If you have been craving a bowl of comfort that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, then this Creamy Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s rich, velvety, and loaded with tender chicken, fresh herbs, and perfectly cooked noodles swimming in a luscious creamy broth. Every spoonful balances hearty textures with a cozy, aromatic flavor that only a lovingly made soup can provide. Once you master this recipe, it will quickly become your go-to dish for family dinners or when you just want something soothing and satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is the first step to making this soup unforgettable. The list might look simple, but each item plays a crucial role in creating that perfect harmony between creamy texture, fresh crispness, and savory depth that defines this Creamy Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe.
- 6 tablespoons salted butter: Provides a rich base and helps sauté the vegetables to bring out their natural sweetness.
- 1 yellow onion, chopped: Adds subtle sweetness and depth that forms the backbone of the broth.
- 6 cloves garlic, chopped: Infuses the soup with warm, robust flavor, enhancing every spoonful.
- 1 cup chopped celery: Adds a fresh, slightly peppery crunch that balances the creaminess.
- 1 cup chopped carrots: Brings a hint of natural sweetness and lovely color to the soup.
- 1/3 cup flour: Thickens the broth for that satisfying creamy consistency.
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves: Adds an earthy herbal note that complements the chicken perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage: Lends an aromatic, slightly peppery flavor that elevates the broth.
- 1 bay leaf: Subtly enhances the soup’s savory profile with its unique fragrance.
- 8 cups broth: The flavorful liquid foundation—chicken broth is best for authenticity.
- 1 pound boneless chicken breasts or thighs: Tender protein that absorbs the soup’s rich flavors.
- 2-3 cups egg noodles: Classic addition that brings comfort and heartiness.
- 1 cup whole milk or cream: Creates the signature creamy texture that sets this soup apart.
- 1/3 cup shaved parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty finish that makes the soup irresistibly savory.
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley: Finishes the dish with a fresh, vibrant burst of green and flavor.
How to Make Creamy Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Your Vegetables
Start by melting that glorious butter in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion, garlic, celery, and carrots, seasoning them lightly with salt and pepper. This step is where the flavors really start to mingle and develop—cooking just until the veggies soften, about 5 minutes. It’s like setting the stage for the starring chicken and noodles to shine later on.
Step 2: Add Flour and Herbs
Next, sprinkle in the flour, fresh thyme, and sage. Stir and cook for another 5 minutes. This is a simple trick to create a velvety base as the flour gently thickens your broth while the herbs infuse wonderful aroma and warmth. Trust me, these layers are what give the soup a cozy, homemade character.
Step 3: Pour in Broth and Cook Chicken
Now, pour in the 8 cups of broth and crank up the heat to bring it all to a boil. Add the chicken, bay leaf, and if you have one, a parmesan rind for extra depth. Cover and let it simmer for about 20 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked. At this point, you can let it simmer gently on low anywhere from 4 to 6 hours for even richer flavors if you have the time.
Step 4: Shred Chicken and Add Noodles
Remove the chicken and shred it into bite-sized pieces while discarding the bay leaf. Give the soup a taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Bring your soup back to a boil, and add the egg noodles. Let them cook for 6 to 8 minutes until tender, soaking up all that savory goodness.
Step 5: Finish with Cream and Parmesan
Finally, stir in the milk or cream, shaved parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley. This is where the soup transforms from deliciously comforting to downright indulgent. The creaminess balances out the herbs and chicken, creating a luxuriously smooth spoonful every time.
How to Serve Creamy Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley is always a simple but charming garnish to brighten the bowl visually and flavor-wise. You can also add a tiny drizzle of extra cream or a few more parmesan shavings to give it a gourmet touch right before serving.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread—think crusty baguette or warm, buttery dinner rolls—to help mop up every last drop. A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette also makes a fresh, light companion that balances the rich soup perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your soup in rustic ceramic bowls for a homestyle feel or in clear glass mugs for a charming, cozy look. For a family-friendly twist, present it in bread bowls for that wow-factor. It’s not just about taste but the warm experience that’ll bring everyone to the table eagerly.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen after a day, making it even tastier when reheated. Just be sure to store the noodles separately if you want to keep them from getting too mushy.
Freezing
This creamy soup freezes well but it’s best to freeze before adding the milk and noodles. Store broth and shredded chicken in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight and add cream and noodles fresh on the stove for the best texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently over medium-low heat, stirring often to prevent scorching. If the soup thickens too much, add a splash of broth or milk to loosen it back up. Add fresh noodles at this stage so they cook perfectly without becoming overdone.
FAQs
Can I use leftover cooked chicken instead of raw?
Absolutely! Leftover roasted or poached chicken works wonderfully. Add it in the last few minutes of cooking just to warm through, then proceed with noodles and cream.
Is it possible to make this soup dairy-free?
Yes, you can swap the butter for olive oil and use coconut milk or any other plant-based milk for creaminess. Just keep in mind that it will alter the flavor slightly.
What type of noodles works best in this recipe?
Traditional egg noodles are classic for this soup because they hold their shape and have great texture, but you can use other small pasta shapes like shells or orzo as well.
Can I prepare this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, start by sautéing the vegetables separately, then combine all ingredients (except dairy and noodles) in a slow cooker for 4-6 hours on low. Add noodles and cream towards the end to finish.
How thick should the soup be?
The broth should be creamy and slightly thickened but still ladle-able. It’s balanced enough to coat your spoon without being too heavy or runny.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe is everything comfort food dreams are made of—rich, savory, and bursting with fresh, wholesome ingredients. It’s a fantastic way to nourish yourself and your loved ones, whether it’s a chilly evening or you need a gentle pick-me-up. I can’t wait for you to make this at home and fall in love with every cozy spoonful.
PrintCreamy Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
This Creamy Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup is a comforting, hearty dish made with tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and egg noodles in a rich, creamy broth infused with fresh herbs and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for chilly days or when you need a warm, satisfying meal.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 6 tablespoons salted butter
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 6 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1 cup chopped carrots
- 1/3 cup flour
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage
- 1 bay leaf
- 8 cups broth (chicken or vegetable)
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless chicken breasts or thighs
- 2–3 cups egg noodles
Finishing Touches
- 1 cup whole milk or cream
- 1/3 cup shaved Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: Melt the butter in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, garlic, celery, and carrots. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables soften and become fragrant.
- Add Flour and Herbs: Stir in the flour along with the fresh thyme and sage. Continue cooking for another 5 minutes, allowing the flour to cook out and the herbs to release their flavors.
- Simmer Soup with Chicken: Pour in the broth and bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Add the chicken pieces, bay leaf, and optionally a Parmesan rind if available. Cover and cook for 20 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked. Soup can be simmered on low for 4-6 hours for deeper flavors.
- Shred Chicken and Remove Bay Leaf: Remove the chicken and shred it using two forks. Discard the bay leaf. Return shredded chicken to the pot. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Cook Noodles: Bring the soup back to a boil, then add egg noodles. Cook for 6-8 minutes until the noodles are tender.
- Finish with Cream and Cheese: Stir in the whole milk or cream, shaved Parmesan cheese, and chopped parsley to create a creamy, flavorful finish. Heat through and serve warm.
Notes
- Using a Parmesan rind during simmering adds extra depth and umami to the broth.
- For a richer soup, use whole milk or cream as indicated, or substitute half-and-half.
- Feel free to substitute fresh herbs with dried, but reduce quantities accordingly (use about one-third).
- Chicken thighs can provide more moist, flavorful meat compared to breasts.
- This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stove.
