Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

This rich and comforting Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup from Natasha’s Kitchen is a satisfying twist on classic chicken noodle. Made with tender chicken thighs, hearty rotini (or egg noodles), and garden vegetables, it’s finished with a luscious butter‑flour roux and cream for a cozy, pot pie–style flavor. Fresh dill and Mrs. Dash seasoning add brightness, making it a beloved crowd-pleaser. With simple pantry staples, it delivers deep flavor in about an hour—perfect for family dinners or chilly evenings. Serves eight and full of warm, soothing goodness.

Ingredients

6 cups low‑sodium chicken broth
5 cups water
Salt to taste
3–4 skinless chicken thighs (bone‑in or boneless)
2 Tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 medium carrots (2 grated, 1 sliced into rings)
2 stalks celery, finely chopped or sliced
2 cups rotini, egg noodles, or your favorite pasta
1 cup corn (canned or fresh)
4 Tbsp unsalted butter
1/3 cup all‑purpose flour
1/2 cup heavy cream
3 Tbsp fresh or frozen dill
1 tsp Mrs. Dash or other salt‑free seasoning

Directions

In a large pot, combine broth, water, and about ½ Tbsp salt. Bring to a boil, then add chicken thighs. Boil uncovered for 20 minutes, skimming any foam.
Meanwhile, in a skillet, heat olive oil over medium. Add onion and sauté for 5 minutes until softened. Add carrots and celery, cook for 5–7 minutes until golden. Transfer to the soup pot.
Remove chicken thighs, let cool slightly, then shred with forks, discarding bones and excess fat. Return shredded chicken to the pot.
Stir in pasta, sliced carrots, and corn. Simmer at low boil for 15 minutes, until pasta is tender.
In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes until just golden. Gradually whisk in 1 cup hot broth from soup until smooth. Add heavy cream and whisk to combine, then stir this mixture back into the soup pot.
Season with Mrs. Dash (or seasoning) and more salt to taste. Stir in dill, bring to a gentle boil, then remove from heat.

Nutrients (per serving, 8 servings)

Calories: ~362 kcal
Protein: ~14 g
Fat: ~23 g (Saturated ~9 g)
Carbohydrates: ~25 g
Sodium: ~424 mg
Fiber: ~1 g
Sugar: ~3 g
Cholesterol: ~77 mg
Vitamin A: ~4315 IU
Vitamin C: ~3.5 mg
Calcium: ~40 mg
Iron: ~1.3 mg

Why This Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Stands Out

While classic chicken noodle soup is a comforting dish on its own, this creamy version brings a rich, velvety twist that elevates it from a simple soup to a decadent meal. The key to its indulgent texture is the roux—a mixture of butter and flour that thickens the broth, making it creamy without being overly rich. By adding heavy cream and a little extra seasoning, the soup takes on a more luxurious flavor profile, perfect for a special family meal or even a comforting dinner during a chilly evening.

The use of chicken thighs instead of the typical chicken breasts is another important factor that sets this recipe apart. Chicken thighs are naturally more flavorful and juicy, making them an ideal choice for a soup. The dark meat from the thighs adds a richer depth to the broth, contributing a fuller, more satisfying taste. The addition of dill and Mrs. Dash seasoning brightens the dish, giving it a fresh, herby flavor that balances out the richness of the creamy base.

This version of the chicken noodle soup has a heartier quality due to the use of rotini or other pasta shapes instead of traditional egg noodles. The rotini, with its spirals and ridges, holds the soup’s creamy broth well and offers a satisfying bite. However, egg noodles or other pasta shapes can easily be substituted depending on your preference, making this recipe versatile.

Perfect for Family Meals and Gatherings

This creamy chicken noodle soup is perfect for large gatherings or a cozy family dinner. It serves eight, making it ideal for feeding a crowd, whether it’s a holiday dinner or a simple weeknight meal. The combination of wholesome ingredients, including vegetables, chicken, and pasta, ensures that everyone will be satisfied. It’s also a great make-ahead meal. The soup can be refrigerated for a few days or even frozen for future use, making it an excellent choice for meal prep.

The recipe also lends itself well to customization. For example, you can add additional vegetables like peas, green beans, or potatoes to the soup, depending on what you have on hand. If you’re looking to make the soup even heartier, consider adding some cooked potatoes for a more filling dish. Additionally, those who prefer a lighter version of this soup can use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream, though it will slightly alter the texture and richness.

Health Benefits of Chicken Noodle Soup

One of the reasons chicken noodle soup has remained a comforting and popular dish is its health benefits. The combination of chicken, vegetables, and broth makes it an excellent source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. It provides a balanced meal that can support the immune system, boost energy levels, and promote overall well-being.

Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, essential for muscle growth and repair. It is also a rich source of niacin, phosphorus, and vitamin B6, which are crucial for maintaining healthy metabolism, nervous system function, and red blood cell production. The vegetables in the soup, such as carrots and celery, are full of fiber, which supports digestive health, as well as antioxidants like vitamin A, which helps promote healthy skin and immune function.

In terms of the broth, using low-sodium chicken broth helps keep the sodium content in check while still providing the necessary savory flavor. This is important for those who are watching their sodium intake for health reasons. Moreover, the healthy fats from the olive oil and butter, when used in moderation, add richness without overwhelming the soup.

This soup can also provide comfort and healing when you’re feeling under the weather. The warm broth soothes a sore throat, and the steam from the soup can help open up nasal passages. The antioxidants from the vegetables and herbs contribute to reducing inflammation and supporting the immune system. Many people swear by chicken soup as a remedy for colds and flu, and while it may not cure an illness, it certainly helps alleviate symptoms.

Variations and Substitutions for Dietary Preferences

This creamy chicken noodle soup recipe is highly adaptable, making it easy to tailor to various dietary preferences and needs. For those with dietary restrictions or preferences, there are several swaps that can make the dish more inclusive without compromising flavor.

Gluten-Free: If you are following a gluten-free diet, simply substitute the regular all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, such as rice flour or cornstarch, to make the roux. Additionally, choose gluten-free pasta instead of rotini or egg noodles to ensure the entire dish is gluten-free.
Dairy-Free: To make the soup dairy-free, substitute the butter with olive oil or a dairy-free margarine, and use coconut milk or a non-dairy cream (like almond milk or cashew cream) instead of heavy cream. This will give the soup a slightly different texture and flavor but will still offer a creamy consistency.
Low-Carb/Keto-Friendly: For those following a low-carb or keto diet, replace the pasta with spiralized zucchini or cauliflower florets. You can also use almond flour or coconut flour for the roux instead of traditional flour. This will significantly reduce the carbohydrate content of the soup.
Vegetarian: To make this soup vegetarian, you can replace the chicken with plant-based protein, such as tofu or tempeh. You can also increase the amount of vegetables in the soup to make it heartier and still keep the soup satisfying and nutritious.

Tips for the Best Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

To ensure your creamy chicken noodle soup turns out perfectly, there are a few tips to keep in mind.

Don’t Overcook the Noodles: One of the most common mistakes when making chicken noodle soup is overcooking the noodles. Since the noodles continue to cook in the broth after they’re added, make sure to check for doneness before they become too soft. It’s best to cook the noodles separately and add them toward the end to avoid sogginess.
Skim the Foam: When boiling the chicken thighs, you may notice some foam or impurities rising to the surface. Skimming this off ensures a clearer, cleaner broth with a better flavor.
Season Gradually: Always taste your soup before adding more salt or seasoning. The broth itself may already contain enough sodium, so add salt incrementally to avoid over-salting.
Shred the Chicken While Warm: For the best texture, shred the chicken thighs while they are still warm. This will make it easier to remove the bones and fat, and the chicken will shred more evenly.
Simmer, Don’t Boil: Once you’ve added the cream and roux, it’s essential to lower the heat and simmer the soup. Boiling the cream can cause it to separate and lose its smooth texture. Keep the heat low and let the soup gently simmer to allow the flavors to meld together.

Conclusion

This creamy chicken noodle soup is a rich, flavorful, and satisfying dish that elevates the classic comfort food to a new level. With its creamy texture, hearty vegetables, and juicy chicken, it’s the perfect meal to warm up on a cold day. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner, making it for a gathering, or simply seeking a comforting bowl of soup, this recipe offers warmth and nourishment in every bite. Plus, it’s versatile and easy to adapt to a variety of dietary preferences, ensuring everyone can enjoy this comforting dish.

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