Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

Along with Creamy Mac and Cheese, chicken noodle soup has to be at the top of my comfort food list. And this recipe takes it to a new level. It features all the cozy flavors you love—tender chicken, hearty noodles, and a savory broth—but adds richness with a splash of cream and Parmesan. A hint of lemon brightens the dish, while red pepper flakes provide a subtle kick of heat, creating a perfectly balanced, satisfying dish that’ll warm you from the inside out.

The best part? This recipe is incredibly easy. With the slow cooker handling most of the work, you’ll only need about 15 minutes of prep time before it simmers to perfection. The result is a flavorful, hearty soup that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. It’s perfect on its own or paired with a gooey grilled cheese. Happy souping!

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

I am OBSESSED with this creamy, lemony twist on classic chicken noodle soup. Here’s why:

• Comfort food, reimagined. Nothing beats a warm bowl of chicken noodle soup on a chilly day! This one is no exception (but it’s even better!). Zingy lemon, cream, and tangy parmesan give this classic comfort food a unique twist you never knew you needed.
• Beautifully balanced. The deeply savory nature of this soup is perfectly amplified with a touch of cream and a smattering of salty Parmesan. To give your taste buds a break from all the savory, fresh lemon wedges come in at the end, and you get a hint of spice from the red pepper flakes. What a perfect balance!
• It’s almost TOO easy. With minimal active cooking time, this “set it and forget it” recipe lets your slow cooker do all the heavy lifting. All that’s required of you is ~15 minutes in the kitchen and some serious patience as the smell of hearty chicken noodle soup fills your home.

Key Ingredients

Time to get yourself to the store and gather your ingredients! Here’s what you’ll need (see the recipe card below for precise measurements):

• Chicken breasts – I prefer boneless skinless breasts, here. You can use bone-in, but you’ll have to remove the meat from the bone before shredding it. Chicken thighs or breast tenders would also do the trick.
• Veggies – Carrots, celery, and onion (all diced). And garlic (minced).
• Chicken stock – You can use veggie stock if you prefer.
• Chicken bouillon – I used chicken bouillon in addition to chicken stock for a more flavorful broth. Powdered or block-form bouillon will work. So will Better Than Bouillon products.
• Seasonings – Mustard powder, lemon pepper, dried basil, dried thyme, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
• Fusilli – Or another short-shaped pasta of your choosing. Macaroni noodles, shells, or bowties would all be great choices.
• Lemon – Sliced into wedges (seeds removed).
• Heavy cream – Half-and-half will work, but you’re soup won’t be quite as rich and creamy.
• Grated parmesan cheese – To add savory depth to the soup and also as a salty, savory topping. Grate it straight from the block. Pre-grated cheese doesn’t melt well.

Tips and Variation Ideas

Ready to knock this slow cooker recipe out of the park? I’ve got some tips and tricks that’ll help you get there. Here they come (along with a few fun variations you might want to try):

• Don’t overload the slow cooker. While I highly encourage you to double this recipe for meal prep (it makes for GREAT leftovers), only do so if your slow cooker can fit everything in its basin with room to spare. Overloading the slow cooker will cause the chicken and veggies to cook unevenly.
• Check for doneness. This soup should take 3-4 hours on high in the slow cooker and 6-8 hours on low. But don’t just take my word for it. You’ll know your soup is done when the chicken shreds easily with a fork. If it doesn’t, it needs more time.
• Grate your own cheese. I mean it! Pre-grated parmesan won’t melt well into the soup, resulting in an unpleasant lumpy texture.
• Add some greens. Stir in a few handfuls of fresh spinach or baby kale during the last 30 minutes of slow cooking for a pop of green and some extra vegetable matter.
• Mushroom madness. Sauté sliced mushrooms and add them to the slow cooker with the other veggies for a little something different.
• Fresh herb addition. This soup gets a nice pop of freshness with the lemon wedges. That said, I love stirring some fresh chopped dill and/or parsley into the soup just before serving to brighten things up even more.

Serving Suggestions

Wondering what to serve with this creamy lemon chicken noodle soup? You can’t go wrong with some crusty bread! Easy Garlic Bread is a perfect choice for soaking up every last drop. With a salad on the side to add some freshness, you’re in for a treat!

In the mood for a heartier meal, a grilled cheese sandwich makes a fantastic companion to this bowl of comfort! Try a Copycat Starbucks Grilled Cheese, the Viral Grinder Grilled Cheese Sandwich, or even a Salmon Grilled Cheese. Not a grilled cheese fan? Your favorite sub or this Viral Pickle Sandwich would also be amazing.

How to Store and Reheat Extras

• Refrigerator. This soup makes for GREAT leftovers! Once it’s cooled to room temperature, seal it in an airtight container and store it in the fridge. It’ll keep for up to 5 days.
• Freezer. Need more time? Seal the fully cooled soup in an airtight, freezer-safe container and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Allow it to thaw in the fridge before reheating.
• To reheat. Transfer the leftover soup to a pot and reheat it over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warm. Otherwise, microwave individual portions in 30-second intervals (stirring between each) until heated through.

Looking For More Cozy Dinner Ideas?

Fall is in the air, and that means it’s cozy season! Here are a few more recipes to get you in the mood:

• Panera Autumn Squash Soup Recipe
• 30-Minute Zuppa Toscana Soup Olive Garden Recipe
• Chicken Pot Pie with Cheddar Bay Biscuits
• Smothered Chicken and Gravy

I hope you enjoyed this recipe for my Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup! I look forward to your questions and feedback below.

Please be sure to tag me @BadBatchBaking using hashtag #badbatchbaking if you made this recipe, and I will feature you on my story! Plus, I LOVE to see your baking accomplishments.