Hearty & Healing Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup: A Comfort Food Classic for All Seasons

There’s something universally comforting about a warm bowl of chicken soup, a timeless remedy for body and soul. This exquisite creamy chicken pasta soup takes that beloved tradition and elevates it to new heights, transforming a simple dish into an extraordinarily hearty and comforting meal. Inspired by cherished family recipes, we’ve introduced a delightful twist: the addition of mashed potatoes and a touch of cream, creating an unparalleled richness that will soothe you from the inside out.

While staying true to the essence of traditional chicken soup, with its familiar foundation of wholesome ingredients like onions, carrots, leeks, peas, corn, tender chicken, and savory broth, this recipe introduces a subtle yet significant difference. We incorporate two cups of skim milk and a hint of cornstarch, alongside a grated potato. This ingenious combination doesn’t just add to the creaminess; it creates a luxurious, velvety texture that makes every spoonful truly indulgent, without making it overly heavy.

Why This Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Will Become Your New Favorite

If your idea of comfort food involves more than just a standard chicken soup, then this creamy version is an absolute must-try. It offers a level of comforting warmth that goes beyond the ordinary, making it especially perfect for the colder months. While it might carry a few more Weight Watchers points than its traditional counterpart, the rich, satisfying flavor and texture make it undeniably worth every single point, especially as winter approaches.

Ultimate Comfort in Every Spoonful

Imagine coming home after a long, chilly day. The thought of a warm, creamy, and flavorful soup waiting for you can instantly lift your spirits. This soup isn’t just a meal; it’s a hug in a bowl. The tender chicken, soft pasta, and an abundance of vegetables are all enveloped in a smooth, creamy broth that nourishes both body and mind. It’s the kind of soup that reminds you of home, making it an ideal choice when you’re feeling under the weather, exhausted, or simply craving something deeply satisfying.

A Freezer-Friendly Meal Prep Marvel

One of the standout features of this creamy chicken pasta soup is its exceptional freezer-friendliness. You can prepare a large batch and store it in your freezer for a couple of weeks, ensuring you always have a wholesome, delicious meal at the ready. The remarkable thing is that when reheated, the soup retains its delightful texture and flavor, tasting just as pleasant as when it was freshly made. There’s truly nothing better than walking through the door after an exhausting day, knowing that a nutritious, comforting meal is just minutes away from being warmed up and enjoyed.

Effortless One-Pot Wonder

Beyond its delicious taste and convenience, this soup is a dream for busy cooks. You can prepare this entire dish quickly and efficiently in just one pot. This means less cleanup and a more streamlined cooking process, making it perfect for weeknights. Furthermore, it doesn’t demand meticulous knife skills or excessive care when chopping the vegetables. A rustic chop is perfectly fine, as all the ingredients will meld together beautifully in the simmering broth. This ease of preparation makes it accessible even for novice cooks.

Budget-Conscious and Health-Smart

The ingredients required for this creamy chicken pasta soup are not only readily available but also quite economical. Utilizing common pantry staples and fresh vegetables ensures that you can create a substantial meal without breaking the bank. From a health perspective, particularly for those tracking their intake, this recipe is designed to be mindful. At just 4 WW Points Per Serving (1 ½ cups or 375 ml), it offers a satisfying and flavorful option that aligns with health goals. You can easily view the recipe details on the WW App here (WW login required). And remember, when your heart is aching or you need a pick-me-up, a comforting cup of healthy soup is often a much better and more nourishing choice than a bowl of ice cream.

---

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time: 35 minutes

Servings: 6

Serving size: 1 ½ cups (375 ml)

Weight Watchers Points: 4 WW Points Per Serving.

---

Ingredients:

Gathering your ingredients beforehand ensures a smooth cooking process. Here’s what you’ll need for this delightful creamy chicken noodle soup:

• 1 teaspoon olive oil (5 ml)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped (approximately 1 cup / 150 g)
• 3 garlic cloves, minced (about 1 tablespoon / 9 g), for aromatic depth
• 1 leek, white and light green parts only, thinly sliced (about 1 cup / 100 g), adding a delicate oniony flavor
• 2 medium carrots, prepared as one grated and one sliced into rounds (total 1 cup / 128 g), for texture and sweetness
• 1 medium potato, grated (approximately 1 cup / 150 g), a secret ingredient for extra creaminess and body
• 1 can whole kernel corn (15 Oz / 350 g), drained, for bursts of sweetness
• 1 can sweet peas (15 Oz / 350 g), drained, adding a touch of vibrant green and fresh flavor
• 1 cup uncooked small pasta shapes (100 g), such as ditalini, orzo, or small shells
• 2 large chicken breasts, diced (approximately 1 pound / 450 g), providing lean protein
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth (1 liter), the flavorful base of our soup
• 2 cups skim milk (480 ml), to achieve the creamy consistency while keeping it lighter
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch (16 g), used to thicken the soup to perfection
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions:

Follow these simple steps to create your own batch of this comforting creamy chicken pasta soup. Remember, this is a one-pot recipe, making it as easy to clean up as it is to make!

1. Saute the aromatics: Begin by heating the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, and thinly sliced leek. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until these aromatic vegetables are softened, translucent, and release their fragrant aroma. This step is crucial for building the foundational flavor of your soup.
2. Add the root vegetables: Next, incorporate the grated carrot and grated potato into the pot. Stir well to combine these with the sautéed aromatics and continue to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. The finely grated potato is a key component here, as it will break down during cooking, contributing significantly to the soup’s creamy, thick texture without needing excessive dairy.
3. Brown the chicken: Add the diced chicken breast to the pot. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is lightly browned on the outside. It’s important to note that the chicken doesn’t need to be fully cooked through at this stage; it will finish cooking as the soup simmers, ensuring it remains tender and juicy.
4. Simmer with broth: Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently for 10 minutes. This simmering period allows all the flavors to deeply meld together, and ensures the chicken cooks through properly, absorbing the rich broth.
5. Introduce pasta and remaining carrots: Now, add the sliced carrot rounds and the uncooked small pasta shapes to the pot. Stir everything thoroughly to ensure the pasta doesn’t stick together. Continue to simmer the soup for another 8-10 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked al dente (meaning it’s firm to the bite) and the carrot rounds are tender but not mushy.
6. Prepare the thickening slurry: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the skim milk and cornstarch until the mixture is completely smooth and no lumps remain. This slurry is what will thicken your soup to a beautiful creamy consistency without the need for heavier, higher-fat creams.
7. Thicken the soup: Slowly pour the milk and cornstarch mixture into the simmering pot, making sure to stir constantly as you add it. This continuous stirring is vital to prevent any lumps from forming and to ensure the cornstarch is evenly distributed. Add the drained corn kernels and sweet peas. Increase the heat to medium and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the soup has visibly thickened to your desired consistency.
8. Taste and adjust seasoning: This is a crucial step! Carefully taste the soup. Adjust the seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. Remember that chicken broth can vary in its sodium content, so add salt gradually to avoid over-salting the entire pot. A pinch of white pepper can also enhance the creamy flavor.
9. Let it stand: Once seasoned to perfection, remove the pot from the heat. Allow the soup to stand for 5 minutes before serving. This short resting period allows the flavors to settle and intensify, and the soup to cool slightly to a more enjoyable eating temperature.
10. Garnish and serve: Ladle the warm, comforting creamy pasta chicken soup into individual bowls. For an extra touch of freshness and flavor, you can garnish with fresh herbs like chopped parsley, dill, or chives. A light sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese also makes a wonderful addition, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy your homemade masterpiece!

Enjoy your comforting and incredibly creamy pasta chicken soup! This recipe is truly perfect for cold days, when you’re feeling under the weather, or simply when you need a nurturing and satisfying meal. Remember, you can store any delicious leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze portions for up to 2 weeks for convenient future meals. This makes it an excellent choice for weekly meal planning.

Variations and Substitutions to Customize Your Creamy Chicken Soup

One of the best aspects of this creamy chicken noodle soup recipe is its versatility. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients to suit your taste, dietary needs, or what you have on hand. Here are some popular variations and substitutions:

1. Protein Alternatives: While chicken is classic, this soup is equally delicious with other proteins. I often make this soup with turkey, especially around the holidays when there are leftovers. You can even use shredded leftover roast turkey or ground turkey. This is truly my rescue soup for when I’m feeling sad, exhausted, or unwell, and using pre-cooked turkey makes it even faster. For a vegetarian option, consider adding canned chickpeas or white beans, or even a plant-based chicken substitute.
2. Vegetable Enhancements: The beauty of soup lies in its ability to incorporate a wide array of vegetables. One variation I particularly enjoy is adding tiny pieces of pumpkin or butternut squash. These sweet, earthy vegetables break down beautifully during cooking, naturally thickening the broth further and giving it a lovely, warm yellow hue, which I find incredibly appetizing. Additionally, you can easily add other veggies like green beans, broccoli florets, spinach (stirred in at the very end), bell peppers, or even mushrooms. A bag of frozen mixed vegetables (like those from Green Giant) can also come in incredibly handy in a pinch, making preparation even quicker.
3. Herb and Spice Boosts: To elevate the flavor profile, consider adding different herbs and spices. Beyond salt and pepper, a pinch of dried thyme or rosemary during the sautéing stage can add wonderful depth. For a fresh touch, I often add a few fresh mint leaves to this soup right before serving; they provide a surprising brightness and I personally prefer it even more than cilantro in this particular recipe. A bay leaf simmered with the broth and removed before serving also adds a subtle aromatic note.
4. Different Pasta Shapes: Don’t limit yourself to small pasta shapes. Egg noodles, orzo, alphabet pasta, or even broken spaghetti can work beautifully in this recipe. Just be mindful of cooking times, as larger or denser pasta shapes may require a bit longer to cook through.
5. Richer or Dairy-Free Creaminess: If you prefer an even richer soup and are not concerned about Weight Watchers points, you can substitute whole milk or even a mix of half-and-half or heavy cream for the skim milk. For a dairy-free version, unsweetened almond milk or cashew milk can be used, and a dairy-free cream cheese or silken tofu blended in can add a similar creamy texture.

Tips and Tricks for Making the Best Creamy Chicken Soup

Achieving the perfect bowl of creamy chicken noodle soup is simple with a few insider tips. These suggestions will help you maximize flavor and ensure a consistently delicious result every time:

1. Boost Broth Flavor: The quality of your chicken broth directly impacts the final taste of your soup. If your store-bought chicken broth seems to lack robust flavor, I highly suggest cooking it a bit longer, allowing it to reduce and concentrate. This process intensifies the broth, making it much richer and tastier. It also ensures the chicken and vegetables become even more tender, which is incredibly pleasant in a comforting soup. For the best flavor, consider using homemade chicken broth if you have it available; it truly makes a difference.
2. Achieving Desired Thickness: The grated potato already contributes significantly to the soup’s body, and the cornstarch slurry provides additional thickening. If you find at the end of cooking that you prefer a slightly thicker soup, you can easily add a bit more cornstarch. Simply dilute an extra teaspoon or two of cornstarch in a quarter cup of cold water to create another slurry, then slowly stir it into the simmering soup until your desired consistency is reached. Remember to cook for another minute or two to ensure the cornstarch is fully activated and cooked out.
3. Timing the Dairy Addition: When working with dairy, especially milk, it’s important to add it only towards the end of the cooking process. Overcooking dairy at high temperatures can sometimes cause it to curdle or separate, affecting the soup’s smooth consistency. By adding the skim milk and cornstarch slurry at the instructed step, you ensure a creamy texture without any issues.
4. Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Small pasta shapes cook relatively quickly. Keep a close eye on the pasta during its simmering time to ensure it reaches an al dente texture. Overcooked pasta can become mushy and absorb too much liquid, altering the soup’s texture and consistency. If you plan to freeze the soup, you might even undercook the pasta slightly (by 1-2 minutes) as it will continue to cook a bit during reheating.
5. Seasoning in Layers: Don’t wait until the very end to season. Taste and adjust your seasonings at various stages of cooking. A pinch of salt when sautéing the aromatics, and then again after adding the broth and chicken, helps to build layers of flavor. Always taste before adding more salt, especially if using store-bought broth which can already contain a significant amount of sodium.
6. Proper Storage for Leftovers: For refrigerating, ensure the soup has cooled down before transferring it to airtight containers. For freezing, divide the soup into single-serving or family-sized portions in freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some headspace for expansion. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before gently reheating on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Nutrition Information

This recipe provides a balanced and nourishing meal. Here’s an approximation of the nutritional values per serving:

• Serving Size: 462g
• Calories: 330 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Protein: 25g
• Fat: 8.9g
• Saturated Fat: 2.3g
• Cholesterol: 50mg
• Sodium: 796mg
• Potassium: 593mg
• Fiber: 4.3g
• Sugar: 11g
• Calcium: 149mg
• Iron: 2.8mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation. Individual results may vary based on exact ingredients and portion sizes.

Additional Information

This versatile dish fits well into various meal categories:

• Course: Main Course, Soup
• Cuisine: American

We hope you love this Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup as much as we do! It’s a truly satisfying and heartwarming recipe that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen, offering comfort and deliciousness in every bowl.