A warm bowl of Pioneer Woman’s creamy chicken noodle soup is so good guys, you have to try it!
Whether it’s a chilly evening or you’re just in the mood for something hearty, you can’t go wrong with this one.
Adding a touch of cream transforms the regular soup into a decadent meal that’s both satisfying and delicious.
What makes this soup stand out is the rich, silky broth paired with perfectly cooked chicken and tender noodles.
You can personalize it with vegetables of your choice or even different herbs for that extra layer of flavor.
How to Make Pioneer Woman Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp Butter
- 1 Onion (chopped)
- 2 Carrots (sliced)
- 2 Celery Stalks (sliced)
- 3 Garlic Cloves (minced)
- 1 Chicken (whole, about 3-4 lbs.)
- 4 quarts Water
- 12 oz. Egg Noodles
- 1/2 cup Heavy Cream
- 1/4 cup Flour
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- Fresh Parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1:
Place the chicken in a large pot and cover it with 4 quarts of water.
Bring to a boil over high heat.
Reduce the heat to low and simmer for around 30 minutes.
Step 2:
Carefully remove the chicken from the pot using a slotted spoon.
Once cool enough to handle, shred the meat, discarding any bones.
Step 3:
Melt the butter in a separate large pot over medium heat.
Add the onions, carrots, celery, and garlic.
Cook, stirring often, until the vegetables are soft, about 5-6 minutes.
Step 4:
Whisk the flour into the pot with the vegetables until fully combined.
Slowly add the chicken broth from the other pot, stirring constantly.
Step 5:
Add the shredded chicken back to the soup.
Stir in the heavy cream and egg noodles.
Cook for another 10 minutes, until the noodles are tender.
Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe
Alternating with Rotisserie Chicken
If you’re short on time, using a store-bought rotisserie chicken can really save you time and effort.
Simply skip the boiling step and shred the chicken directly into the soup.
Adjusting the Creaminess
Depending on your preference, you might want to adjust the amount of heavy cream you add.
For a richer soup, increase the cream, or reduce it for a lighter broth.
Noodle Options
While egg noodles are traditionally used in this recipe, you can experiment with other types of pasta.
Short pasta varieties like ditalini or macaroni work very well in soups too.
Adding Extra Flavor
Throw in a bay leaf while simmering the chicken for an extra layer of depth in the broth.
Remember to remove it before serving to avoid a bitter taste.
What to Serve with Pioneer Woman Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup
Buttered Crackers
You can’t go wrong with a simple side like buttered crackers.
The crispy texture pairs perfectly with the creamy soup, offering a satisfying crunch.
Corn Fritters
Try corn fritters for a unique side dish.
They add a sweet and savory element with each bite, enhancing the overall meal experience.
Bake them for a crisp exterior that contrasts nicely with the soup’s texture.
Tomato and Avocado Salad
A fresh tomato and avocado salad brings vibrant flavors and colors to the table.
The rich creaminess of avocados matches well with the creamy soup.
Top it off with some red onions and a bit of cilantro for an extra zing.
Cheese-Stuffed Garlic Bread
Cheese-stuffed garlic bread is always a treat!
The gooey, cheesy filling mingles beautifully with the flavors of chicken and broth.
Warm and savory, it offers pure comfort on the side.
Lemon Parmesan Roasted Asparagus
For something a little unexpected, roasted asparagus with lemon and parmesan adds a bright note.
The citrusy zest of lemon cuts through the richness of the soup.
Sprinkle with parmesan for a salty, savory finish.
Enjoy experimenting with these options, and create a meal that’s as fun to prepare as it is to eat!
Variations and Substitutions
Add More Veggies
You can add extra veggies to your chicken noodle soup to vary the flavors and textures.
Try tossing in some kale or spinach for added greens.
Other options include peas, broccoli, or bell peppers, based on what you have at home.
Dairy Alternatives
If you’re looking to make the soup creamy without using heavy cream, you have options.
Coconut milk or almond milk can add a creamy texture without the dairy.
These alternatives work well and give you a different taste profile.
Noodle Options
You might not always have wide egg noodles on hand, but don’t worry.
Substitute with pasta types like rotini, fusilli, or even broken spaghetti.
Each of these will give your soup a unique twist while still being delicious.
Spice Things Up
Adding a bit of spice can change up the usual taste.
Consider adding a dash of cayenne pepper or paprika for some heat.
Garlic lovers might want to throw in some extra garlic powder or fresh minced garlic!
How to Store Leftover Pioneer Woman Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup
Cool the Soup
Once you’ve finished enjoying your Pioneer Woman Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup, it’s time to think about storing leftovers.
Allow the soup to cool down to room temperature before you even think about placing it in the fridge. This reduces the risk of bacterial growth, keeping your soup fresh.
Use Airtight Containers
Transfer your cooled soup into an airtight container.
These containers help in preserving the soup’s flavor and texture while preventing any unwanted fridge aromas from seeping in.
Make sure the lid is securely fastened; this small step makes a big difference!
Refrigerate or Freeze
Once sealed, pop the container into the refrigerator if you plan to consume the soup within the next few days.
Stored properly, this delicious soup can last up to three or four days in the fridge.
For long-term storage, consider freezing the soup, but be aware, the cream and noodles might have a different texture upon thawing.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overcooking the Noodles
You’ve got to watch those noodles like a hawk!
They can go from perfect to mushy in minutes.
Add them towards the end of cooking, once the rest of the soup is just right.
Using Too Much Salt
It’s easy to go overboard with salt and ruin the balance.
Start with less, then taste and add more as needed.
You can always add, but you can’t take it out.
Not Sautéing Vegetables
Skipping this step can leave you with a less flavorful soup.
Sauté onions, carrots, and celery first to enhance their natural sweetness.
It makes a big difference and sets a solid base for your soup.
Pioneer Woman Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp Butter
- 1 Onion chopped
- 2 Carrots sliced
- 2 Celery Stalks sliced
- 3 Garlic Cloves minced
- 1 Chicken whole, about 3-4 lbs.
- 4 quarts Water
- 12 oz. Egg Noodles
- 1/2 cup Heavy Cream
- 1/4 cup Flour
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- Fresh Parsley chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Place the chicken in a large pot and cover it with 4 quarts of water.
- Bring to a boil over high heat.
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer for around 30 minutes.
- Carefully remove the chicken from the pot using a slotted spoon.
- Once cool enough to handle, shred the meat, discarding any bones.
- Melt the butter in a separate large pot over medium heat.
- Add the onions, carrots, celery, and garlic.
- Cook, stirring often, until the vegetables are soft, about 5-6 minutes.
- Whisk the flour into the pot with the vegetables until fully combined.
- Slowly add the chicken broth from the other pot, stirring constantly.
- Add the shredded chicken back to the soup.
- Stir in the heavy cream and egg noodles.
- Cook for another 10 minutes, until the noodles are tender.