Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
If you’re craving cozy comfort in a bowl, you’ve got to try my Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe—it’s one of those soul-soothing dishes that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. Trust me, once you make this, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without its rich, velvety broth intertwined with tender chicken, silky noodles, and just the right touch of herbs. Stick around because I’ll walk you through every detail to help you nail this fan-freaking-tastic soup every time.
Why This Recipe Works
- Balanced Creaminess: The combination of half-and-half with chicken broth creates a silky, rich texture that’s not too heavy but utterly satisfying.
- Fresh Veggie Base: Cooking onions, carrots, celery, and garlic together builds a deep, comforting flavor foundation.
- Perfect Herb Blend: Thyme and oregano bring warmth and a subtle earthiness, making every spoonful bursting with cozy vibes.
- Flexible & Family-Friendly: You can easily customize noodles or swap chicken leftovers, making it an adaptable weeknight winner.
Ingredients & Why They Work
The magic of this Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe lies in how simple ingredients team up beautifully. Each element isn’t just for taste but contributes texture, body, and balance—plus, most of these are pantry staples you probably already have.

- Unsalted Butter: Adds a rich base to soften veggies and helps deliver that luscious mouthfeel early on.
- Yellow Onion: Its natural sweetness mellows out while cooking, enriching the broth’s flavor.
- Carrots: Offer subtle sweetness and a nice contrast to savory chicken.
- Celery: Brings a fresh, slightly peppery note that balances the richness.
- Garlic: A punch of aromatic depth; just two cloves do wonders!
- All-Purpose Flour: Thickens the broth to that crave-worthy creamy consistency.
- Salt & Pepper: Important for seasoning at every stage to elevate flavors steadily.
- Dried Thyme & Oregano: Classic herbs that ground the soup with their warm, earthy profile.
- Chicken Broth: The flavorful liquid that ties it all together; reduced sodium keeps it from getting too salty as you adjust.
- Potato: Adds subtle body and creaminess once it breaks down a bit during simmering.
- Cooked Chicken: The star protein—rotisserie chicken is my go-to for ease and flavor.
- Half-and-Half or Whole Milk: Melts everything into a creamy, dreamy finish without being overpowering.
- Wide Egg Noodles: Their broad shape cradles the broth perfectly and cooks to tender with a bit of bite.
Tweak to Your Taste
I like to think of this Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe as a flexible canvas—you can easily swap or add ingredients to suit your palate or what’s in your fridge. Sometimes, I toss in a squeeze of lemon juice at the end for a fresh zing that just wakes everything up.
- Variation: On a lazy Sunday, I’ve made this with leftover turkey—it tastes just as comforting and gives a nice twist.
- Dietary Tweaks: For a dairy-free version, oat milk works well though it’s not as rich; just keep an eye on seasoning.
- Seasonal Spin: Swap out potatoes for sweet potatoes in fall to add a cozy sweetness.
- Texture Play: If you’re short on time, smaller pasta like elbow macaroni cooks faster and pairs just as nicely.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Veggie Trio to Build Flavors
I start by melting unsalted butter over medium heat in a good-sized pot or Dutch oven. Then, in go the chopped onions, carrots, celery, and garlic. Stir them occasionally for about 5 minutes until everything softens without browning. This step is crucial because it lets the veggies release their natural sweetness, which forms the cozy backbone of the soup.
Step 2: Add Flour and Herbs to Create the Creamy Base
Next up, sprinkle in the flour along with salt, pepper, thyme, and oregano—stir everything to coat the veggies evenly. Cooking this mixture for about 2 minutes cooks out the raw flour taste, letting it thicken gently when the broth joins the party. You’ll start to see the base turn a bit glossy and fragrant here.
Step 3: Pour in Broth and Potato, Then Simmer
Time for 8 cups of chicken broth and diced potato. Give everything a quick stir, then crank the heat to medium-high until it boils—watch closely and resist the urge to stir during those first 3 minutes; boiling makes the soup silky. Once boiling, lower heat to medium-low, partially cover, and let it gently simmer for about 25 minutes or until the potatoes are tender. This slow simmer lets all flavors marry beautifully.
Step 4: Stir in Chicken, Half-and-Half, and Noodles
Finally, add your shredded chicken, the creamy half-and-half (or whole milk), and wide egg noodles. Let this cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the noodles soften and the soup thickens to that perfect cozy consistency. Don’t forget to taste and adjust seasoning before serving—it’s key to getting that final flavor pop you want!
Pro Tips for Making Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
- Use Reduced Sodium Broth: It’s easier to control salt levels and prevents the soup from becoming too salty as it cooks down.
- Don’t Over-Stir When Boiling: Stirring during the initial boil can make the soup cloudy; patience results in a nicer texture.
- Choose Wide Egg Noodles: They hold up well in the creamy broth, providing the perfect bite without getting mushy.
- Add Fresh Herbs at the End: A sprinkle of fresh thyme brightens flavors without overpowering the richness.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

Garnishes
I love garnishing this soup with a few fresh thyme leaves or a light sprinkle of finely chopped parsley. It adds that pop of fresh green color and a subtle herbal brightness that elevates each spoonful. Sometimes, I even add a swirl of extra cream for an elegant touch when serving guests.
Side Dishes
Pair this creamy chicken noodle soup with crusty bread—like a toasted sourdough or a warm baguette—to soak up that silky broth. I also love a crisp green salad on the side to balance the soup’s richness, especially during spring or summer.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I serve it in charming mugs or mini Dutch ovens to give a cozy, rustic vibe. Adding a sprig of fresh thyme perched on the side of the bowl makes it feel like more than just dinner—more like a little celebration of comfort food.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge, where the soup stays good for up to one week. Just a heads up: the noodles and potatoes absorb some broth overnight, thickening the soup quite a bit.
Freezing
Freezing this creamy chicken noodle soup is totally doable, but I recommend freezing it before adding the noodles or cooking the noodles separately and stirring them in after reheating. That way, you avoid soggy noodles when thawed. I freeze it for up to 3 months in sturdy, freezer-safe containers.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup feels too thick, just splash in a bit more chicken broth or milk to bring back that luscious creaminess. Avoid rapid boiling to prevent curdling of the dairy.
FAQs
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Can I use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken for this Soup?
Absolutely! Leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken works perfectly in this recipe. Just shred or chop it and add it in during the final step. It’s an easy way to make the soup quickly and maximize flavor with minimal prep.
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What’s the best type of noodles to use for creamy chicken noodle soup?
Wide egg noodles are my favorite because they hold up well in the creamy broth, cooking to tender without becoming mushy. You can also use other dry pasta like elbow macaroni or fettuccine (just break it down to bite-size pieces), but adjust cooking time accordingly.
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Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Yes! To keep it creamy without dairy, I recommend using plain oat milk which adds smoothness without an overpowering flavor. Almond milk is also an option but might not be as rich. Avoid lower-fat or flavored plant milks for best results.
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How do I prevent the soup from getting too thick when stored?
The noodles and potatoes absorb liquid as the soup cools and sits in the fridge. To prevent it from getting too thick, store the broth separately or add extra chicken broth when reheating to restore the perfect creamy consistency.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, this Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe has become my go-to comfort food whenever I need something warm, simple, and deeply satisfying. It’s one of those dishes that feels like coming home, and I know once you try it, it’ll become a staple in your kitchen, too. So don’t hesitate—grab those ingredients, get cozy, and enjoy every comforting spoonful like we’re sharing a kitchen chat together.
Print
Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 cups
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This creamy chicken noodle soup combines tender chicken, wide egg noodles, and hearty vegetables in a rich, flavorful broth thickened with flour and finished with half-and-half for a comforting meal perfect for any day.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 3/4 cup (100g) chopped yellow onion (1/2 of a large onion)
- 1 cup (120g) sliced or diced carrots (1–2 large carrots or a handful of baby carrots)
- 1 cup (120g) sliced or diced celery (2–3 stalks)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 medium potato, peeled and diced (around 1 and 1/2 cups or 280g)
Liquids and Dairy
- 8 cups (1.92 liters) chicken broth (preferably reduced sodium)
- 1 cup (240ml) half-and-half or whole milk
- 1 Tablespoon (14g) unsalted butter
Proteins
- 2 cups (about 250g) shredded or chopped cooked chicken
Dry Ingredients and Seasonings
- 3–4 cups (about 112-150g) uncooked wide egg noodles (or other dry pasta)
- 1/4 cup (31g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves (or 2 teaspoons fresh)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano (or 1 teaspoon fresh)
Optional Garnish
- Fresh thyme leaves
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: Melt the butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes or until the vegetables have softened.
- Add Flour and Herbs: Stir in the flour, salt, pepper, thyme, and oregano. Cook for 2 minutes to form a roux and toast the herbs slightly.
- Add Broth and Potato: Pour in the chicken broth and add the diced potato. Stir everything quickly to combine, then increase heat to medium-high.
- Boil and Simmer: Bring the soup to a boil without stirring and let it boil for 3 minutes. Reduce heat to medium-low, partially cover the pot, and simmer for 25 minutes or until the potatoes are tender. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Add Chicken, Dairy, and Noodles: Stir in the shredded chicken, half-and-half or whole milk, and uncooked noodles. Cook for 10 minutes until the noodles are tender and the soup has thickened. Taste again and adjust seasonings as desired.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh thyme leaves if desired. Serve warm.
- Store Leftovers: Cover and refrigerate leftovers for up to 1 week. Reheat on stovetop over medium heat, adding more chicken broth if the soup is too thick from noodles and potatoes absorbing liquid.
Notes
- Freeze soup for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on stove.
- Use a 4-quart or larger Dutch oven for best results.
- Slow Cooker Option: Start stovetop through sautéing, then transfer to slow cooker with broth and potatoes. Cook 2 hours on low, add chicken, dairy, and noodles, and cook 1 more hour on low.
- Flavor Tip: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon in the last minutes of cooking for brightness.
- Flour Substitute: Use 2 tablespoons (16g) cornstarch instead of flour for thickening.
- Herb Variations: Substitute 1 1/2–2 teaspoons Italian seasoning for thyme and oregano.
- Use low sodium chicken broth to control salt level; adjust seasoning accordingly.
- Chicken Options: Rotisserie chicken, roasted chicken breasts, or boiled chicken breasts shredded works well.
- Dairy Substitutes: Plain oat milk or almond milk can be used but will reduce creaminess. Heavy cream (1/2 cup) can be substituted by reducing half-and-half and adding extra broth.
- Noodle Options: Wide egg noodles preferred; smaller pasta or rice can be substituted adjusting quantity and cooking times.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg

