies.
- Adjust seasoning based on personal taste preferences.
- Try adding lemon juice for a tangy twist.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it may require additional cooking time to ensure it is fully cooked through.
Is this soup gluten-free?
You can make it gluten-free by using gluten-free noodles and ensuring your broth is certified gluten-free.
Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like peas, corn, or green beans for added nutrition and flavor.
How do I make it spicier?
To add spice, consider incorporating red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños while cooking.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can add all ingredients to a slow cooker and let it cook on low for 4-6 hours for a hands-off approach.
Conclusion
Creamy chicken noodle soup is a timeless classic that brings comfort and warmth to any table. With its rich flavors and hearty ingredients, this soup is perfect for sharing with loved ones on cold days. Whether you enjoy it as a main dish or a side, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household.
Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken shredded
- 1 cup egg noodles
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup carrots diced
- 1 cup celery diced
- 1 onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery; sauté until softened.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil.
- Add egg noodles and cook according to package instructions.
- Reduce heat and stir in shredded chicken.
- Slowly add heavy cream, stirring to combine.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Let simmer for 5-10 minutes until heated through.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.