Easy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

Heartwarming Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe: Soul in a Bowl

Steaming bowls of homemade chicken noodle soup chase away winter’s chill with their warm, hearty chicken noodle soup embrace.

Every spoonful carries memories of tender chicken, soft noodles, and rich broth that hugs you from the inside.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this classic recipe, passing down techniques that make each batch special.

Fragrant herbs and vegetables mingle with slow-simmered broth, creating a symphony of comfort and flavor.

The pot bubbles with promise, sending inviting aromas through the kitchen.

Nourishing and simple, this soup transforms basic ingredients into a meal that restores and delights.

Grab a ladle and let’s turn simple ingredients into a soul-warming experience that will make everyone at the table ask for seconds.

Ingredients Behind Easy Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

For Base Aromatics:
  • Butter: Adds richness and helps soften vegetables with its deep, golden flavor.
  • Onion: Provides a sweet, foundational flavor that deepens the soup's overall taste.
  • Carrots: Brings natural sweetness and vibrant color to the soup.
  • Celery: Offers a subtle, fresh herbal note that complements the chicken.
For Seasoning Blend:
  • Garlic: Intensifies the soup's aroma with its bold, pungent character.
  • Salt: Enhances and balances all the other flavors in the dish.
  • Black Pepper: Adds a gentle warmth and subtle spiciness.
  • Thyme: Introduces an earthy, slightly minty herb essence.
  • Parsley: Contributes a fresh, bright green note to the soup.
  • Paprika: Provides a mild, sweet pepper warmth and beautiful reddish undertone.
For Protein and Body:
  • Chicken: Delivers tender, lean protein and makes the soup hearty and satisfying.

Tools You Need for Creamy Chicken Noodle Goodness

  • Large pot: Essential for cooking the soup base and ingredients.
  • Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring and sautéing vegetables.
  • Cutting board: Needed for chopping onions, carrots, and celery.
  • Sharp knife: Ideal for precise vegetable and herb preparation.
  • Measuring spoons: Helps accurately add seasonings and herbs.
  • Measuring cups: Ensures correct liquid and ingredient quantities.

Cooking Instructions for Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

  • Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

Heat a large pot and melt butter, then toss in diced onions, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes until the veggies become tender and release their delightful flavors.

  • Awaken the Spices

Sprinkle in garlic and a blend of herbs and spices. Stir quickly to allow the seasonings to dance and become wonderfully aromatic, which takes just around 30 seconds.

  • Build the Soup Base

Pour in chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. This is where the magic starts to happen as the flavors begin to mingle and develop depth.

  • Add Chicken and Noodles

Drop in shredded chicken and your favorite noodles. Let everything bubble together, allowing the noodles to become perfectly soft and absorb all the rich, comforting flavors.

  • Create Creamy Perfection

Stir in heavy cream to transform your soup into a luxuriously smooth and velvety masterpiece. Let it simmer for a few more minutes to blend all the incredible tastes.

  • Final Touch

Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Ladle the hot, creamy soup into bowls and get ready to enjoy a bowl of pure comfort that will warm you from the inside out.

Pro Tips to Elevate Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

  • Broth Boost: Swap chicken broth with homemade stock for deeper, richer flavor that elevates the entire soup's taste profile.
  • Dairy-Free Delight: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream to make the soup completely lactose-free and creamy.
  • Low-Carb Twist: Substitute traditional noodles with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a lighter, keto-friendly version of the classic soup.
  • Protein Power-Up: Add shredded rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken for extra protein and a more substantial meal.
  • Herb Heaven: Experiment with fresh herbs like dill or rosemary to create unique flavor variations that make the soup feel gourmet and exciting.

Serve Chicken Noodle Soup Comfortably

  • Cozy Comfort Bowl: Serve this heartwarming soup in deep ceramic bowls with a rustic edge to capture the rich, creamy broth and highlight the tender chicken and vegetables.
  • Crusty Companion Pairing: Add a slice of warm, buttered sourdough bread or crispy garlic crostini on the side to soak up the delicious soup and provide a satisfying crunch.
  • Fresh Herb Finale: Sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley or chives on top just before serving to add a bright, green pop of color and a subtle fresh flavor that complements the creamy base.
  • Protein Power-Up: For extra protein and texture, consider topping with crispy bacon bits or shredded rotisserie chicken to make the soup even more filling and satisfying.

Best Way to Store Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

  • Smart Batch Cooking: Prepare double the soup recipe and store extra portions in airtight containers. Refrigerated soup stays fresh for 3-4 days, making weeknight dinners a breeze.
  • Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Cool soup completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Frozen soup maintains excellent quality for up to 2 months – perfect for quick future meals.
  • Reheating Wisdom: Thaw refrigerated or frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight. Warm gently on the stovetop, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of chicken broth to restore original creamy consistency.
  • Ingredient Separation Trick: Store noodles separately from soup liquid to prevent soggy pasta. When ready to serve, combine and heat together for the best texture and flavor experience.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 6

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Easy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

Comforting Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 34 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 7 1x

Description

Hearty creamy chicken noodle soup brings comfort from grandma’s kitchen to modern tables. Silky broth, tender chicken, and classic noodles promise warmth you’ll savor with each spoonful.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or boiled)
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 2 cups egg noodles (or any pasta)
  • 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 carrots, sliced
  • 2 celery stalks, sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsps butter (or olive oil)
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
  • ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp dried thyme
  • ½ tsp dried parsley
  • ¼ tsp paprika (optional)
  • 1 tbsp flour or cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice (for a fresh touch)
  • Fresh parsley
  • Extra Parmesan cheese
  • Cracked black pepper

Instructions

  1. Sauté Base: Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat, then add onions, carrots, and celery, cooking until vegetables soften and become translucent, releasing their aromatic essence.
  2. Spice Infusion: Stir in garlic, salt, black pepper, thyme, parsley, and paprika, allowing the spices to bloom and intensify the soup’s foundational flavors.
  3. Liquid Foundation: Pour chicken broth into the vegetable mixture, creating a rich, flavorful base for the soup’s depth and character.
  4. Noodle and Protein Integration: Add egg noodles and shredded chicken, simmering gently to allow noodles to cook and absorb the savory broth while proteins distribute evenly throughout the liquid.
  5. Creamy Finalization: Reduce heat and swirl in heavy cream, transforming the soup into a velvety, luxurious dish that brings all ingredients into a harmonious embrace.
  6. Flavor Refinement: Taste and adjust seasonings, ensuring a perfectly balanced and comforting flavor profile before serving hot and inviting.

Notes

  • Optimize Vegetable Preparation: Dice vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the soup.
  • Prevent Noodle Overcooking: Add egg noodles later in the cooking process to avoid mushy texture, monitoring their tenderness carefully to achieve perfect al dente consistency.
  • Cream Integration Technique: Temper heavy cream by slowly stirring into hot soup to prevent curdling, maintaining a smooth and silky finish.
  • Customize Dietary Needs: Swap regular noodles with gluten-free alternatives, use plant-based cream for dairy-free version, or replace chicken with tofu for vegetarian adaptation.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 7
  • Calories: 370
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 720 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 11 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 18 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
William Hawkins

William Hawkins

Founder & Culinary Director

Expertise

  • Modern American and Southern Cuisine
  • Farm-to-Table Practices
  • Restaurant Concept Development
  • Culinary Education and Mentorship​

Education

Sullivan University, Louisville, KY

  • Degree: Associate of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Focused on mastering culinary methods and food science, immersive externships, hands‑on training in industry‑standard kitchen labs, and equipping graduates for roles in restaurant operations.

William Hawkins isn’t just a chef, he’s a storyteller through food. From his hometown of Louisville, KY, he’s spent years refining his craft, turning local ingredients into something extraordinary. 

With classical training from Sullivan University and a career marked by innovation, mentorship, and Southern soul, William approaches every recipe with purpose. His kitchen is where old techniques meet fresh ideas, and where comfort food gets a thoughtful, modern twist. 

When he’s not building dishes from the ground up, he’s out gathering inspiration from nature, markets, and the stories people share around the table.

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