This Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup is a comforting homemade twist on classic cup-a-noodle soups! Made with wholesome ingredients like tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and creamy broth, this hearty soup is perfect for cozy dinners or meal prep. Topped with crispy bacon bits and crunchy croutons, it’s a flavorful one-pot meal that’s surprisingly easy to make.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Soup:

400 g (10 oz) chicken breast, halved horizontally
1/4 tsp cooking salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
4 strips streaky bacon
30 g (2 tbsp) unsalted butter
1/2 onion, finely diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 celery stalks, chopped
1 carrot, chopped
2 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1/2 tsp dried thyme)
4 tbsp flour
3 cups milk (full-fat preferred)
2 cups low-sodium chicken stock
2 cups water
1 tsp cooking salt
3/4 cup corn kernels (frozen or canned)
3/4 cup frozen peas
1 1/3 cups broken angel hair pasta or other small pasta

For the Croutons:

1 cup bread (crustless), cut into 1/4-inch cubes
2 tsp olive oil
Pinch of salt

Directions

Prepare the Croutons: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Toss the bread cubes with olive oil and salt. Bake for 8-10 minutes until golden and crisp. Set aside.
Cook the Bacon: Place bacon in a large pot over medium-high heat and cook until crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels. Chop into bits and set aside.
Sear the Chicken: Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Cook in the bacon fat for 1-2 minutes per side until lightly golden. Remove, cool slightly, and dice into small cubes.
Make the Broth Base: In the same pot, melt butter. Sauté the onion, garlic, carrot, celery, and thyme for 5 minutes until softened. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually add milk while stirring to avoid lumps.
Simmer the Soup: Add chicken stock, water, corn, and salt. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes.
Cook the Pasta and Finish: Add the pasta and simmer for 5 minutes. Add the diced chicken and peas during the last 2 minutes of cooking. Adjust seasoning as needed.
Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls. Top with crispy bacon bits, croutons, and parsley if desired.

Nutrients

Calories: 462 kcal
Carbohydrates: 42 g
Protein: 28 g
Fat: 20 g
Saturated Fat: 9 g
Cholesterol: 78 mg
Sodium: 956 mg
Fiber: 4 g
Sugar: 12 g

This creamy, hearty soup is perfect for cold nights or anytime you crave comfort food. Pair it with a side of crusty bread for a complete meal!

Why This Soup Is a Must-Try

Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup takes the nostalgic flavors of traditional chicken noodle soup and elevates them with a luxurious, velvety texture. Here’s why this soup is worth making:

Rich and Hearty: The creamy broth, tender chicken, and al dente pasta create a satisfying meal that’s rich without being overly heavy.
Wholesome Ingredients: Made with fresh vegetables, lean chicken, and whole milk, this soup is both nourishing and indulgent.
Customizable: You can easily adapt this recipe to suit your preferences or dietary needs by swapping ingredients or adding your favorite vegetables and herbs.
Perfect for Meal Prep: This soup stores and reheats beautifully, making it an excellent choice for meal prep or leftovers.

Whether you’re looking for a comforting dinner on a cold night or a flavorful dish to impress your family and friends, this creamy chicken noodle soup delivers on all fronts.

The Perfect Base: Creamy, Flavorful Broth

The creamy broth is the heart of this recipe, providing a rich and flavorful foundation for the other ingredients. Unlike traditional chicken noodle soup, which relies on a clear broth, this version uses a combination of milk, chicken stock, and a touch of flour for thickening. This creates a velvety texture that coats the noodles and vegetables, making every spoonful deeply satisfying.

The addition of sautéed onions, garlic, and thyme enhances the broth with savory, aromatic flavors, while the bacon fat from cooking the bacon adds a subtle smokiness that elevates the dish.

Tender Chicken: The Star Protein

Chicken breast is the main protein in this soup, offering a lean and tender bite that pairs beautifully with the creamy broth. To maximize flavor, the chicken is seared in bacon fat before being diced and added back into the soup. This step not only enhances the taste of the chicken but also infuses the soup with a subtle smokiness from the bacon.

For added convenience, you can use rotisserie chicken or leftover roasted chicken as a substitute. This is a great way to save time while still enjoying the delicious flavors of homemade soup.

Fresh Vegetables: Adding Nutrition and Color

The combination of fresh vegetables in this soup adds both nutrition and vibrant color, creating a dish that’s as wholesome as it is visually appealing. Key vegetables include:

Carrots and Celery: These classic soup vegetables provide a natural sweetness and crunch, forming the backbone of the soup’s flavor.
Corn and Peas: These add a pop of color and a hint of sweetness that balances the richness of the broth.
Onions and Garlic: Sautéed onions and garlic create a savory, aromatic base that enhances the overall flavor profile.

These vegetables not only make the soup more nutritious but also add texture and variety, ensuring every bite is balanced and satisfying.

The Role of Pasta: Hearty and Filling

Broken angel hair pasta, or any small pasta of your choice, makes this soup hearty and filling. Cooking the pasta directly in the soup allows it to absorb the flavors of the broth, creating a cohesive dish. However, to prevent the pasta from becoming overly soft, it’s important to add it towards the end of the cooking process.

If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, simply swap the pasta with gluten-free noodles or rice. This substitution works wonderfully without compromising the flavor or texture of the soup.

Toppings That Take It to the Next Level

The crispy bacon bits and homemade croutons are what truly set this soup apart, adding layers of texture and flavor that elevate the dish.

Crispy Bacon Bits: These add a smoky, salty crunch that complements the creamy broth and tender chicken. They’re a simple addition that makes a big impact on the overall flavor.
Homemade Croutons: Made from cubed bread tossed in olive oil and lightly salted, these croutons provide a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the smooth soup.

Optional garnishes like fresh parsley, grated Parmesan cheese, or a drizzle of olive oil can further enhance the dish, making it look and taste restaurant-worthy.

Customizing the Soup to Suit Your Preferences

One of the best things about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can easily adapt the ingredients to match your preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few ideas for customization:

Protein Alternatives: Swap chicken breast with shredded rotisserie chicken, turkey, or even cooked tofu for a vegetarian option.
Dairy-Free: Use plant-based milk, such as almond or coconut milk, to create a dairy-free version of the soup. A thickener like cornstarch can replace the flour for a gluten-free, dairy-free option.
Additional Vegetables: Incorporate other vegetables like spinach, kale, mushrooms, or sweet potatoes for added nutrition and flavor.
Spices and Herbs: Enhance the flavor with additional herbs and spices like rosemary, paprika, or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a touch of heat.

These customizations allow you to make the soup your own while maintaining its rich, comforting qualities.

Perfect for Meal Prep and Freezing

Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup is a fantastic option for meal prep, as it reheats beautifully and can be frozen for future meals. Here’s how to store and freeze it:

Refrigeration: Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to thin the consistency.
Freezing: Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

To maintain the best texture, consider cooking the pasta separately and adding it to individual servings when reheating.

Pairing Suggestions

This soup is hearty enough to stand on its own, but pairing it with complementary sides can elevate your meal. Here are a few ideas:

Crusty Bread: A slice of warm, crusty bread or a baguette is perfect for soaking up the creamy broth.
Salad: Pair the soup with a simple green salad or a Caesar salad for a balanced meal.
Grilled Cheese: A classic grilled cheese sandwich makes a comforting and indulgent pairing.

These sides enhance the soup’s flavor and turn it into a complete, satisfying meal.

Conclusion: A Cozy, Crowd-Pleasing Dish

Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup is the ultimate comfort food, offering a rich, hearty, and flavorful experience in every bowl. With its tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and creamy broth, it’s a dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your household. The addition of crispy bacon bits and homemade croutons takes it to the next level, making it feel special enough for entertaining while still being easy enough for weeknight dinners.