The Pioneer Woman Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup is a warm, comforting bowl of goodness that’s perfect for a chilly day or when you need a hearty, homemade meal. This classic chicken noodle soup is elevated with a rich, creamy broth, tender chunks of chicken, and soft egg noodles. It’s the ideal balance of creaminess and heartiness that everyone in the family will love.
What is Pioneer Woman Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup?
Pioneer Woman Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup is a comforting, rich version of the classic chicken noodle soup. It’s made with tender pieces of chicken, egg noodles, and vegetables, all cooked in a creamy broth. This soup is ideal for a cozy dinner or as a remedy when you’re feeling under the weather. The addition of heavy cream gives it a luxurious texture that sets it apart from traditional chicken noodle soup.
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Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Comforting and Rich: The creamy broth makes this soup extra comforting and perfect for cold weather.
- Quick and Easy: With simple ingredients and a straightforward method, this soup comes together quickly.
- Hearty Meal: Packed with chicken, vegetables, and noodles, this soup is a full meal in one bowl.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the vegetables or seasoning to suit your taste.
Ingredients Needed to Make Pioneer Woman Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups egg noodles
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions to Make Pioneer Woman Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
- Heat the oil: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat.
- Cook the vegetables: Add the chopped onion, diced carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened.
- Add the garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Add the chicken: Add the diced chicken to the pot. Season with salt, pepper, thyme, and parsley. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned on the outside.
Step 3: Add Broth and Noodles
- Pour in the broth: Add the chicken broth to the pot, stirring to combine.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
- Add the noodles: Stir in the egg noodles and continue cooking for 8-10 minutes, or until the noodles are tender.
Step 4: Make the Soup Creamy
- Thicken the soup (optional): If you prefer a thicker broth, whisk together the flour and heavy cream in a small bowl until smooth. Stir this mixture into the soup and let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes to thicken.
- Add the cream: Stir in the heavy cream, allowing it to heat through without boiling. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the soup is rich and creamy.
Step 5: Adjust Seasoning and Serve
- Taste and adjust seasoning: Taste the soup and add more salt or pepper if needed.
- Garnish and serve: Ladle the creamy chicken noodle soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve with crusty bread or crackers for a complete meal.
What Goes Well with Pioneer Woman Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup
- Crusty Bread: A warm loaf of crusty bread or baguette is perfect for dipping into the creamy broth.
- Salad: A light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup.
- Crackers: Serve with buttery crackers for a classic combination.
Essential Tips for Perfecting Pioneer Woman Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup
- Use chicken thighs for more flavor: Chicken thighs provide more flavor and tenderness than chicken breasts, but you can use either depending on your preference.
- Don’t overcook the noodles: Add the egg noodles toward the end of cooking to prevent them from becoming mushy.
- Adjust creaminess: If you want a lighter version, you can reduce the amount of heavy cream or use half-and-half instead.
- Fresh herbs for garnish: Fresh parsley or thyme adds a burst of flavor at the end, brightening the dish.
Variations of Pioneer Woman Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup
- Vegetarian Version: Use vegetable broth and add more vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach instead of chicken.
- Spicy Chicken Soup: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño for a spicy kick.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free noodles and substitute cornstarch for flour to make the soup gluten-free.
- Lemon Chicken Soup: Add the juice of half a lemon for a bright and tangy twist.
Storing Pioneer Woman Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup: Best Practices
- Refrigerate leftovers: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freeze for later: Cream-based soups can be frozen, but they may separate when reheated. To freeze, let the soup cool completely and transfer to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating Pioneer Woman Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup: Best Practices
- Stovetop method: Reheat the soup gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup has thickened, add a bit of extra broth or cream to restore its consistency.
- Microwave option: For individual portions, microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
How Can I Make Pioneer Woman Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Healthier?
To make this recipe lighter, try the following adjustments:
- Use low-fat cream: Swap heavy cream for low-fat cream or half-and-half for a lighter broth.
- Increase the vegetables: Add more vegetables like spinach, kale, or zucchini for added nutrients and fiber.
- Use whole wheat noodles: Replace egg noodles with whole wheat or gluten-free noodles to make the dish more nutritious.
Nutrition Value (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
FAQs
Can I freeze creamy chicken noodle soup?
Yes, creamy chicken noodle soup can be frozen, but the texture may change slightly as cream-based soups can separate when thawed. To freeze, let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently, stirring well to combine.
How do I keep noodles from getting mushy in chicken noodle soup?
To prevent noodles from getting mushy, cook them separately and add them to the soup just before serving. Alternatively, cook the noodles until they are al dente and add them to the soup in the final few minutes of cooking.
Can I use milk instead of cream in creamy chicken noodle soup?
Yes, milk can be used instead of cream for a lighter version. However, the soup will be less rich and creamy. For a thicker consistency, you can use whole milk or add a tablespoon of flour or cornstarch to thicken the soup.
How do I make creamy chicken noodle soup gluten-free?
To make this soup gluten-free, simply use gluten-free noodles and substitute cornstarch for flour if you’re using it as a thickener. Ensure that any broth used is also labeled gluten-free.
Final Words
Pioneer Woman’s Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup is the ultimate comfort food, combining the rich flavors of chicken, vegetables, and noodles in a smooth, creamy broth. This hearty soup is perfect for weeknight dinners or a cozy meal when you need something warm and nourishing.
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PrintPioneer Woman Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 25
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Description
Pioneer Woman Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup is a comforting, rich version of the classic chicken noodle soup. It’s made with tender pieces of chicken, egg noodles, and vegetables, all cooked in a creamy broth. This soup is ideal for a cozy dinner or as a remedy when you’re feeling under the weather. The addition of heavy cream gives it a luxurious texture that sets it apart from traditional chicken noodle soup.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups egg noodles
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
- Heat the oil: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat.
- Cook the vegetables: Add the chopped onion, diced carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened.
- Add the garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Add the chicken: Add the diced chicken to the pot. Season with salt, pepper, thyme, and parsley. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned on the outside.
Step 3: Add Broth and Noodles
- Pour in the broth: Add the chicken broth to the pot, stirring to combine.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
- Add the noodles: Stir in the egg noodles and continue cooking for 8-10 minutes, or until the noodles are tender.
Step 4: Make the Soup Creamy
- Thicken the soup (optional): If you prefer a thicker broth, whisk together the flour and heavy cream in a small bowl until smooth. Stir this mixture into the soup and let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes to thicken.
- Add the cream: Stir in the heavy cream, allowing it to heat through without boiling. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the soup is rich and creamy.
Step 5: Adjust Seasoning and Serve
- Taste and adjust seasoning: Taste the soup and add more salt or pepper if needed.
- Garnish and serve: Ladle the creamy chicken noodle soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve with crusty bread or crackers for a complete meal.