There’s nothing quite like the comforting hug of a warm bowl of soup on a chilly day. This Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup with Fresh Vegetables Recipe takes that cozy feeling up a notch with a rich, creamy twist and loads of fresh, crisp veggies that make every spoonful satisfying. Stick with me, and I’ll show you how easy it is to pull this all together — it’s a total keeper!
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Ingredients & Why They Work
- Make It Your Way
- Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup with Fresh Vegetables Recipe
- Top Tip
- How to Serve Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup with Fresh Vegetables Recipe
- Make Ahead and Storage
- Frequently Asked Questions:
- Final Thoughts
- Hearty Chicken Noodle Soup with Fresh Vegetables and Herbs Recipe
Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ever crave something hearty yet fresh? This soup delivers that perfect combo. I’ve made this recipe countless times, and the creamy texture paired with fresh vegetables keeps me coming back. Plus, it’s easy enough for weeknights yet special enough to impress guests.
- Balanced Flavor: Creamy broth enhanced with garlic, ginger, and herbs brings warmth and depth to every bite.
- Fresh Vegetables: Carrots, celery, and onions add that satisfying crunch and natural sweetness that soothes the soul.
- Simple Prep: With straightforward steps, even busy cooks can whip this up without fuss.
- Customizable Comfort: You can easily tweak it to your favorite tastes—more cream, extra veggies, or swapping noodles.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Every ingredient in this Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup with Fresh Vegetables Recipe has a role to play, creating layers of comfort and nutrition. I recommend fresh carrots and celery for crunch, and fresh ginger adds a subtle zing that lifts the whole soup. Plus, the egg noodles soak up that creamy broth perfectly!
- Chicken breast: Lean protein that’s easy to shred, giving you tender bites throughout the soup.
- Salted butter: Adds richness and helps soften veggies, building flavor right from the start.
- Carrots: Natural sweetness and color, plus they don’t lose their bite during cooking.
- Celery: Offers a mild, earthy note and crunch that complements the soup’s creaminess.
- White onion: The flavor base for that classic comforting soup taste.
- Ginger: Fresh or dried, it adds subtle warmth and depth — a secret ingredient I love.
- Garlic: For aroma and a little punch of flavor that makes you want seconds.
- Chicken broth: The heart of the soup—using a good quality broth really pays off.
- Dried thyme and oregano: Herbs that bring aromatic earthiness and a hint of Mediterranean sunshine.
- Egg noodles: Traditional, tender, and perfect for soaking up every drop of that creamy broth.
Make It Your Way
I like to tweak this recipe depending on the season or what’s in my fridge. Sometimes I add frozen peas for a pop of color and extra protein, or swap the noodles for rice noodles to keep it gluten-free. The best part? This soup welcomes all kinds of creative spins!
- Variation: On hectic days, I use pre-cooked shredded rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken breasts from scratch—it saves time and still tastes incredible.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup with Fresh Vegetables Recipe
Step 1: Prep your fresh veggies and chicken
Start by slicing up your carrots and celery, dicing the onion, and grating or measuring out your ginger. Don’t rush this part; chopping evenly helps everything cook uniformly. Season the chicken breasts with half the salt and pepper—this initial seasoning builds flavor from the get-go.
Step 2: Sear the chicken for golden flavor
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat, then add your chicken breasts. I like to sear them for 3 to 4 minutes per side until they’re golden brown—this not only locks in juices but adds a lovely depth to the broth later. Once done, set the chicken aside.
Step 3: Cook veggies in butter till fragrant and soft
Without cleaning the pot (hello, flavor!), melt your butter and toss in carrots, celery, and onion. Stir occasionally and cook about 5 to 7 minutes until they begin to soften. Then add ginger and garlic, cooking for an additional 2 minutes until your kitchen smells incredible.
Step 4: Simmer with broth, herbs, and chicken
Return the chicken breasts to the pot, nestling them on top of your veggies. Pour in the chicken broth and stir in the remaining salt, pepper, thyme, and oregano. Bring everything to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 10 minutes to meld the flavors and cook the chicken through.
Step 5: Cook noodles and finish soup
Add your egg noodles to the pot and let them cook according to the package instructions—usually about 8 to 10 minutes for dried noodles, though frozen ones might take a bit longer. Once the noodles are tender, remove the chicken and shred it with two forks right in your kitchen; it’s so satisfying! Return the shredded chicken to the pot, stir everything up, and taste to adjust salt and pepper.
Step 6: Add the creamy twist (optional but worth it!)
For that luscious creamy finish, stir in about 2 cups of heavy cream during the last few minutes of cooking. It instantly transforms this soup into something indulgently smooth and rich—I always get compliments when I add this step.
Top Tip
From my experience making this Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup with Fresh Vegetables Recipe, a few tweaks make all the difference between “good” and “wow!” Here are my favorite secrets to getting bowl after bowl perfect every time.
- Don’t skip searing the chicken: It adds so much flavor to the broth, and the golden crust improves the texture after shredding.
- Use fresh ginger: It brightens up the soup and balances the creaminess; dried works, but fresh takes it to the next level.
- Add cream last: If you add it too early, it might curdle or separate. Stir it in gently near the end to keep that velvety texture.
- Adjust seasoning at the end: Noodles absorb salt, so the soup needs a taste check after cooking to make sure it’s perfectly seasoned.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup with Fresh Vegetables Recipe
Garnishes
I always sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top right before serving — it adds a beautiful burst of green and a little fresh flavor that cuts right through the creaminess. Sometimes I throw on a little cracked black pepper or even a pinch of red pepper flakes for a mild kick.
Side Dishes
Pair this soup with crusty bread or soft dinner rolls to soak up every luxurious drop. A simple side salad with a tangy vinaigrette is great too — it brightens the whole meal without stealing the spotlight.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, serving the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls makes it an instant conversation starter. I’ve also layered in some kale or spinach leaves towards the end for a pop of color and extra nutrients that look lovely nestled in the creamy broth.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I keep leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. I find that the noodles soak up quite a bit of broth, so before reheating, I add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up and keep the soup silky.
Freezing
This soup freezes surprisingly well if you omit the cream before freezing. Freeze in portions, and when you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and add cream fresh at reheating time for best results.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often. This keeps the noodles tender and the soup smooth. If it thickens too much, just add a bit of chicken broth or water to bring it back to the perfect consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver. Just add shredded chicken during the last 5 minutes of simmering to heat through. It won’t affect flavor one bit.
You can use milk or a mixture of milk and a little flour or cornstarch to thicken the soup, but keep in mind it won’t be as rich. Another option is adding a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese just before serving.
Noodles tend to get mushy after freezing, so for the best texture, I recommend freezing the soup without noodles and adding fresh ones when reheating.
You can add peas, zucchini, spinach, or kale to boost nutrition and color. Just add softer greens like spinach towards the end to prevent overcooking.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup with Fresh Vegetables Recipe is a true staple in my kitchen for good reason. It’s comforting, nourishing, and so adaptable to what you have on hand — plus, adding that creamy finish at the end feels like a little homemade luxury every time. I hope you enjoy making and savoring this soup as much as I do. Grab your pot, prep those fresh veggies, and get ready to warm up your soul one spoonful at a time!
Print
Hearty Chicken Noodle Soup with Fresh Vegetables and Herbs Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A comforting and hearty Chicken Noodle Soup made with tender seared chicken breasts, fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs, and egg noodles simmered in a flavorful chicken broth. Perfect for a family meal or when you need some cozy warmth.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast about 2 pieces
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt divided
- 1 teaspoon black pepper divided
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- 3 medium carrots sliced
- 4 medium celery ribs sliced
- 1 medium white onion diced
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger or 1 teaspoon dried ginger
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 8 cups chicken broth
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- 12 ounces egg noodles dried or frozen
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Slice 3 medium carrots and 4 medium celery ribs, dice 1 medium white onion, grate 1 tablespoon fresh ginger (or use 1 teaspoon dried ginger), and mince 1 tablespoon garlic. Season 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast with ½ teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper.
- Sear Chicken: In a large 6-quart pot, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove chicken from pot and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: Without cleaning the pot, add 2 tablespoons salted butter, sliced carrots, celery, and diced onion. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally until vegetables soften. Add grated ginger and minced garlic, cook for another 2 minutes stirring frequently.
- Simmer Soup: Return chicken breasts to pot on top of vegetables. Pour in 8 cups chicken broth and add 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, ½ teaspoon dried thyme, and ½ teaspoon dried oregano. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Cook Noodles: Add 12 ounces egg noodles to the pot. Simmer for 10 minutes or until noodles are fully cooked (adjust for frozen noodles if needed).
- Shred Chicken: Remove chicken breasts from the pot and shred using two forks. Return shredded chicken to soup and stir to combine.
- Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste soup and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Stir in freshly chopped parsley before serving for added freshness.
Notes
- For a creamy twist, add 2 cups of heavy cream during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Increase protein by adding 1 cup of frozen peas and heat through while shredding chicken.
- Use 1 ½ to 2 cups cooked or shredded chicken breast (such as rotisserie or leftovers) to save time; add in the last 5 minutes of cooking to heat through.
- Garnish with 3 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley for extra flavor and presentation.
- This recipe originally appeared in the "Family Favorite" cookbook in 2021 and may have been updated since.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
Leave a Reply