Creamy Crack Chicken Noodle Soup for Cozy Nights
Why Make This Recipe
Creamy Crack Chicken Noodle Soup is perfect for cozy nights at home. This comforting dish combines tender chicken, hearty noodles, and a flavorful creamy broth. It’s simple to make, filling, and everyone in the family will love it. Making this soup gives you a warm hug on a chilly evening, making it an ideal choice for those days when you want something soothing.
How to Make Creamy Crack Chicken Noodle Soup
Ingredients:
- 4 tablespoons Salted Butter (Substitute with olive oil for a lighter option.)
- 1 cup Carrot (Feel free to toss in peas for more variety.)
- 1 cup Celery (You can omit it if you’re out.)
- 1 large Yellow Onion (Shallots make a great substitute.)
- 6 cups Water (Swapping in chicken broth amps up the richness.)
- 8 ounces Pasta (thin spaghetti, vermicelli, or angel hair) (Gluten-free pasta works well too.)
- 8 ounces Cream Cheese (Neufchâtel cream cheese is a lower-fat option.)
- 1 cup Heavy Cream (Milk or dairy-free cream can lighten it up.)
- 1 cup Cheddar Cheese (Mozzarella is a milder alternative.)
- 1 packet Ranch Seasoning Mix (You can use homemade ranch seasoning too.)
- 1 packet Top Ramen Seasoning (Omit for a lower sodium option.)
- 2 cups Cooked Chicken (Rotisserie chicken saves time, while raw chicken breasts add freshness.)
- 4 slices Bacon (Replace with turkey bacon for a lighter version.)
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Parsley (Chives or green onions can work beautifully as well.)
- Salt and Pepper (Adjust to your taste.)
Directions:
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the carrots, celery, and onion. Sauté until they are soft.
- Pour in the water (or chicken broth) and bring to a boil.
- Stir in the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Lower the heat and add cream cheese and heavy cream. Stir until smooth.
- Mix in the cheddar cheese, ranch seasoning, Top Ramen seasoning (if using), and cooked chicken.
- Cook until everything is heated through. Crumble the bacon, and stir it in.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
How to Serve Creamy Crack Chicken Noodle Soup
Serve the soup warm in bowls. You can top it with extra cheese or fresh herbs for a presentation that looks just as good as it tastes. Pair with crusty bread or crackers for a delightful meal.
How to Store Creamy Crack Chicken Noodle Soup
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to freeze it, let the soup cool first, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of water or cream to thin it out if it becomes too thick.
Tips to Make Creamy Crack Chicken Noodle Soup
- For a richer flavor, use chicken broth instead of water.
- You can always add more vegetables like peas, corn, or bell peppers to boost nutrition.
- Adjust the seasonings according to your taste. A little extra ranch seasoning can add more flavor.
- Use leftover chicken or turkey to make this dish even easier.
Variation
If you prefer a spicy twist, add jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes while cooking. You can also switch out the pasta for rice if you’re looking for a different texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes, frozen vegetables can easily be added to the soup without any issues.
Is this soup gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, simply use gluten-free pasta and check that the ranch seasoning is gluten-free as well.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! This soup stores well and tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
Creamy Crack Chicken Noodle Soup
Ingredients
Method
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the carrots, celery, and onion. Sauté until they are soft.
- Pour in the water (or chicken broth) and bring to a boil.
- Stir in the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Lower the heat and add cream cheese and heavy cream. Stir until smooth.
- Mix in the cheddar cheese, ranch seasoning, Top Ramen seasoning (if using), and cooked chicken.
- Cook until everything is heated through. Crumble the bacon, and stir it in.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.