Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

—

### **Instructions for Making Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup**

#### **Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables**
Start by melting the **butter** in a large pot over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add the chopped **onion**, **carrots**, and **celery**. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and the onion becomes translucent. Add the minced **garlic** and cook for another minute until fragrant.

#### **Step 2: Add the Broth and Chicken**
Next, pour in the **chicken broth** and bring the mixture to a simmer. Stir in the **shredded chicken**, **dried thyme**, and **dried parsley**. Allow the soup to simmer for about 10 minutes, giving the flavors time to meld together. If you’d like a thicker soup, you can add a tablespoon of **flour** at this stage to help thicken the broth. Whisk it in well to avoid lumps.

#### **Step 3: Cook the Noodles**
Add the **egg noodles** (or pasta of your choice) to the soup and cook according to the package instructions, usually 7-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure the noodles don’t stick to each other. Keep an eye on the soup to make sure the noodles don’t overcook and become mushy.

#### **Step 4: Make the Soup Creamy**
Once the noodles are tender, it’s time to add the creaminess! Stir in the **whole milk** and **heavy cream**. Bring the soup back to a gentle simmer and cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the cream to heat through. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with **salt** and **pepper** as needed. If you like your soup extra creamy, you can add a bit more milk or cream, depending on your preference.

#### **Step 5: Serve and Garnish**
Once the soup is heated through and creamy, it’s ready to serve! Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped **parsley** for a pop of color and added freshness.

—

### **Additional Tips for Perfect Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup**

– **For extra flavor**: You can add a splash of **lemon juice** or a few teaspoons of **freshly grated Parmesan cheese** to enhance the flavor of the soup.
– **Chicken options**: For convenience, use leftover rotisserie chicken, or you can quickly cook boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the pot before adding the broth. Just dice or shred the chicken once it’s cooked through.
– **Vegetable options**: Feel free to add more vegetables, like **peas**, **corn**, or **green beans**, for extra nutrition and color.
– **Make it ahead**: This soup can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop, and the soup will thicken as it sits. If it gets too thick, simply add a little extra milk or broth when reheating.
– **For a gluten-free option**: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure that your chicken broth is gluten-free to make the soup suitable for those with dietary restrictions.

—

### **Why This Recipe is So Special**

This **creamy chicken noodle soup** is more than just a meal—it’s an experience. It’s a recipe that brings together simple ingredients to create a nourishing, comforting dish that everyone will love. Whether you’re serving it as a starter, a lunch, or as the main course, it’s sure to be a hit with family and friends.

The richness of the creamy broth combined with the tender chicken, hearty noodles, and vegetables makes this soup a complete meal in itself. It’s the perfect dish for cozy winter days or anytime you want something comforting and satisfying.

—

### **Conclusion**

When you’re craving something warm, comforting, and nourishing, **creamy chicken noodle soup** is the perfect solution. This easy-to-make recipe takes simple ingredients and transforms them into a rich, satisfying meal that’s sure to please. The creamy broth, tender chicken, and tender noodles make it a family favorite that will become a staple in your kitchen. So, grab your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a bowl of creamy comfort that will make everyone feel right at home.