Name: Creamy Chicken and Noodles Recipe: Rich & Comforting
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1½ –2 lbs chicken (cubed); Butter (onion, carrots, celery); Garlic + chicken broth; Egg noodles; Heavy cream; Thyme (rosemary, bay leaves)

Introduction

Table of Contents

Creamy Chicken and Noodles is pure cozy dinner bliss: tender chicken, egg noodles, and colorful veggies in a velvety, herb-infused cream sauce that tastes like it had simmered for hours. One pot, 30 minutes, and you’ve got the ultimate comfort food that feels like a hug. Presented in a white ceramic bowl with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and crusty bread on the side, this Creamy Chicken and Noodles offers steaming richness and pure soul-warming goodness that makes everyone ask for seconds.

Ingredients

For the Creamy Chicken and Noodles (serves 6–8): • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 medium carrots, sliced
• 3 celery stalks, sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1½–2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 8 cups chicken broth (low-sodium)
• 12 oz egg noodles (wide or extra-wide)
• 1½ cups heavy cream or half-and-half
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: 1 cup frozen peas (added last 5 min)

For Serving: • Fresh parsley, grated Parmesan, crusty bread

Step-by-Step Process

Melt butter & sauté aromatics
Melt butter in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery; cook 6–8 minutes until softened and lightly golden.
Add garlic
Stir in garlic; cook 1 minute until fragrant.
Cook chicken
Add chicken pieces. Season with salt and pepper. Cook 5–7 minutes until lightly browned (no need to cook fully—it finishes in broth).
Add broth & seasonings
Pour in chicken broth. Add thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves. Bring to a gentle boil.
Add noodles
Stir in egg noodles. Reduce to a simmer. Cook uncovered 10–15 minutes until noodles are tender (stir often to prevent sticking).
Finish with cream
Stir in heavy cream. Simmer 3–5 minutes until thickened slightly. Add frozen peas if using.
Taste & serve
Remove bay leaves. Taste—adjust seasoning. Ladle into bowls. Garnish with parsley.

Tips for Perfect Creamy Chicken and Noodles

• Thighs > breasts—stay juicier in sauce
• Sauté veggies first—builds deep flavor
• Add noodles to broth—they absorb flavor
• Cream at the end—prevents curdling
• Make day ahead—flavor improves overnight
• Thicken with cornstarch slurry if needed

Variations and Customization

• Mushroom: add 8 oz sliced mushrooms with veggies
• Lemon Herb: add lemon zest + fresh dill at end
• Spicy: red pepper flakes or hot sauce
• Veggie-Loaded: add spinach or broccoli last 5 min
• Crock-Pot: low 6 hrs, add noodles/cream last 30 min
• Light: half-and-half + extra broth

Storage and Serving Tips

• Tastes better day 2—perfect make-ahead
• Fridge up to 5 days
• Freezes okay up to 3 months (noodles soften)
• Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth or milk
• Quick refresh: add fresh parsley
• Serve with crusty bread or salad

Nutritional Information

Based on 8 servings:
• Calories: 520 kcal
• Protein: 34g
• Total Fat: 26g (Saturated 14g)
• Carbohydrates: 42g

FAQ

1. Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes—add shredded at the end with cream.

2. Is my sauce too thin?
Simmer uncovered longer or cornstarch slurry.

3. Gluten-free version?
GF noodles + flour for any thickening.

4. Make-ahead?
Yes—up to 2 days. Add cream when reheating.

5. No heavy cream?
Half-and-half or whole milk + extra butter.

Conclusion

This Creamy Chicken and Noodles is pure one-pot comfort—rich, velvety, and so satisfying it makes winter feel cozy, and weeknights feel special. One steaming bowl and suddenly dinner’s effortless, leftovers feel like a gift, and everyone’s lingering at the table asking for more. Keep chicken and noodles stocked, and you’re always 30 minutes away from the creamy, soul-warming dinner that turns ordinary days into something quietly extraordinary.