Easy Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup – Comfort in a Bowl

By Lilo Last updated Mar 3, 2025

Easy Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

When it comes to comfort food, nothing beats a warm bowl of chicken noodle soup. This creamy version takes the classic recipe to the next level—rich, velvety, and packed with tender chicken, soft noodles, and hearty vegetables. Best of all, it comes together in under 30 minutes, making it the perfect meal for busy weeknights or when you need a cozy, homemade dish.

Whether you’re feeling under the weather or just craving something warm and satisfying, this easy creamy chicken noodle soup will hit the spot.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔ Quick & Easy – Ready in about 30 minutes with minimal effort.
✔ Rich & Creamy – The addition of heavy cream makes it extra indulgent.
✔ Perfect for Leftovers – Great for meal prep or freezing for later.
✔ Customizable – Swap out ingredients to fit your taste or dietary needs.

Ingredients (Serves 4-6)

Base Ingredients:

2 tablespoons butter (for sautéing)
1 medium onion, diced
2 carrots, peeled and sliced
2 celery stalks, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced

Soup Broth & Seasonings:

6 cups chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great!)
2 cups egg noodles (or your preferred pasta)
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried parsley
Salt and pepper, to taste

Creamy Additions:

1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness)

Optional Garnish:

Fresh parsley, chopped

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sauté the Vegetables

In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery and cook for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables soften and the onion turns translucent.

Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

2. Add Broth and Seasonings

Pour in the chicken broth, then add the shredded chicken, egg noodles, dried thyme, and dried parsley. Stir everything together.

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the noodles are soft and cooked through.

3. Make It Creamy

Once the noodles are cooked, reduce the heat to low and slowly stir in the heavy cream. Let the soup simmer for another 2-3 minutes until it’s fully heated through.

Season with salt and pepper to taste. If you want an extra touch of brightness, stir in lemon juice at this point.

4. Serve & Enjoy

Ladle the creamy chicken noodle soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips for the Best Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

✔ Use Rotisserie Chicken – Saves time and adds more flavor.
✔ Don’t Overcook the Noodles – Add them towards the end to avoid mushy pasta.
✔ Adjust the Creaminess – Use half-and-half for a lighter version or whole milk for a subtle creaminess.
✔ Make It Dairy-Free – Substitute coconut milk for a non-dairy option.

What to Serve with This Soup

This soup is delicious on its own, but if you want to pair it with something extra, try:

🥖 Crusty Bread – Perfect for dipping into the creamy broth.
🥗 Side Salad – A light, fresh balance to the rich soup.
🧀 Grilled Cheese – The ultimate comfort food pairing!

How to Store & Reheat

Refrigeration:

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing:

Freeze in portioned containers without the noodles for up to 3 months. Add freshly cooked noodles when reheating.

Reheating:

Warm on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup thickens too much, add a splash of broth or milk to thin it out.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! While egg noodles are classic, you can use orzo, ditalini, or even gluten-free pasta.

Q2: Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Add all ingredients except the cream and noodles to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Stir in the cream and cooked noodles at the end.

Q3: How can I make this soup healthier?

Use low-fat milk instead of heavy cream, whole wheat pasta, and add extra veggies like spinach or kale.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup is the perfect comfort food—warm, satisfying, and loaded with flavor. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy meal on a cold day, this recipe delivers every time.

Try it out and let me know how it turns out for you!