Ah, there’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of creamy chicken noodle soup on a chilly day, is there? This Easy Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup with Bacon is one of my absolute favorites—rich, comforting, and oh-so-delicious! I remember the first time I made it during a cozy night with friends, and the kitchen was filled with inviting aromas. By the time we ladled it into bowls, everyone was practically drooling! The bacon adds a delightful crunch to the creamy base, turning a classic soup into something special!
This soup has quickly become a family staple, and I can confidently say it’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re nursing a cold, celebrating a special moment, or just looking to impress with minimal effort. So, let’s dive into the magic that is this creamy concoction!
What’s in Easy Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup with Bacon?
Cooked Chicken: This is the heart of our soup! I love using leftover rotisserie chicken for convenience, but any cooked chicken works just fine. Just shred or dice it up and you’re good to go!
Bacon: Oh, the delightful crunch! I use about 6 slices of crispy bacon to give the soup that smoky flavor that combines so beautifully with the cream. Just don’t skip this step; it’s essential!
Onion: A medium onion adds a layer of sweetness and depth to the base. It’s an integral part that brings everything together.
Garlic: You can never go wrong with two cloves of minced garlic! It adds that wonderful aroma and taste that gets your taste buds dancing.
Chicken Broth: I suggest using a good-quality chicken broth for that rich and savory flavor. Low-sodium varieties are excellent if you want to control the salt.
Heavy Cream: The magic ingredient! This is where the creaminess comes from. You could also use half-and-half for a lighter version, but I say go all out!
Egg Noodles: The perfect vehicle for all that deliciousness! Cook them until they’re al dente for that perfect bite.
Frozen Peas: These beauties add a pop of color and sweetness to the soup. Plus, they’re super convenient!
Dried Thyme & Dried Parsley: These herbs add a lovely aromatic flavor to the soup. Feel free to use fresh if you have it on hand!
Salt and Pepper: Always a must to season and enhance all those wonderful flavors.
Fresh Parsley or Chives: For that finishing touch! It not only looks beautiful but also adds a fresh note to each bowl.
Is Easy Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup with Bacon Good for You?
Now, let’s chat about the health benefits! This soup is relatively hearty, thanks to the protein from the chicken and the nutritious peas.
Chicken: It’s an excellent source of lean protein which is essential for muscle repair and overall health.
Bacon: While delicious, it’s worth noting that bacon does come with extra fat and sodium. But hey, it’s all about balance, right? A little indulgence now and then makes life sweeter!
Peas: These little green gems are high in fiber, which is fantastic for digestion, and they’ll help keep you feeling full longer.
Heavy Cream: Yes, it’s rich—but just remember, a little goes a long way when it comes to flavor. You could use light cream or even a milk alternative if you want to cut back on calories.
In short, while this soup might not be a daily diet staple, it’s definitely a treat to enjoy, especially during those cold months!
Ingredients
– 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
– 6 slices of bacon, chopped
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 2 cups egg noodles
– 1 cup frozen peas
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1 teaspoon dried parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or chives for garnish
*Serves 4-6 people*
How to Make Easy Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup with Bacon?
1. In a large pot over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. This will take about 5-7 minutes. Once it’s done, take it out and let it drain on paper towels, keeping all that lovely bacon fat in the pot!
2. Next, toss in the diced onion and sauté until it gets all translucent and sweet, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and stir for just another minute until fragrant—yum!
3. Pour in the chicken broth and bring everything to a boil.
4. Once boiling, sprinkle in those egg noodles and cook according to package instructions, typically around 6-8 minutes until al dente.
5. Now stir in the heavy cream, shredded chicken, frozen peas, dried thyme, and dried parsley. Let the magic happen while it simmers away for about 5-10 minutes until it’s all heated through.
6. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
7. Finally, ladle your soup into rustic bowls, sprinkle the crispy bacon bits on top, and don’t forget to garnish with fresh parsley or chives before serving!
Soup-er Tips and Variations
– Feel free to customize this soup with your favorite veggies! Carrots, celery, or even some spinach can be great additions.
– For an extra creamy version, you can add a bit more heavy cream or half-and-half.
– Serve this with some crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth—it’s the perfect match!
I really can’t encourage you enough to try this recipe. It’s simple, comforting, and oh-so-satisfying. Plus, you can make it your own! I’d love to hear how yours turns out—maybe you’ll even put your own spin on it. So grab your ingredients and let’s get cooking! 😊
