Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

Introduction:
Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup is the ultimate comfort food, blending tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and noodles in a rich, creamy broth. This warm and satisfying soup is perfect for chilly days or when you need a nourishing meal. It’s easy to make and can be enjoyed by the whole family.

Ingredients:

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 large carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp dried parsley
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 2 cups egg noodles
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
  • 2 tbsp butter (optional, for thickening)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Optional Additions:

  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 1 cup diced potatoes
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

  1. Sauté the Vegetables:
  • In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  1. Prepare the Broth:
  • Pour in the chicken broth and add the shredded chicken, dried thyme, dried parsley, and bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes.
  1. Cook the Noodles:
  • Add the egg noodles to the pot and cook according to package instructions until they are al dente, about 7-9 minutes.
  1. Make the Soup Creamy:
  • Stir in the heavy cream and let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes. For a thicker soup, create a roux by melting the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is golden brown. Stir the roux into the soup until well combined.
  1. Final Seasoning:
  • Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. If using, add the frozen peas and diced potatoes, and let the soup simmer until the potatoes are tender.
  1. Serve:
  • Remove the bay leaf before serving. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Tips for Success:

  • Use rotisserie chicken for a convenient option and enhanced flavor.
  • For extra depth of flavor, add a splash of white wine or a squeeze of lemon juice to the soup.
  • Make sure not to overcook the noodles to prevent them from becoming mushy.

Nutritional Estimate:
(Per Serving, based on 6 servings)

  • Calories: 350
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Sugars: 4g
  • Fat: 18g
  • Protein: 20g

Recommendation:
Serve the creamy chicken noodle soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner at home or to bring comfort to someone feeling under the weather. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

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