1. Cook the Chicken
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil or butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook until the chicken is browned and no longer pink in the center (about 5-7 minutes). Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
2. Cook the Aromatics and Vegetables
- In the same pot, add another tablespoon of olive oil or butter.
- Add the diced onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté until the vegetables start to soften (about 5 minutes), stirring occasionally.
3. Add Seasonings and Broth
- Sprinkle in the thyme, rosemary, and basil, stirring to coat the vegetables in the herbs.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Return the cooked chicken to the pot, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Cook the Noodles
- Add the egg noodles to the soup and cook according to the package instructions (typically about 6-8 minutes) until the noodles are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent the noodles from sticking to the bottom.
5. Add the Cream and Peas
- Once the noodles are cooked, reduce the heat to low.
- Stir in the heavy cream, and add the frozen peas if using. Simmer for another 3-5 minutes to heat everything through.
6. Finish and Serve
- Taste the soup and adjust the salt and pepper as needed.
- Stir in fresh parsley for added color and flavor.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy it while it’s warm!
Tips for the Best Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: Save time by using shredded rotisserie chicken instead of cooking fresh chicken. Add it in Step 3 with the broth.
- Add More Veggies: Mushrooms, corn, or even spinach make great additions for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Make it Dairy-Free: Swap the cream for coconut milk or cashew cream for a dairy-free version that’s just as creamy.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve this creamy chicken noodle soup with warm crusty bread or garlic bread for dipping.
- A simple side salad makes a great addition to round out the meal.
This Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup is bound to become a favorite, delivering all the coziness of classic chicken noodle soup with the added richness of a creamy broth. Perfect for any day of the week, this soup is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!