A cold winter evening, thick blankets wrapped around you, and a steaming bowl of creamy chicken noodle soup resting in your hands. Does it get any better than this? I think not! This dish has a way of warming the soul while tantalizing the taste buds.Creamy chicken noodle soup with egg noodles is not just food; it’s therapy in a bowl. The blend of savory broth, tender chicken, and soft noodles can instantly lift your spirits. On a day when the weather is less than delightful, this dish becomes a beacon of comfort.Let’s take a closer look at what makes this soup so special and how you can create your own, just like I do at home.
Course Dinner
Cuisine American
Keyword creamy chicken noodle soup recipe with egg noodles
Prep Time 30 minutesminutes
Cook Time 40 minutesminutes
Total Time 1 hourhour10 minutesminutes
Servings 12
Calories 459kcal
Ingredients
8cupschicken stock
1tablespoonunsalted butter
1mediumpotato, peeled and diced
1cupdiced or chopped celery2–3 stalks
1cupdiced or sliced carrots
3/4cupfinely chopped yellow onionabout half of a large onion
2clovesgarlic, minced
1/4cupall-purpose flourspooned and leveled
1/2teaspoonkosher salt
1/2teaspoonfreshly cracked black pepper
1teaspoondried thyme
1/2teaspoondried oregano
1/2teaspoonsmoked paprika
1bayleaf
2cupsshredded or chopped cooked chicken
1cuphalf-and-half or whole milk
3cupsuncooked wide egg noodlesor another type of pasta, as preferred
Optional garnish: fresh thyme sprigs
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Veggies
Start by chopping your vegetables. Peel and dice the potato. Dice or chop the celery and carrots. Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic. Fresh ingredients make all the difference in this soup, so take your time during this step.
Step 2: Sauté the Sofrito
In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion, celery, carrots, and garlic. Sauté until they are tender, approximately 5 minutes. You'll notice how the onion becomes translucent and sweet.
Step 3: Create the Base
Sprinkle the flour over your sautéed veggies and stir well. This step helps thicken your soup later. Cook the flour for about 2 minutes to eliminate the raw flavor.
Step 4: Add Stock and Potatoes
Pour in the chicken stock slowly, stirring to combine. Add the diced potato, thyme, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss in the bay leaf, and bring the mixture to a simmer.
Step 5: Simmer and Stir
Allow the soup to simmer for about 15 minutes, just enough to soften the potatoes. Stir occasionally to keep everything well balanced.
Step 6: Noodle Time
Stir in the egg noodles and cooked chicken. Cook according to the noodle package directions, typically around 6-8 minutes. The noodles should be tender but not overcooked.
Step 7: Make it Creamy
After the noodles are cooked, slowly stir in the half-and-half, heating through without boiling. This is the moment when everything becomes wonderfully creamy.
Step 8: Final Seasoning and Serve
Taste your masterpiece. Adjust the seasoning if needed. Remove the bay leaf before serving. Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs and enjoy!
Notes
Use Fresh Herbs: Adding fresh herbs like parsley or thyme during the final stages enchants the dish with brightness.
Leftover Chicken: This soup is great for using up leftover chicken. Roasted or rotisserie chicken works beautifully.
Thicker Soup: Want it thicker? Allow it to simmer longer or add a bit more flour in the beginning.
Make Ahead: This soup stores well and tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep.
Vegetarian Option: Substitute chicken with mushrooms and vegetable broth for a delicious vegetarian version.