Easy Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup
Ingredients:
- 2 stalks celery, finely chopped
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and finely chopped
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1.5 pounds uncooked chicken breasts
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup heavy cream or whipping cream
- 2 generous cups uncooked egg noodles
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions:
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large soup pot, heat the olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Add the celery, carrots, and onion. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add Flour: Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir well. Cook for about a minute to eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Add Liquids and Chicken: Gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring to dissolve the flour. Add the uncooked chicken breasts, Italian seasoning, and heavy cream. Increase the heat to high and bring the soup to a gentle boil. Partially cover the pot with the lid slightly ajar.
- Simmer Soup: Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and cook for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Add Noodles: Stir in the egg noodles. Cover the pot again with the lid slightly open and simmer for an additional 8-10 minutes until the noodles are tender. Stir halfway through to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Chicken: Remove the chicken breasts from the pot. Cut them into bite-sized pieces or shred them using two forks. Return the chicken to the soup.
- Season and Serve: Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the chopped fresh parsley. Serve the soup hot.
Notes:
- Servings: This recipe yields 4-6 servings, depending on portion size.
- Best Enjoyed Fresh: For optimal taste and texture, enjoy the soup immediately. If reheating leftovers, you may need to add a splash of chicken broth or cream, as the noodles tend to absorb the liquid over time.
- Chicken Options: 1.5 pounds of chicken breasts typically equals 2 large or 3 small breasts. You can substitute with boneless, skinless chicken thighs if preferred.
- Cooking Safety: Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption. An instant-read thermometer is helpful for checking doneness.
Enjoy your comforting bowl of creamy chicken noodle soup!