Transform a simple chicken noodle soup into a light and creamy delight with this recipe. Perfectly balanced with tender vegetables, succulent chicken, and smooth broth, it's a comforting meal for any day.
Photos of Light and Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
One ingredient that might not be commonly found in your pantry is evaporated skim milk. It gives the soup its creamy texture without the heaviness of regular cream. Make sure to pick it up from the supermarket if you don't already have it on hand.
Ingredients For Light And Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Olive oil: Used for sautéing the vegetables, imparting a subtle richness.
White onion: Adds a sweet and tangy flavor base to the soup.
Carrots: Provide sweetness and a slight crunch.
Celery: Adds a mild, aromatic flavor and a bit of texture.
Garlic: Infuses the soup with a fragrant and savory essence.
Flour: Helps thicken the broth, giving a slightly creamy consistency.
Chicken broth: Forms the base of the soup, full of savory chicken flavor.
Chicken: Provides hearty protein, making the soup more filling.
Egg noodles: Add substance and texture, making the soup more satisfying.
Evaporated skim milk: Creates a creamy texture without adding too much fat.
Salt: Enhances the flavors of all the ingredients.
Dried oregano: Adds a hint of earthy, herbal notes.
Ground black pepper: Provides a bit of heat and complexity.
Dried thyme: Contributes a subtle, aromatic flavor.
Fresh parsley: Used as a garnish for a fresh and vibrant finish.
One reader, Jermaine Hanson says:
This light and creamy chicken noodle soup is a comforting delight! The blend of tender chicken, fresh veggies, and perfectly cooked noodles in a creamy broth is simply divine. It's easy to make and perfect for a cozy meal. Highly recommend!
Techniques Required for Making Light and Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup
How to sauté vegetables: Heat oil in a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery, and cook for about 7 minutes until they are softened. How to mince garlic: Peel the garlic cloves and finely chop them using a knife or a garlic press. How to make a roux: Sprinkle flour over the sautéed vegetables and cook, stirring constantly, for an additional minute to form a roux. How to gradually stir in broth: Slowly add the chicken broth to the roux while stirring continuously to avoid lumps. How to cook noodles al dente: Add egg noodles to the simmering soup and cook for about 10 minutes or until they are tender but still firm to the bite. How to garnish with fresh parsley: Chop fresh parsley and sprinkle it over the soup just before serving for added flavor and presentation.
How To Make Light and Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup
Chicken noodle soup that tastes just like how your mom made it, but in a lighter version. You can use either egg noodles or pasta for this dish.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1tbspolive oil
- 1small white onion,diced
- 2carrots,peeled and diced
- 2celery stalks,diced
- 2cloves garlic,minced
- ⅓cupflour
- 8cupschicken broth
- 3cupschicken,cooked and shredded
- 2cupsegg noodles,or pasta, uncooked
- 12ozevaporated skim milk
- 1tspsalt
- ½tspdried oregano
- ½tspground black pepper
- ¼tspdried thyme
- fresh parsley,chopped, optional garnish
Instructions
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Heat oil over medium-high heat in a large stockpot or Dutch oven. Saute onion, carrots, and celery for 7 minutes.
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Add garlic and cook for an additional minute. Sprinkle flour over vegetables, and cook and stir for an additional minute.
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Gradually stir in broth and bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer, partially covered, for 10 to 15 minutes.
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Add remaining ingredients, and stir to combine. Cook for 10 minutes or until noodles are al dente. Season with additional salt and pepper or seasonings if needed.
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Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Nutrition
- Calories: 398.65kcal
- Fat: 17.51g
- Saturated Fat: 4.61g
- Trans Fat: 0.08g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 8.09g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 3.43g
- Carbohydrates: 32.67g
- Fiber: 1.88g
- Sugar: 9.76g
- Protein: 26.18g
- Cholesterol: 73.87mg
- Sodium: 954.81mg
- Calcium: 165.33mg
- Potassium: 754.17mg
- Iron: 2.48mg
- Vitamin A: 306.38µg
- Vitamin C: 12.00mg
Technique Tip for Making Light and Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup
When sautéing the onion, carrots, and celery, make sure to cut them into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking. This will help the vegetables become tender at the same rate and enhance the overall texture of the soup.
Time-Saving Tips for This Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Prep ingredients ahead: Chop onion, carrots, and celery the night before and store them in the fridge.
Use rotisserie chicken: Save time by using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken instead of cooking your own.
Instant broth: Opt for store-bought chicken broth to skip the long process of making it from scratch.
Quick garlic prep: Use pre-minced garlic from a jar to save chopping time.
One-pot cooking: Use a large stockpot or dutch oven to minimize cleanup.
Pre-measure spices: Measure out salt, oregano, black pepper, and thyme in advance.
Substitute Ingredients For Light and Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
olive oil - Substitute with canola oil: Canola oil has a neutral flavor and similar cooking properties.
white onion - Substitute with yellow onion: Yellow onions have a slightly stronger flavor but work well in soups.
carrots - Substitute with parsnips: Parsnips have a similar texture and a slightly sweeter taste.
celery stalks - Substitute with fennel stalks: Fennel adds a slight anise flavor which can be a nice twist.
garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots provide a milder, sweeter flavor similar to garlic.
flour - Substitute with cornstarch: Cornstarch is a good thickening agent and can be used in a smaller quantity.
chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth provides a similar base flavor for the soup.
chicken - Substitute with tofu: Tofu is a good protein alternative for a vegetarian option.
egg noodles - Substitute with rice noodles: Rice noodles are gluten-free and have a similar texture.
evaporated skim milk - Substitute with coconut milk: Coconut milk adds creaminess and a subtle coconut flavor.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds saltiness and umami flavor.
dried oregano - Substitute with dried basil: Dried basil provides a different but complementary herbal note.
ground black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a milder flavor and won't alter the soup's color.
dried thyme - Substitute with dried rosemary: Dried rosemary offers a robust, earthy flavor.
fresh parsley - Substitute with fresh cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a bright, fresh flavor.
Best Way to Present Light and Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup
Serve in a pristine white bowl: Use a deep, pristine white bowl to highlight the vibrant colors of the chicken noodle soup. The white background will make the carrots, celery, and parsley pop visually.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Finely chop fresh parsley and sprinkle it generously over the top of the soup. This adds a burst of color and a fresh aroma that elevates the dish.
Add a drizzle of olive oil: Just before serving, drizzle a small amount of high-quality olive oil over the soup. This adds a glossy finish and a hint of richness.
Use a ladle for precise serving: Use a ladle to ensure each bowl has a balanced amount of chicken, noodles, and vegetables. This ensures consistency and a professional presentation.
Serve with a side of crusty bread: Pair the soup with a slice of warm, crusty bread on the side. This not only complements the soup but also adds a textural contrast.
Add a touch of microgreens: Place a small cluster of microgreens on top of the soup for an elegant touch. They add a delicate crunch and a sophisticated appearance.
Use a soup plate under the bowl: Place the bowl on a larger soup plate to catch any drips and to add an extra layer of presentation. This also makes it easier to carry and serve.
Serve immediately: Ensure the soup is served hot. The steam rising from the bowl adds to the sensory experience and enhances the aroma of the garlic and herbs.
Highlight the ingredients: Arrange the carrots, celery, and chicken pieces neatly in the bowl before pouring the broth. This showcases the quality and care put into the preparation.
Use a clean, polished spoon: Serve with a clean, polished soup spoon placed on the side of the bowl. This attention to detail reflects the high standards of a Michelin-starred presentation.
Essential Tools for Making This Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Large stockpot: A large stockpot is essential for cooking the soup, providing ample space for all ingredients to simmer and meld together.
Dutch oven: Alternatively, a Dutch oven can be used for its excellent heat retention and even cooking.
Wooden spoon: A wooden spoon is perfect for stirring the vegetables and soup without scratching the pot.
Chef's knife: A chef's knife is necessary for chopping the onion, carrots, and celery finely.
Cutting board: A cutting board provides a stable surface for safely chopping vegetables.
Garlic press: A garlic press can be used to mince the garlic quickly and efficiently.
Measuring cups: Measuring cups are needed to measure out the flour, chicken broth, and evaporated skim milk accurately.
Measuring spoons: Measuring spoons are important for measuring the salt, oregano, black pepper, and thyme precisely.
Ladle: A ladle is useful for serving the soup into bowls.
Tongs: Tongs can be handy for handling the cooked chicken pieces.
Can opener: A can opener is needed to open the can of evaporated skim milk.
Soup bowls: Soup bowls are used for serving the finished soup.
Soup spoons: Soup spoons are necessary for enjoying the soup.
Fresh parsley: Fresh parsley is used as a garnish to add a touch of color and freshness to the soup.
How to Store and Freeze Light and Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup
Allow the chicken noodle soup to cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent the formation of condensation, which can lead to a watery texture when reheated.
For short-term storage, transfer the cooled soup to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. The flavors will meld together, making the soup even more delicious the next day.
If you plan to freeze the soup, consider the following tips:
- Cook the egg noodles separately and add them to the soup when reheating. This prevents them from becoming mushy during the freezing and thawing process.
- Freeze the soup in smaller, portion-sized containers for easy thawing and reheating. This allows you to enjoy the soup whenever the craving strikes without having to thaw a large batch.
- Leave some headspace in the containers to allow for expansion during freezing.
- Label the containers with the date and contents for easy reference.
To thaw frozen chicken noodle soup, transfer the container from the freezer to the refrigerator and allow it to thaw overnight. Alternatively, you can place the frozen container in a bowl of cold water to speed up the thawing process.
When reheating the soup, pour it into a saucepan and heat it over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches the desired temperature. If you've frozen the soup without the noodles, cook them separately and add them to the reheated soup before serving.
If the soup appears too thick after thawing, you can thin it out with a little chicken broth or water until it reaches your preferred consistency.
Properly stored, frozen chicken noodle soup can last for up to 4-6 months in the freezer. However, for the best quality and flavor, it's recommended to consume it within 2-3 months.
How to Reheat Leftover Chicken Noodle Soup
Stovetop method: transfer the leftover chicken noodle soup to a pot and reheat it over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until it reaches the desired temperature. Be careful not to let the soup boil, as this can cause the noodles to become mushy and overcooked.
Microwave method: place the desired amount of leftover soup in a microwave-safe bowl and cover it with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, then stir the soup and continue heating in 30-second intervals until it reaches the desired temperature.
Slow cooker method: transfer the leftover soup to a slow cooker and heat it on the low setting for 1-2 hours, or until it reaches the desired temperature. This method is ideal if you want to reheat a large batch of soup or if you want to keep the soup warm for an extended period.
Oven method: preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the leftover soup to an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Place the dish in the preheated oven and heat for 15-20 minutes, or until the soup reaches the desired temperature.
Regardless of the reheating method you choose, be sure to stir the soup occasionally to ensure even heating and prevent scorching. If the soup appears too thick after reheating, you can thin it out by adding a small amount of chicken broth or water until it reaches the desired consistency.
To enhance the flavor of the reheated soup, consider adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, a sprinkle of fresh parsley, or a pinch of black pepper just before serving.
Random Fact About Light and Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup
A random fact about this light and creamy chicken noodle soup recipe is that using evaporated skim milk instead of heavy cream significantly reduces the calories and fat content while still providing a rich and creamy texture.
Is This Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe Economical for Home Cooking?
This light and creamy chicken noodle soup recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients like chicken broth, carrots, celery, and egg noodles are generally affordable and can be found in most kitchens. Using evaporated skim milk instead of cream keeps the cost low while maintaining a creamy texture. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15-$20 USD. Overall Verdict: 8/10.
Is This Chicken Noodle Soup Healthy or Unhealthy?
This chicken noodle soup recipe is a healthier version of the classic comfort food. Here's why:
- The use of olive oil provides healthy monounsaturated fats
- The vegetables (onion, carrots, celery, and garlic) offer essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber
- Chicken broth is a low-calorie, low-fat option compared to cream-based soups
- Chicken is a lean protein source
- Egg noodles are a source of carbohydrates for energy
- Evaporated skim milk adds creaminess without the high fat content of regular milk or cream
- The herbs and spices (salt, oregano, black pepper, and thyme) add flavor without additional calories
However, there are a few areas where this recipe could be even healthier:
- Use whole wheat egg noodles for added fiber and nutrients
- Increase the amount of vegetables for more vitamins and minerals
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to reduce the overall salt content
- Opt for skinless chicken breast to further reduce fat intake
- Consider adding other nutrient-dense vegetables like spinach or kale for an extra boost of vitamins and minerals
- Experiment with using Greek yogurt instead of evaporated milk for a protein-rich, lower-calorie alternative that still provides creaminess
Editor's Thoughts on This Light and Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
This light and creamy chicken noodle soup recipe is a delightful twist on the classic comfort food. The use of evaporated skim milk adds a rich creaminess without the heaviness of traditional cream. The combination of sautéed vegetables, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked egg noodles creates a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. The addition of dried herbs like oregano and thyme enhances the overall taste, making it both aromatic and satisfying. Garnishing with fresh parsley adds a touch of freshness and color. This recipe is perfect for a cozy meal, offering both nourishment and comfort.
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Why trust this Light and Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe:
This light and creamy chicken noodle soup recipe is a must-try for its perfect balance of flavors and textures. The combination of sautéed vegetables and tender chicken in a rich, yet light broth creates a comforting dish. Using evaporated skim milk ensures a creamy consistency without the extra calories. The addition of herbs like oregano and thyme enhances the overall taste, making it a wholesome meal. Trust this recipe for its simplicity and delicious results.
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