Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup for Cozy Winter Nights

When the chilly winter nights roll in, there's nothing quite like a bowl of creamy chicken noodle soup to warm you up. My son, Tommy, always asks for this soup on rainy days, claiming it makes him feel like a superhero. This creamy chicken noodle soup is not just a feel better soup; it's a cozy hug in a bowl that you’ll want to make again and again.

Why You’ll Love It

• It’s rich and creamy, perfect for cold weather.
• Loaded with tender chicken and fresh veggies.
• Quick to whip up on a busy weeknight.

Pure Comfort

This soup is pure comfort food, ideal for those days when you just want to snuggle up and relax. With its creamy texture and hearty ingredients, it’s sure to please the whole family.

What You Need

• 1 tbsp 1 tablespoon olive oil – or butter for a richer flavor
• 1 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 2 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 2 large carrots, sliced – or 1 cup baby carrots
• 2 2 stalks celery, diced
• 8 cups 8 cups chicken broth – homemade or store-bought
• 2 cups 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded – rotisserie chicken works great
• 1 tsp 1 teaspoon dried thyme – or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
• 1 tsp 1 teaspoon salt – adjust to taste
• 1/2 tsp 1/2 teaspoon black pepper – freshly ground for best flavor
• 8 oz 8 oz egg noodles – substitute with gluten-free noodles if needed
• 1 cup 1 cup half and half – or whole milk for a lighter option
• 1 tbsp 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped – for garnish

Time to Cook

Prep: 15 minutes | Cook: 30 minutes | Total: 45 minutes | Difficulty: Easy | Make-Ahead: Yes, this soup can be made ahead and stored.

Steps to Make It

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once it shimmers, add the diced onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes. This will create a lovely base for your soup.
2. Stir in the minced garlic, sliced carrots, and diced celery. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the veggies start to soften and the kitchen fills with a delicious aroma.
3. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and add the shredded chicken, thyme, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes to blend the flavors.
4. Add the egg noodles to the pot and cook according to package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you want them tender but not mushy.
5. Once the noodles are cooked, stir in the half and half. Allow the soup to heat through for another 2-3 minutes. The soup should be creamy and inviting at this point.
6. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Enjoy this cozy meal with your loved ones!

Make It Perfect

• For a thicker soup, let it simmer a bit longer to reduce the liquid.
• If you like a bit of spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the veggies.
• This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a simple salad.

Mix It Up

• Add peas or corn for extra veggies.
• Swap the chicken for turkey for a post-holiday twist.
• Use different herbs like rosemary or oregano for a unique flavor.

Perfect Partners

• Serve with a side of garlic bread.
• Pair with a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

💡 For more recipes, follow me on Facebook and Pinterest.

FAQs

Conclusion

This creamy chicken noodle soup is truly one of those half and half soup recipes that you’ll want to keep on hand for cozy winter nights. It’s a feel better soup that warms your heart and soul. So, gather your family, serve up a big bowl, and enjoy the comfort it brings!

Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup for Cozy Winter Nights

This creamy chicken noodle soup is loaded with tender chicken and fresh vegetables, perfect for warming up on cold winter nights. It’s rich, comforting, and quick to prepare for a hearty meal the whole family will enjoy.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Soup

Cuisine American

Equipment

• Large Pot

Ingredients

  

Main

• 1 tbsp olive oil or butter for a richer flavor
• 1 large yellow onion diced
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 2 large carrots sliced or 1 cup baby carrots
• 2 stalks celery diced
• 8 cups chicken broth homemade or store-bought
• 2 cups cooked chicken shredded, rotisserie chicken works great
• 1 tsp dried thyme or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
• 1 tsp salt adjust to taste
• 1/2 tsp black pepper freshly ground for best flavor
• 8 oz egg noodles substitute with gluten-free noodles if needed
• 1 cup half and half or whole milk for a lighter option
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley chopped for garnish

Instructions

 

• Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat until shimmering.
• Add diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
• Stir in minced garlic, sliced carrots, and diced celery; cook 3 to 4 minutes until softened.
• Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil.
• Reduce heat to simmer and add shredded chicken, thyme, salt, and pepper; simmer 10 minutes.
• Add egg noodles and cook according to package instructions, about 8 to 10 minutes.
• Stir in half and half and heat through for 2 to 3 minutes until creamy.
• Adjust seasoning if needed and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Keyword Chicken, Comfort Food, Creamy, easy, Noodle Soup, winter