Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

5 from 2 votes
Jump to Recipe

This post contains affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

Creamy chicken noodle soup, with its rich and velvety broth, tender chunks of chicken, and soft, comforting noodles, offers a heartwarming blend of flavors and textures!

A creamy bowl of chicken noodle soup with bread on top.

Don’t want all the extras in a recipe post? We provide a skip to recipe button in the top left corner, as well as a clickable table of contents, just below, to help make this page easier to navigate.

At Sweet C’s, I add lots of tips in all of my recipes – because I am a home cook without any formal training, and I find I am more confident making dishes when I understand why it works, and what each ingredient means to the flavor of a recipe – my goal is for even the most beginner home cook to feel empowered in the kitchen.

I want each reader to walk away with a solid knowledge of each recipe, with all of the tips I’ve gathered from extensive testing of each recipe. I also answer questions my friends and family have asked about my recipes, to help everyone better understand the processes we use – and why!

A creamy bowl of chicken noodle soup with bread next to it.

Creamy Chicken Soup with Vegetables and Noodles

Chicken noodle soup is a cold-weather favorite – it’s simple, hearty, nourishing, and delicious. If you love homestyle soup and you’re looking for a simple, creamy variation, you’re going to love this recipe.

A creamy chicken noodle soup with bread next to it.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

First assemble the following ingredients:

  • Carrots (¾ cup) – Carrots add a sweet and slightly earthy flavor to the soup, enhancing its overall heartiness.
  • Celery (¾ cup) – Celery contributes a mild, slightly peppery taste with a crisp texture, offering a nice balance to the richer ingredients.
  • Onion (1) – Onions provide a foundational flavor, bringing a depth of savory sweetness that is essential to the soup’s base.
  • Garlic (2 tbsp) – Garlic adds a pungent, aromatic quality, infusing the soup with a warm and slightly spicy undertone.
  • Oregano (1 tbsp) – Oregano imparts a slightly bitter, earthy flavor with hints of mint, adding a subtle Mediterranean touch to the soup.
  • Sea salt (1 tbsp) – Sea salt enhances the overall flavor profile of the soup, bringing out the natural tastes of the other ingredients.
  • Onion powder (1 tsp) – Onion powder offers a concentrated burst of savory onion flavor, deepening the soup’s richness.
  • Black pepper (1 tsp) – Black pepper adds a sharp, mildly spicy kick, providing a pleasant contrast to the creaminess of the soup.
  • Chicken stock (32 oz) – Chicken stock serves as the soup’s backbone, offering a rich, meaty, and slightly salty foundation.
  • Shredded chicken (2lb) – Shredded chicken contributes a tender, juicy texture and a mild, savory flavor that is comforting and filling.
  • Heavy cream (2 cups) – Heavy cream lends a luxurious richness and smoothness, giving the soup its characteristic creamy texture.
  • Pasta (3 cups) – Pasta brings a delightful chewiness to the soup, absorbing flavors and adding a satisfying heartiness.
  • Spinach (2 cups) – Spinach offers a gentle, slightly earthy and leafy flavor, adding both color and nutrition to the soup.
  • Fresh Parsley (1/2) – Parsley provides a fresh, clean, and slightly peppery taste, which brightens up the dish.
  • Freshly grated parmesan – Parmesan cheese adds a nutty, salty depth, enhancing the soup’s savory profile with its umami quality.

Use this Method:

Sautee. Put olive oil in a large pot, add the carrots, celery, onion, garlic, dried oregano, salt, onion powder, and pepper. Sautee for about 5-6 minutes, or until the onion is transparent. 

Add Stock and Chicken. Add in chicken stock and shredded chicken. Cook for a few minutes, and then add your heavy cream and pasta. Let soup lightly boil and cook until pasta noodles are cooked. 

Finish. Add in spinach, once spinach is wilted the soup is ready. Top with parmesan cheese and enjoy!

A creamy chicken noodle soup with bread on a table.

Tips and Tricks to Perfect Easy Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

Quality Ingredients: Use fresh, high-quality ingredients. Fresh vegetables and good-quality chicken make a significant difference in flavor.

Chicken Preparation: You can either use cooked, shredded chicken from a roast or poach chicken breasts or thighs specifically for the soup. If poaching, you can add herbs and spices to the water for extra flavor.

Sauté Vegetables: Begin by sautéing onions, carrots, and celery in a bit of butter or oil until they’re slightly softened. This step helps to build the flavor base for your soup.

Rich Broth: Use a rich chicken broth or stock as the base of your soup. For an even deeper flavor, consider using a combination of broth and a bit of white wine.

Seasoning: Don’t forget to season your soup with salt, pepper, and other herbs like thyme, rosemary, or bay leaves. Taste and adjust the seasoning as you cook.

Creaminess: To achieve a creamy texture without making the soup too heavy, you can use a mixture of milk and a bit of flour to thicken it, or a splash of heavy cream added at the end of cooking.

Noodles: Cook the noodles separately and add them to the soup just before serving. This prevents them from becoming too soggy and absorbing too much broth.

Balance Creaminess with Acidity: A splash of lemon juice or a bit of white wine vinegar can balance the creaminess of the soup, adding a subtle brightness.

Garnish: Serve with a garnish of fresh parsley or dill and, if you like, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor.

Slow Simmer: Let your soup simmer gently to meld the flavors together. Avoid boiling, especially after adding dairy, to prevent curdling.

Adjust Consistency: If the soup is too thick, thin it with a bit of broth. If it’s too thin, simmer it for a little longer to reduce.

Storage and Reheating: Store leftovers in the fridge and reheat gently. You may need to add more broth when reheating, as the noodles will absorb liquid.

FAQs

What type of chicken is best for creamy chicken noodle soup?

Both chicken breasts and thighs work well. Thighs offer more flavor due to their higher fat content, while breasts are leaner. You can use cooked, shredded chicken from a roast or poach raw chicken in broth for the soup.

Can I use store-bought chicken broth?

Yes, store-bought chicken broth is perfectly fine. For enhanced flavor, choose a high-quality or organic broth.

What vegetables should I include?

Classic vegetables include onions, carrots, and celery. You can also add peas, corn, or spinach for extra nutrition and flavor.

Can I make this soup in advance?

Yes, you can make it in advance. However, add the noodles only when you’re ready to serve to avoid them getting too soft. Store the soup and noodles separately in the refrigerator if not serving immediately.

How can I thicken the soup if it’s too thin?

Create a slurry by mixing a small amount of flour or cornstarch with water and stir it into the soup, then simmer until the desired thickness is reached.

How do I add more flavor to my soup?

Use herbs like thyme, bay leaves, or rosemary. A splash of lemon juice or a bit of white wine can also add depth. Season well with salt and pepper.

How long does creamy chicken noodle soup last in the fridge?

Properly stored, it can last 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Reheat gently and add additional broth if necessary.

Can I freeze creamy chicken noodle soup?

Cream-based soups don’t always freeze well as the dairy can separate when thawed. If you plan to freeze it, consider making the base without dairy and adding cream when reheating.

A creamy bowl of chicken noodle soup with bread next to it.

What to Serve With Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

Crusty Bread: A loaf of crusty bread like a baguette or sourdough, perfect for dipping and soaking up the delicious soup. Try this easy garlic herb focaccia.

Side Salad: A light and fresh green salad with a vinaigrette dressing to balance the richness of the soup.

Grilled Cheese Sandwich: A classic pairing, offering a crispy, cheesy complement to the creamy soup.

Roasted Vegetables: Vegetables like carrots, parsnips, or Brussels sprouts roasted to bring out their natural sweetness.

Garlic Bread: For a flavorful and aromatic addition that’s great for dipping. Try this recipe.

Biscuits: Fluffy biscuits can be a comforting side, ideal for sopping up the broth.

Crackers: A variety of crackers, from saltines to flavored varieties, add a crunchy texture.

Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses can be a sophisticated accompaniment to the soup.

Apple Slices: The crispness and slight tartness of apple slices can refresh the palate between spoonfuls.

Quiche: A small slice of quiche, with its savory egg custard and flaky crust, can complement the soup well.

Cornbread: Sweet and buttery cornbread offers a Southern twist to the meal. Try my honey butter cornbread.

Pesto: A dollop of pesto on top of the soup for an herby, rich flavor boost.

Pickled Vegetables: Pickles or a small side of pickled vegetables can add a tangy contrast.

Bruschetta: Toasted bruschetta topped with tomato, basil, and a drizzle of olive oil for an Italian flair.

Try these new recipes next:

Creamy chicken noodle soup on a wooden table.

If you love this easy recipe please click the stars below to give it a five star rating and leave a comment! Pease also help me share on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest!

Follow on Instagram

Follow

Click here to view the web story for this recipe!

Creamy chicken noodle soup served on a white plate.

Only have 30 minutes to get dinner on the table? Sign up for my 30 minute dinner plans direct to your inbox!
Find and shop my favorite products in my Amazon storefront here!

Want to save this recipe?
Just enter your email and get it sent to your inbox! Plus you’ll get new recipes from us every week – and be sure to tag @sweetcsdesigns on social media – I love to see your creations!
Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.
5 from 2 votes

Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

By: Courtney O’Dell
Servings: 8
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 25 minutes
Total: 35 minutes
A creamy bowl of chicken noodle soup with bread next to it.
Creamy chicken noodle soup offers a comforting and hearty blend of tender chicken pieces, soft noodles, and vegetables, all enveloped in a rich, velvety broth that warms the soul.

Ingredients 

  • ¾ cup thinly sliced carrots
  • ¾ cup thinly sliced celery
  • 1 white onion, thinly chopped
  • 2 tbsp minced garlic
  • 1 tbsp dried oregano
  • 1 tbsp salt
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 32 oz. chicken stock
  • 2 lb shredded chicken
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 3 cups pasta, any small pasta shape will do
  • 2 cups chopped spinach
  • ½ chopped parsley
  • Top with freshly grated parmesan, optional

Instructions 

  • Put olive oil in a large pot, add the carrots, celery, onion, garlic, dried oregano, salt, onion powder, and pepper. Sautee for about 5-6 minutes, or until the onion is transparent. 
  • Add in chicken stock and shredded chicken. Bring to a boil.
  • Add the pasta and boil till pasta is soft.
  • Add your heavy cream and stir to combine.
  • Add in spinach, once spinach is wilted the soup is ready. Top with parsley and parmesan cheese, enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 563kcalCarbohydrates: 31gProtein: 39gFat: 31gSaturated Fat: 16gPolyunsaturated Fat: 12gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 156mgSodium: 1205mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: soups
Cuisine: American
Tried this recipe?Mention @sweetcsdesigns or tag #sweetcsdesigns!

About Courtney

Courtney loves to share great wine, good food, and loves to explore far flung places- all while masting an everyday elegant and easy style at lifestyle blog Sweet C’s Designs. Sweet C's devoted to finding the best food and drinks you'll want to make or find, around the world!

You May Also Like

5 from 2 votes (2 ratings without comment)

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating