The Story & Intro
Every time I make creamy chicken noodle soup, I’m instantly taken back to a chilly winter evening in Crete when my yiayia was teaching me how to turn simple ingredients into something warm and healing. Even though our Greek soups weren’t always creamy, she always said that a comforting soup should “hug you from the inside,” and this creamy chicken noodle soup absolutely does that.
Hi, I’m INAYA 38, a home cook from the beautiful island of Crete in Greece. Cooking has been part of my life since childhood, and soups were always my favorite. There’s something magical about stirring a pot and watching everyday ingredients transform into a bowl of love. When I first discovered the American-style creamy chicken noodle soup, I felt that same warmth I grew up with just in a richer, thicker, more indulgent way.
What I love about this creamy chicken noodle soup is how it bridges two worlds: the simplicity of home cooking and the deep comfort we crave on long days. You know those moments when life feels a little hectic? When kids are tired, or you’re exhausted after work, and all you want is a cozy bowl that instantly restores you? This soup has become that recipe for me creamy, flavorful, and downright soothing.
And I’ll be honest: my kitchen gets messy when I make it! But that’s the fun part. The steam, the aroma of herbs, the bubbling broth it all feels like a big warm invitation to slow down and enjoy the moment. Cooking isn’t just about feeding people; it’s about making memories, especially for women who pour love into every dish they create.
So today, let’s make my favorite version of creamy chicken noodle soup thick, rich, comforting, and perfect for sharing with the people you love.
Ingredients
For the Soup
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 3 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie works great)
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups wide egg noodles
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3 tablespoons flour (for thickening)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
Optional Add-Ins
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Parmesan cheese
- A squeeze of lemon for brightness
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Sauté the Aromatics
Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrot, and celery. Cook for 5–7 minutes until soft and fragrant. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute more don’t let it brown.
2. Build the Flavor
Stir in thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. The herbs will release their aroma and deepen the flavor of your creamy chicken noodle soup.
3. Add Chicken & Broth
Add shredded chicken and pour in the chicken broth. Toss in the bay leaf. Bring everything to a gentle boil, then lower to a simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Thicken the Broth
In a small bowl, whisk flour with the milk until smooth. Slowly pour this mixture into the pot while stirring continuously. This creates the thick, rich base we love in creamy chicken noodle soup.
5. Add the Noodles
Add egg noodles and cook according to package instructions, usually 7–8 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
6. Make It Creamy
Reduce the heat to low and slowly stir in the heavy cream. Let it warm through without boiling boiling can separate the cream.
7. Adjust & Taste
Remove the bay leaf. Taste and add more salt or pepper as needed. If you want it thicker, simmer a little longer; if thinner, add a splash of broth.
Serving Suggestions
This rich and thick creamy chicken noodle soup is delicious on its own, but here are my favorite ways to elevate it:
- Add fresh chopped parsley for brightness
- Grate Parmesan over the top for depth
- Serve with crusty bread or warm dinner rolls
- Add a squeeze of lemon for a Greek-inspired touch
- Pair with a simple green salad for a complete meal
It’s a soup that brings comfort, warmth, and a homemade feel that reminds you of childhood memories just like the ones I cherish from Crete.
Recipe Card 🥣✨
⏱️ Time Cook
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
🛒 Ingredients
- Olive oil or butter
- Onion, garlic, carrots, celery
- Shredded chicken
- Chicken broth
- Egg noodles
- Flour, milk, heavy cream
- Thyme, parsley, bay leaf
- Salt & pepper
👩🍳 Instructions
- Sauté onion, carrot, celery, and garlic.
- Add herbs, chicken, and broth; simmer.
- Whisk flour with milk and pour in.
- Add noodles and cook.
- Stir in heavy cream.
- Taste, adjust seasoning, serve warm.
📝 Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time.
- Add more flour for thicker soup.
- For lighter soup, replace cream with half-and-half.
📊 Nutrition (Approx. per serving)
Calories: 420
Protein: 28g
Carbs: 35g
Fat: 20g
Fiber: 3g
Conclusion
There’s something truly special about a bowl of creamy chicken noodle soup especially when it’s made with love, patience, and simple ingredients that come together in the most comforting way. This recipe brings both warmth and richness, the kind that fills your home with cozy aromas and your heart with memories.
Cooking for me has always been a way to connect with others, to share a moment of peace and joy, and to create dishes that feel like home. I hope this creamy, thick, soul-hugging soup becomes one of your family favorites, too just as it’s become mine.
