Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup for Cozy Nights

Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup for Cozy Nights

Warm up with this creamy chicken noodle soup, featuring tender chicken, vegetables, and savory broth for a comforting meal.

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Prep Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Course Soup

Servings 6

Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• half of a yellow onion, finely diced (about 1 1/2 cups)
• 2 large carrots, thinly sliced into rounds
• 2 stalks celery, very finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 5 sprigs fresh thyme
• 6-7 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups old-fashioned egg noodles
• 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken

Instructions

 

• Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onions, carrots, and celery; cook for 7-10 minutes, or until very tender.
• Add garlic, salt, and thyme sprigs; saute for 1 minute until fragrant.
• Add broth and noodles. Bring to a low simmer and cook for 10 minutes, or until noodles are tender.
• Remove from heat. Pull out the thyme sprigs.
• Add spinach, chicken, and cream. Stir to combine until heated through and spinach is wilted.
• Let it rest for 10-20 minutes for re-absorption, or stir well and serve immediately.

Notes

– Use a good quality chicken broth for the best flavor base.
– Don’t overcrowd the pot; ensure ingredients have space to cook evenly.
– For extra richness, a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half works beautifully.

Allergens: Wheat, Milk.

Nutrition information is an estimate, calculated automatically. Values vary with brands, substitutions and portion sizes.

Keyword chicken noodle soup

The technique that makes it

The key to a truly comforting and flavorful chicken noodle soup lies in building layers of flavor from the start and managing the noodle texture. Begin by sautéing the aromatics – onion, carrots, and celery – in olive oil over medium heat. This process, known as sweating, gently cooks the vegetables, softening them and releasing their natural sweetness without browning. Browning can introduce a bitter note, which is undesirable here. Adding the minced garlic towards the end of the sauté prevents it from burning, which would also result in bitterness. The fresh thyme sprigs, added with the broth, infuse their herbaceous aroma as the soup simmers. Using a good quality chicken broth is crucial, as it forms the soup’s base. For richness, consider using a broth that has some body or even a combination of broth and a little milk or cream if you want an extra creamy finish, although this recipe focuses on the broth’s natural flavor. The noodles are added towards the end to prevent them from becoming mushy. Old-fashioned egg noodles absorb liquid and thicken the soup slightly as they cook. Adding them directly to the simmering broth ensures they cook evenly and absorb flavor. Finally, incorporating pre-cooked shredded rotisserie chicken saves time and adds a depth of flavor from the roasted bird.

Troubleshooting

• Problem: Soup is bland. Fix: Ensure you’ve seasoned adequately with salt and pepper throughout the cooking process, tasting and adjusting as needed. Adding more broth or a pinch of MSG can also boost umami.
• Problem: Noodles are mushy. Fix: Cook noodles al dente, or slightly underdone, as they will continue to soften in the hot soup. For best results, cook noodles separately and add them to individual bowls just before serving.
• Problem: Vegetables are too hard. Fix: Ensure vegetables are cut uniformly and simmered long enough in the broth. If you’re short on time, you can par-boil harder vegetables like carrots before adding them to the soup.
• Problem: Soup is too thin. Fix: Simmer the soup uncovered for a longer period to allow some liquid to evaporate. Alternatively, you can thicken it slightly by creating a slurry of 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water and stirring it into the simmering soup.

Substitutions

• Chicken: Cooked turkey or shredded firm tofu can be used instead of rotisserie chicken for a different protein. The flavor profile will change slightly, but the texture can be similar.
• Vegetables: Peas, corn, or diced potatoes can be added along with or instead of carrots and celery for added variety and texture. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
• Noodles: Other pasta shapes like ditalini, elbow macaroni, or even small shells can be substituted for egg noodles. Ensure they are cooked al dente.
• Herbs: Fresh parsley or dried herbs like rosemary or sage can be used in place of thyme, though the flavor will be different. Use dried herbs sparingly as they are more potent.

Pro tips

• Use a good quality chicken broth for the best flavor base.
• Don’t overcrowd the pot; ensure ingredients have space to cook evenly.
• For extra richness, a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half works beautifully.

Enjoy this deeply satisfying bowl of homemade chicken noodle soup. It’s a timeless classic that never fails to comfort and delight.

Try this next: Ultimate Comfort Chicken Noodle Soup!

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