Hearty Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

Silky Homemade Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe for Comfort

Comfort arrives in a steaming bowl of hearty creamy chicken noodle soup that warms the soul on chilly evenings.

Rich, velvety broth swirls with tender chicken and perfectly cooked noodles, creating a luxurious meal packed with flavor.

Each spoonful delivers a delightful blend of savory herbs and creamy goodness that feels like an embrace from your favorite cook.

The classic soup takes on a luscious twist with its silky texture and depth of flavor.

Homemade ingredients combine to produce a restaurant-worthy dish that feels simultaneously nostalgic and exciting.

Chunky vegetables and succulent chicken pieces nestle among smooth, perfectly cooked noodles.

Let’s find out this comforting classic that promises to satisfy hunger and soothe weary spirits with every delectable bite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 546 kcal

Servings: 7

Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Ingredient List

For Protein and Base:
  • Chopped Cooked Chicken: Provides hearty, tender meat that makes the soup filling and satisfying; use rotisserie or leftover chicken for convenience.
  • Bacon: Adds rich, smoky flavor and crispy texture; choose thick-cut for maximum crunch and flavor intensity.
For Vegetables:
  • Celery, Carrots, Yellow Onion: Create aromatic foundation with complementary sweetness and mild bitterness; select fresh, crisp vegetables for best flavor and texture.
For Flavor Enhancers:
  • Dry Ranch Seasoning Mix: Delivers tangy, herbal punch that elevates overall soup profile; look for high-quality brands with robust seasoning.
  • Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Introduces creamy, sharp notes that deepen soup's complexity; grate fresh for optimal melting.
For Liquid and Creaminess:
  • Low-Sodium Chicken Broth: Serves as smooth, flavorful base for soup; choose low-sodium to control salt levels.
  • Half-and-Half: Creates luxurious, velvety texture; ensure it's fresh for best results.
  • Cream of Chicken Soup: Provides additional thickness and richness; select reduced-sodium version if preferred.
For Noodles:
  • Spaghetti Noodles: Offers hearty, satisfying element; can substitute with egg noodles or fusilli for variety.
For Seasoning:
  • Kosher Salt, Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing overall taste; adjust to personal preference.
For Cooking:
  • Olive Oil: Helps sauté vegetables and develop deeper flavor; use extra virgin for best quality.

Tools for Making Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

  • Large pot: Essential for sautéing vegetables and cooking the entire soup.
  • Cutting board: Needed for chopping onions, carrots, celery, and chicken.
  • Chef's knife: Perfect for precise vegetable and chicken chopping.
  • Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring ingredients while cooking.
  • Measuring spoons: Helps accurately add seasonings and oil.
  • Ladle: Useful for serving soup into bowls.
  • Grater: Required for shredding cheddar cheese.

How to Cook Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup at Home

How to Cook Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup at Home
  • Veggie Sauté Base

Warm up a spacious pot and drizzle some olive oil. Dance those chopped onions, carrots, and celery around until they transform into soft, fragrant companions. Sprinkle a whisper of salt and pepper to awaken their hidden flavors.

  • Flavor Explosion

Dust the vegetables with zesty ranch seasoning, letting the spices intermingle. Pour in chicken broth and cream of chicken soup, stirring until the mixture becomes a smooth, velvety dream.

  • Noodle Magic

Toss uncooked spaghetti noodles, cooked chicken chunks, and crispy bacon pieces into the bubbling pot. Let everything simmer and mingle, creating a symphony of textures and tastes.

  • Creamy Transformation

Introduce grated cheddar cheese and silky half-and-half, allowing the soup to develop a luxurious, rich character. Watch as the ingredients swirl and blend into pure comfort.

  • Final Touch

Taste and adjust seasonings. Ladle the steaming soup into waiting bowls, perhaps sprinkling some crushed crackers on top for an extra crunch. Enjoy your homemade masterpiece!

Tips for a Rich and Smooth Soup Base

Tips for a Rich and Smooth Soup Base
  • Replace spaghetti with egg noodles, rotini, or penne for a fun texture twist. Each pasta type brings its own unique character to the soup.
  • Swap chicken with rotisserie turkey, shredded beef, or even plant-based protein for a different protein profile. Leftover roasted meats work wonderfully in this recipe.
  • Toss in extra vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms to increase nutritional value. Fresh or frozen veggies can add color and extra nutrients to your soup.
  • Sprinkle red pepper flakes, add a dash of hot sauce, or mix in some dried herbs like thyme or rosemary for a flavor kick. Experiment with different seasonings to match your taste preferences.
  • This soup freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Store in airtight containers and reheat gently, adding a splash of broth if the soup thickens too much during storage.

Serving Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Hot

Serving Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Hot
  • Cozy Family Dinner Delight: Gather around the table and enjoy this hearty soup as a comforting main course that brings everyone together for a warm, satisfying meal.
  • Crackers and Crunch Combo: Sprinkle additional crispy bacon bits or crushed crackers on top to add extra texture and a delightful crunch that complements the creamy soup perfectly.
  • Bread Pairing Paradise: Serve alongside warm garlic bread, toasted sourdough, or buttery dinner rolls to soak up every last delicious drop of this creamy chicken masterpiece.
  • Fresh Herb Finale: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, chives, or green onions to brighten the dish and add a pop of color and fresh flavor to your comforting soup.

Storing Chicken Noodle Soup Without Losing Texture

  • Smart Storage Solutions: Cool soup completely before transferring to airtight containers with tight-fitting lids, ensuring maximum freshness for future meals.
  • Refrigerator Strategy: Store creamy chicken noodle soup in sealed containers for up to 3-4 days, keeping flavors intact and ready for quick reheating.
  • Freezing Technique: Carefully package soup without noodles for optimal freezer storage, lasting up to 2 months; add fresh noodles when reheating to maintain perfect texture.
  • Reheating Wisdom: Warm soup slowly over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of extra broth to restore creamy consistency and prevent scorching.
Print
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Hearty Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

Hearty Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe


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4.6 from 39 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 7 1x

Description

Heartwarming chicken noodle soup blends tender chicken, silky noodles, and rich broth for ultimate comfort. Classic American recipe delivers satisfying warmth with simple, nourishing ingredients you’ll savor to the last spoonful.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 cups chopped cooked chicken
  • 32 fluid oz (907 grams) low-sodium chicken broth
  • 8 slices bacon, crumbled
  • 2 cups uncooked spaghetti noodles
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
  • 1 cup half-and-half
  • 2 stalks celery, diced
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • ½ yellow onion, diced
  • 2 tbsps olive oil
  • 1 package (1 oz/28 grams) dry ranch seasoning mix
  • 1 can (1 ¾ oz/50 grams) cream of chicken soup
  • Kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Sauté Foundation: In a large pot over medium-high heat, warm olive oil and combine diced onions, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5-7 minutes until vegetables soften, seasoning with kosher salt and black pepper to enhance flavor complexity.
  2. Flavor Infusion: Sprinkle ranch seasoning over vegetables, stirring to distribute evenly. Pour chicken broth and cream of chicken soup, whisking until a smooth, unified base develops.
  3. Protein and Pasta Integration: Add uncooked spaghetti noodles, diced cooked chicken, and crumbled bacon to the pot. Bring to a rolling boil, then immediately reduce to a gentle simmer. Cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring periodically to ensure uniform cooking and prevent noodle clustering.
  4. Creamy Transformation: Incorporate grated cheddar cheese and half-and-half cream. Lower heat and allow ingredients to meld, creating a rich, velvety texture over 3-4 minutes.
  5. Finishing Touch: Conduct a final seasoning assessment, adjusting salt and pepper as needed. Transfer to serving bowls and crown with crushed butter crackers for a delightful crispy garnish.

Notes

  • Vegetable Prep Tip: Dice onions, carrots, and celery uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent flavor distribution throughout the soup.
  • Seasoning Strategy: Toast dry ranch seasoning briefly to unlock deeper flavor profiles and enhance the overall taste of the dish.
  • Noodle Cooking Hack: Stir frequently during the 12-15 minute simmering process to prevent spaghetti from clumping or sticking to the bottom of the pot.
  • Cheese Melting Secret: Add grated cheddar off the direct heat to prevent separation and achieve a smooth, creamy texture without graininess.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 7
  • Calories: 546
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 772 mg
  • Fat: 29 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 39 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 36 g
  • Cholesterol: 128 mg
Michael Reynolds

Michael Reynolds

Founder, Head Recipe Developer & Cuisine Specialist

Expertise

Recipe Development and Testing​, Modern American and European Cuisines​, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education and Workshops​

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and global cuisines.​

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts

  • Program: Diploma in Pastry Arts
  • Focus: Specialized education in baking and pastry, emphasizing artisanal bread, confections, and plated desserts.​

Michael Reynolds is the founder and head recipe creator at wd-50.com. With over 15 years of experience in the kitchen, he’s spent time working in top restaurants and now focuses on making great food easy for everyone at home.

Michael studied culinary arts at Johnson & Wales University and later trained in pastry at the Auguste Escoffier School. He knows his way around both savory meals and sweet treats.

At wd-50.com, his goal is to help you feel confident in the kitchen, whether you’re trying something new or cooking a favorite dish. He loves using fresh ingredients and simple steps that still bring out big flavors.

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