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Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup: Easy 30 Minute Family Dinner

creamy chicken noodle soup - featured image

A quick and creamy chicken noodle soup ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights. This comforting recipe uses simple ingredients and a secret trick with heavy cream for a velvety texture that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup)
  • 2 large carrots, peeled and diced (about 1 cup)
  • 2 celery stalks, diced (about 1/2 cup)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken recommended)
  • 2 cups wide egg noodles (about 6 ounces)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground)
  • Optional: 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Melt the butter in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Let it foam and then subside—about 1 minute.
  2. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Stir to coat with the butter. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and the onion is translucent.
  3. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly.
  4. Pour in the chicken broth and increase the heat to high. Bring it to a boil, about 3 to 4 minutes.
  5. Add the egg noodles and reduce the heat to medium. Cook according to package directions, usually 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  6. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded chicken. Let it warm through for about 1 minute.
  7. Pour in the heavy cream slowly while stirring. Do not let it boil after adding the cream.
  8. Season with thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust. Add red pepper flakes if using.
  9. Let the soup simmer on low for 2 to 3 minutes to let the flavors meld.
  10. Remove from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Ladle into bowls and serve hot.

Notes

For meal prepping, cook the noodles separately and add them to each bowl when serving to prevent them from soaking up all the broth. If freezing, leave out the noodles and add freshly cooked noodles when reheating. The soup will thicken as it sits; add a splash of chicken broth or milk when reheating.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy chicken noodle soup, easy chicken soup, 30 minute dinner, weeknight dinner, comfort food, chicken noodle soup