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Nothing beats a warm bowl of soup, especially when it’s one of those truly hearty soup recipes. These comforting meals are packed with flavor and substance, perfect for chasing away a chill. Today, we’re diving into a classic that gets a creamy, luxurious twist: a Hearty Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup. This recipe is your go-to for cozy comfort, making cold weather days feel a little warmer and much more delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Hearty Soup
You’ll want to add this to your collection of favorite hearty soup recipes for so many reasons! It’s incredibly simple to make, even if you’re new to cooking from scratch.
- Effortless Comfort: Enjoy a rich, satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Deep Flavor: The creamy broth and tender ingredients create an unforgettable taste.
- Meal Prep Friendly: This soup tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for lunches.
- Customizable: Easily adapt ingredients to fit various dietary needs or preferences.
- Family Favorite: A classic crowd-pleaser that everyone at the table will love.
Ingredients
Creating delicious hearty soup recipes starts with quality ingredients. For this creamy chicken noodle soup, gather your fresh produce, protein, and pantry staples.
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter or olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken works great!)
- 1.5 cups egg noodles (medium)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Notes & Substitutions
For the best flavor in your hearty soup recipes, use a high-quality chicken broth. Homemade broth offers superior taste, but good store-bought brands are excellent too. Save time by using leftover cooked chicken or a rotisserie chicken. Feel free to swap egg noodles for ditalini, small shells, or even gluten-free pasta. Add extra vegetables like peas, corn, or spinach for more nutrition. For a dairy-free option, use full-fat coconut milk or a dairy-free creamer, omitting the bay leaf if using coconut milk to avoid clashing flavors.
Equipment
Gathering your equipment beforehand makes cooking any of your hearty soup recipes much smoother.
- Large pot or Dutch oven (6-quart minimum)
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Ladle for serving
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create a delightful Hearty Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup, one of our favorite hearty soup recipes.
- Prep Vegetables: Dice the onion, carrots, and celery. Mince the garlic cloves. If using raw chicken, cook it first by simmering in water or baking, then shred or dice.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat butter or olive oil in your large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add Broth and Seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth. Add the dried thyme and bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
- Cook Chicken and Vegetables: Add the cooked, shredded chicken to the simmering broth. Let it cook for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the vegetables to become tender.
- Cook Noodles: Stir in the egg noodles. Continue to simmer for 7-10 minutes, or until the noodles are al dente (tender but with a slight bite). Be careful not to overcook them.
- Add Cream and Finish: Remove the bay leaf. Reduce the heat to low. Gently stir in the heavy cream or half-and-half. Heat through for 2-3 minutes, but do not bring the soup to a rolling boil after adding the cream, as it can curdle.
- Season and Serve: Taste the soup and season generously with salt and black pepper as needed. Ladle the Hearty Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving warm.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Making delicious hearty soup recipes is easy with a few tricks. Don’t overcook your noodles; they will continue to soften in the hot broth. Always adjust seasoning at the end; taste and add salt and pepper until it’s perfect. For a thicker soup, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to form a slurry, then stir it into the simmering soup at step 6 and cook for a few minutes until thickened. To prevent dairy from curdling, ensure the soup is not boiling when you add the cream, and stir it in slowly while on low heat.
Serving, Storage, & Variations
Serve your comforting chicken noodle soup with warm crusty bread, fresh rolls, or simple crackers. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or a dash of black pepper makes a lovely garnish. This is one of those hearty soup recipes that tastes even better the next day!
Storage Tips
Cool the soup completely before storing it. Transfer it to airtight containers or Mason jars, leaving about 1.5 inches of headspace in jars. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. For extended storage, freeze the soup for up to 3 months. Thaw frozen soup overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stovetop.
Variations
Easily adapt this recipe to fit your preferences. Add hearty vegetables like chopped potatoes, green beans, or corn. Substitute chicken with shredded turkey, cooked ground beef, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian option. Experiment with different spices such as a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of cayenne for a subtle kick. Make it gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta and ensuring your broth is certified gluten-free. For a dairy-free version, use full-fat coconut milk or a plant-based creamer.
Nutrition
This Hearty Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup provides a balanced meal. It’s a good source of protein from the chicken and fiber from the vegetables. Calories and nutrients can vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes, but this dish is generally a wholesome option.
Research from Harvard’s Nutrition Department supports the claim that chicken noodle soup may help clear nasal congestion and ease cold symptoms.
| Nutrient | Per Serving (Est.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350-400 kcal |
| Protein | 25-30g |
| Fat | 15-20g |
| Carbohydrates | 20-25g |
| Fiber | 3-5g |
This homemade option allows for customization to fit various dietary needs, making it one of the healthier hearty soup recipes.
FAQ
- Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the broth and vegetables ahead. It’s best to add the noodles just before serving to prevent them from getting mushy.
- How long does hearty soup last?
When stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator, this soup will last for 3-4 days.
- Can I freeze this soup?
Absolutely! Freeze it in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.
- What makes a soup “hearty”?
A hearty soup typically contains substantial ingredients like protein, vegetables, and sometimes pasta or grains, making it a filling and satisfying meal on its own.
- How to add more vegetables?
Dice your preferred vegetables, like peas, corn, or spinach, and add them with the carrots and celery, or in the last 10 minutes of cooking.
Conclusion
This Hearty Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup is more than just a meal; it’s a bowl of comforting warmth, perfect for any occasion. With its rich flavors and simple preparation, it easily stands out among other hearty soup recipes. We encourage you to try this recipe and experience the joy of homemade comfort. It’s incredibly versatile and always satisfying. We’d love to hear how you customized your soup – share your experiences with us!
Hearty Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Equipment
- Large Pot
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
Instructions
General Steps
Notes
Printable Recipe Card
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A 48-year-old contributing writer based in New York City. He is known for his insightful articles on American cuisine and food culture. With a lifelong passion for cooking and storytelling, David began his journey in the culinary world as a chef before transitioning to writing. He has contributed to various food magazines and blogs, sharing his experiences, recipes, and culinary tips, inspiring home cooks and food enthusiasts alike. Through his engaging writing style, David explores the rich tapestry of American cuisine, celebrating its diversity while encouraging readers to experiment in their own kitchens.
