Name: Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup-Easy Comfort Food Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 6-8 servings
Ingredients: ½ cup butter; 2 cups chopped carrots; 1½ cups chopped celery; 1 cup chopped onion; ¼ cup all-purpose flour; 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon base; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 1½ pounds chicken breasts; 4 ounces wide egg noodles; 2 (10.5 oz) cans cream of chicken soup; ¼ cup water or milk; Salt to taste; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley

Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup is more than just a meal; it’s a warm hug in a bowl, a nostalgic journey back to simpler times, and an instant antidote to a chilly day or a weary spirit. Who doesn’t love the comforting embrace of a rich, velvety broth studded with tender chicken pieces, hearty noodles, and vibrant vegetables? This isn’t your average watery broth; our version takes that beloved classic and elevates it to pure, unadulterated comfort food bliss. What makes this Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup truly special is the secret to its impossibly smooth texture and the depth of flavor we achieve, transforming humble ingredients into something truly extraordinary. Get ready to discover a recipe that will become your go-to for comfort, nourishment, and sheer deliciousness, a dish that will have everyone asking for seconds (and maybe even thirds!).

Ingredients:

½ cup butter
2 cups chopped carrots
1½ cups chopped celery
1 cup chopped onion
¼ cup all-purpose flour
6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 teaspoon chicken bouillon base
½ teaspoon black pepper
1½ pounds chicken breasts
4 ounces wide egg noodles
2 (10.5 oz) cans cream of chicken soup
¼ cup water or milk
Salt to taste
2 tablespoons fresh parsley

Preparing the Vegetables and Chicken

Step 1: Sautéing the Aromatics

Begin extract by melting the butter in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once the butter is fully meltegin extractnd begins to shimmer, add your chopped carrots, celery, and onion. These foundational vegetables are often called aromatics because they build the delicious flavor base for our Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup. Stir them frequently to prevent sticking and to ensure even cooking. We’re aiming for them to soften and become slightly translucent, which typically takes about 8 to 10 minutes. This process helps to release their natural sweetness and develop a richer flavor profile for the soup. Don’t rush this step, as well-cooked vegetables are key to a great soup.

Step 2: Building the Roux and Broth Base

Once the vegetables have softened, sprinkle the all-purpose flour evenly over them. Stir continuously for about 1 to 2 minutes. This mixture of flour and fat is called a roux, and it’s essential for thickening our soup. Cooking the flour for a couple of minutes helps to eliminate any raw flour taste. Next, gradually whisk in the low-sodium chicken broth, a cup at a time, ensuring each addition is fully incorporated before adding more. This gradual addition prevents lumps from forming. Once all the broth is added, whisk in the chicken bouillon base and the black pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally, and allow it to cook for about 10 minutes, or until it has thickened slightly. This creates the flavorful, foundational liquid for our soup.

Step 3: Cooking the Chicken

While the broth mixture is simmering, it’s time to prepare your chicken. You have a couple of options here. You can either poach the chicken breasts directly in the simmering broth for about 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through, and then shred or dice them. Alternatively, you can cook the chicken breasts separately by boiling them in water until done, then shredding or dicing them. If you choose to poach them in the broth, ensure the broth is at a gentle simmer and not a rolling boil, as this will keep the chicken tender. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the broth (if poached) and set aside on a cutting board to cool slightly before shredding or dicing it into bite-sized pieces. Return any poached chicken to the pot.

Assembling the Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

Step 4: Incorporating the Noodles and Creaminess

Now that our broth base is established and the chicken is ready, it’s time to add the components that will make this a true Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup. Add the wide egg noodles to the simmering broth. Stir gently to separate them and prevent them from clumping together. Cook the noodles according to the package directions, usually about 7 to 10 minutes, until they are al dente – tender but still with a slight bite. Next, stir in the two cans of cream of chicken soup. This is where the magic happens, transforming our savory broth into a luxuriously creamy consistency. Stir until the cream of chicken soup is completely melted and blended into the broth. If the soup seems too thick at this stage, you can add the ¼ cup of water or milk to reach your desired consistency. Adding milk will contribute to an even richer, creamier texture.

Step 5: Final Touches and Serving

Once the noodles are cooked and the cream of chicken soup is fully incorporated, add the cooked, shredded or diced chicken back into the pot. Stir everything together gently and let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the chicken to heat through. Taste the soup and add salt as needed. Remember that the chicken bouillon and cream of chicken soup can be salty, so season cautiously and adjust to your preference. Just before serving, stir in the fresh parsley for a burst of color and fresh, herbaceous flavor. Ladle the hot, creamy chicken noodle soup into bowls. This soup is best served immediately, so gather your loved ones and enjoy this comforting classic!

Conclusion:

And there you have it – a truly comforting and satisfying bowl of Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup! I hope you enjoyed following along with this recipe and are excited to try it in your own kitchen. This soup is more than just a meal; it’s a hug in a bowl, perfect for a chilly evening, a sick day, or simply when you crave something wonderfully familiar and delicious. The creamy texture, combined with tender chicken, perfectly cooked noodles, and a medley of vegetables, creates a symphony of flavors that’s hard to beat. Don’t be afraid to tailor it to your preferences! This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, and I truly encourage you to make it your own. So gather your ingredients, put on your favorite apron, and dive into the joy of creating this delightful Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup often tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, you might need to add a splash of broth or milk to restore the desired consistency, as the noodles will absorb some liquid.

What other vegetables can I add to this soup?

The beauty of this Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup lies in its versatility! Feel free to add other vegetables like peas, corn, green beans, or even some chopped spinach in the last few minutes of cooking. Diced potatoes or sweet potatoes can also be a delicious addition, just ensure they are cooked through.

How can I make this soup richer and creamier?

For an extra decadent creamy chicken noodle soup, you can finish it with a swirl of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream just before serving. A tablespoon of cream cheese stirred in until melted also adds a wonderful richness and subtle tang.