I absolutely love this Creamy Chicken and Noodles Soup Recipe because it’s like the ultimate cozy hug in a bowl. Whenever I’m craving something that feels both comforting and rich without being heavy, this soup hits the spot perfectly. It’s creamy, packed with tender chicken, and those soft noodles just soak up all the luscious flavors — trust me, it’s hard to stop at just one bowl!
You’ll find that this soup works wonderfully on chilly evenings or anytime you want a filling, satisfying meal that feels homemade even on your busiest days. What makes it truly special is the way the sauce thickens up with a little butter, flour, and cream, giving it this dreamy texture that’s miles ahead of any canned soup you’ve tried. I can’t wait for you to make it and see how simple ingredients come together into something so comforting and delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Creamy Texture: The butter, flour, and heavy cream blend to create an irresistibly smooth and silky broth.
- Easy Weeknight Dinner: With simple steps and accessible ingredients, you’ll have dinner ready without stress.
- Versatile Ingredients: Uses everyday veggies and pantry staples, perfect for customizing based on what you have on hand.
- Family Favorite: My family can’t get enough of this soup — it’s always a hit with kids and adults alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Creamy Chicken and Noodles Soup Recipe plays a role in balancing flavor and texture — from the tender egg noodles to the cozy herbs. Here’s a quick rundown to help you shop smart and choose the best options for a rich, hearty soup.
- Frozen Homestyle Egg Noodles: I use frozen for convenience and that perfect chewiness you won’t get from dried pasta.
- Pasta Water: This starchy water helps loosen the sauce perfectly without thinning it out.
- Salted Butter: It adds a rich base flavor and helps cook the veggies beautifully.
- Yellow Onion: Diced for sweetness and depth; caramelizing it just a bit enhances the soup’s flavor.
- Carrots: Thinly sliced for slight sweetness and a nice crunch that softens while cooking.
- Celery Stalks: Adds aromatic earthiness and texture.
- Garlic Cloves: Minced and fresh for sharpness and a flavor kick.
- Yukon Gold Potatoes (optional): They add creaminess inside while keeping a bit of bite.
- All Purpose Flour: Used to thicken the broth into that irresistible creamy consistency.
- Heavy Cream: The secret to luxury — it makes the soup rich and velvety.
- Chicken Flavored Better than Bouillon or Chicken Broth: This packs a ton of savory umami flavor.
- Cooked and Shredded Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is a lifesaver here for quick prep and great taste.
- Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings to balance and brighten every bite.
- Herbs De Provence Seasoning: Adds delicate, floral herbal notes that elevate the dish naturally.
Variations
I love making this Creamy Chicken and Noodles Soup Recipe my own by switching up vegetables or swapping in what I have on hand — feel free to get creative! It’s a forgiving recipe that welcomes tweaks without losing any of its heartwarming quality.
- Vegetable Swaps: Sometimes I add peas or spinach toward the end for a pop of color and freshness — it works beautifully!
- Dairy Alternatives: If you want to lighten up, you can substitute half-and-half or a mix of milk and cream, but keep the texture in mind.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch for thickening, and swap noodles for your favorite gluten-free pasta — still delicious!
- Protein Variations: Leftover shredded turkey or even cooked sausage can be great in place of chicken.
How to Make Creamy Chicken and Noodles Soup Recipe
Step 1: Cook and Reserve Your Noodles
Start by preparing your frozen egg noodles according to their package instructions — don’t forget to reserve one cup of that magical pasta water before draining! I learned this trick because the starchy pasta water adds body to the soup’s broth, helping it cling to the noodles and chicken perfectly. Avoid rinsing the noodles afterward; that starch is gold for the creaminess.
Step 2: Sauté Your Vegetables and Potatoes
In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat, then toss in your diced onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic. If you’re using potatoes (which I highly recommend for extra heartiness), add them now too. Season generously with salt and pepper, then cook for about 5 minutes until the veggies start to soften and the onion turns translucent. This step builds the flavor base, so don’t rush it!
Step 3: Make the Roux for Creamy Goodness
Sprinkle the flour over your softened vegetables and stir well to coat everything evenly. Let this mixture cook down for 2 to 3 minutes — I always watch closely here to avoid any raw flour taste. Doing this also helps your soup thicken nicely once you add the liquids.
Step 4: Add Cream, Bouillon, and Seasonings
Slowly pour in the heavy cream, along with your chicken-flavored Better than Bouillon mixed with water, or you can use 2 cups of chicken broth if you prefer. Stir well and season with salt, pepper, and Herbs De Provence. This combination creates the rich, flavorful base of your soup — I love how those herbs add a cozy depth without overpowering the chicken and veggies.
Step 5: Combine Noodles, Pasta Water, and Chicken
Stir in the reserved pasta water along with your cooked noodles, then add the shredded chicken. Mix everything thoroughly so the noodles soak up all that creamy goodness, and the chicken is evenly distributed. This is where it really starts to look and smell like the best soup you’ve made in a while!
Step 6: Simmer and Let Flavors Meld
Pop the lid on, turn the heat to low, and let your soup simmer gently for at least 30 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. This step is crucial because it allows the sauce to thicken up beautifully and gives the flavors time to marry. I often sneak a taste here and add a pinch more salt or pepper if needed.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Once the soup has thickened and everything is heated through, it’s ready to serve. Ladle it into bowls, maybe add a sprinkle of fresh herbs or cracked pepper if you like, and get ready for some serious comfort food magic.
Pro Tips for Making Creamy Chicken and Noodles Soup Recipe
- Reserve Pasta Water: Don’t skip this step — it adds natural starch that helps the soup thicken and cling to noodles.
- Cook Flour Properly: Let the flour cook a few minutes before adding liquids to avoid a raw flour taste in your creamy base.
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: Saves tons of time and adds juicy, flavorful chicken without extra effort.
- Simmer Low and Slow: Giving the soup at least 30 minutes to meld flavors makes all the difference for deep, comforting taste.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Noodles Soup Recipe
Garnishes
I often top this soup with a handful of fresh parsley or chives for a burst of color and freshness. A sprinkle of cracked black pepper or a dash of smoked paprika can also add a nice finishing touch. Honestly, sometimes just a little extra butter melting on top is all you need for pure indulgence!
Side Dishes
Pair this soup with some crusty homemade bread or a warm garlic baguette to soak up every last bit of the creamy broth. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is also a great contrast to the richness. When my family gathers, I like serving it alongside roasted vegetables or a cheesy corn casserole for an extra comforting meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve served this soup in mini bread bowls — it’s a fun twist that delights guests and adds extra flavor with the bread soaking up the soup. Garnishing with edible flowers or swirling in a little pesto can transform this humble soup into a show-stopper without much extra effort.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I like to store leftover Creamy Chicken and Noodles Soup in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. When cooling, make sure the soup is at room temperature before sealing to avoid soggy noodles. The next day, the flavors are even better as they’ve had time to meld!
Freezing
Freezing works great if you want to keep this soup on hand for busy weeks. Just note that egg noodles can sometimes get mushy after thawing. I freeze the soup without the noodles when possible, then add freshly cooked noodles when reheating for best texture and freshness.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. If the soup’s thickened too much in the fridge, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it. I also like to add fresh cooked noodles during reheating if I froze the soup without them, so everything tastes fresh and creamy.
FAQs
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Can I make this soup ahead of time and reheat it?
Absolutely! This Creamy Chicken and Noodles Soup Recipe stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm gently on the stove and add a bit of chicken broth or water if it’s too thick. You can also freeze it without the noodles and add them fresh when reheating to keep the best texture.
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What type of noodles works best in this soup?
Frozen homestyle egg noodles are my go-to because they cook quickly and have the perfect texture for soaking up the creamy sauce. You can use fresh or dried egg noodles, but frozen noodles help save time and tend to be tender yet firm after cooking.
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Can I use a rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Yes! Using a store-bought rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that adds great flavor and cuts down cooking time. Just shred the cooked meat and stir it into the soup near the end of cooking.
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Is there a way to make this soup dairy-free?
You can try substituting the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative, but it will change the flavor slightly. Also, consider using a dairy-free butter substitute to maintain richness without dairy.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken and Noodles Soup Recipe feels like a treasured family secret — it’s warm, satisfying, and so simple to make with ingredients you probably already have. I’m always amazed at how a few thoughtful steps can turn a humble set of ingredients into a meal that comforts and delights everyone at the table. Honestly, once you try it, it’ll become one of your go-to recipes for cozy evenings or anytime you need a hearty pick-me-up. Give it a shot, and I’m sure it’ll become a new favorite in your recipe rotation, just like it has in mine!
PrintCreamy Chicken and Noodles Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner, Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This creamy chicken and noodles recipe combines tender shredded chicken, homestyle egg noodles, and a luscious heavy cream sauce infused with garlic, herbs de Provence, and sautéed vegetables. Perfect for a comforting dinner, the dish simmers gently allowing flavors to meld and produce a rich, hearty meal reminiscent of classic American comfort food.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 24 oz Bag of Reames Frozen Homestyle Egg Noodles
- 1 cup Pasta Water (reserved from noodle cooking)
- 1 Stick Salted Butter (8 tbsp)
- 1 Yellow Onion, diced
- 4 Carrots, thinly sliced
- 2 Celery Stalks, diced or thinly sliced
- 6-7 Garlic Cloves, minced
- 1 lb Yukon Gold Potatoes, chopped into bite-sized pieces (optional)
- 1/2 cup All Purpose Flour
- 2 cups Heavy Cream
- 2 tbsp Chicken Flavored Better than Bouillon mixed with 2 cups water (or 2 cups chicken broth)
- 3 cups Cooked and shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken recommended)
- Salt and Pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp Herbs De Provence Seasoning
Instructions
- Cook Noodles: Begin by preparing the frozen homestyle egg noodles according to the package directions. Before draining the noodles, reserve 1 cup of the pasta water. Do not rinse the noodles after draining to preserve their texture.
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the stick of salted butter over medium heat. Add diced carrots, celery, onion, and minced garlic. If using, add chopped Yukon Gold potatoes as well. Season generously with salt and pepper. Stir and cook the vegetables for about 5 minutes until slightly softened.
- Add Flour: Sprinkle 1/2 cup all-purpose flour over the sautéed vegetables and stir well to combine. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently to remove the raw flour taste.
- Add Liquids and Seasoning: Pour in the 2 cups of heavy cream and the chicken-flavored bouillon mixed with water (or chicken broth). Add Herbs De Provence, and season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to combine the sauce components.
- Incorporate Pasta Water and Noodles: Stir the reserved 1 cup of pasta water into the sauce, then add the drained noodles. Mix thoroughly to coat the noodles with the creamy sauce.
- Add Chicken: Fold in the cooked and shredded chicken to the pot. Stir well to evenly distribute the chicken throughout the noodles and sauce.
- Simmer: Cover the pot with a lid, reduce the heat to low, and let the mixture simmer for at least 30 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and help the sauce thicken while allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Finalize and Serve: After simmering, taste the dish and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if necessary. Serve immediately for a warm, comforting meal.
Notes
- Do not rinse the noodles after cooking to retain the sauce’s creaminess.
- If you do not have chicken-flavored bouillon, substitute with 2 cups good-quality chicken broth.
- Using rotisserie chicken saves time and adds great flavor, but any cooked, shredded chicken will work.
- Simmering the dish on low is crucial to thicken the sauce and develop depth of flavor.
- Optional potatoes add extra heartiness but can be omitted if preferred.
- Herbs De Provence adds a fragrant herbal note; you can substitute with a mix of thyme, rosemary, and oregano if needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 560mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0.2g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 90mg