Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

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Introduction:
Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup is the ultimate comfort food, blending tender chicken, hearty noodles, and a rich, velvety broth. Perfect for chilly days or when you need a cozy meal, this soup delivers warmth and satisfaction in every spoonful. With its creamy base and wholesome ingredients, this soup is a delightful twist on the classic chicken noodle recipe. It’s easy to make and loved by the whole family!

Ingredients (For 6-8 Servings):

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3 medium carrots, sliced
  • 2 celery stalks, sliced
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie or leftover works great)
  • 8 oz (230g) egg noodles or pasta of your choice
  • 1½ cups heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for thickening)
  • 2 cups water (or more broth, if needed)
  • Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Sauté the Vegetables:
  • In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat.
  • Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery, and cook for 5-6 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
  • Stir in the minced garlic, thyme, parsley, salt, and black pepper. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  1. Add Broth and Chicken:
  • Pour in the chicken broth and water, stirring to combine.
  • Add the shredded cooked chicken to the pot.
  • Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
  1. Cook the Noodles:
  • Stir in the egg noodles and cook according to package instructions, usually about 7-9 minutes, until the noodles are tender.
  1. Make the Creamy Base:
  • In a small bowl, whisk the heavy cream (or half-and-half) with the flour until smooth. This will help thicken the soup.
  • Slowly pour the cream mixture into the soup, stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
  • Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and becomes creamy.
  1. Adjust and Serve:
  • Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed.
  • If the soup is too thick, you can add a bit more broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
  • Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme for a burst of color and flavor.

Tips for Success:

  • Creaminess: For extra richness, use heavy cream. If you prefer a lighter version, substitute with milk or half-and-half, but note the soup will be less thick.
  • Noodle choice: Egg noodles are traditional, but feel free to use other pasta shapes like fusilli or rotini.
  • Leftover chicken: Rotisserie chicken or leftovers make this recipe super convenient, but you can also cook fresh chicken and shred it.

Recommendation:

Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup is perfect served with crusty bread or crackers for dipping. Pair it with a simple side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. This hearty and satisfying soup is a must-have for busy weeknights or for cozying up on a rainy day! It also makes excellent leftovers, as the flavors deepen over time.

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