Cozy Up with Creamy Italian Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup: Your New Comfort Food Obsession
Hey there, fellow food lovers! It’s Anna here, and boy, do I have a treat for you today. Picture this: it’s a chilly autumn evening, you’re wrapped in your favorite blanket, and a rich, creamy soup is wafting through your home. Sounds dreamy, right? Well, get ready to make that dream a reality with my Creamy Italian Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup!
Now, I know what you’re thinking. “Anna, chicken noodle soup? Really?” But trust me, this isn’t your grandma’s chicken noodle soup (though I’m sure hers is lovely). This luxurious, Italian-inspired that’ll have you saying “Mamma mia!” after every spoonful.
Before we dive in, let me tell you a little secret about the origin of this recipe. It all started when I was feeling under the weather and craving some comfort food. I had a hankering for chicken noodle soup but I also wanted something a bit more… indulgent. I decided to take a risk, rummaged through my pantry, and ta-da! This creamy, dreamy concoction was born. It’s been a staple in my household ever since, and I feel it’ll become one in yours too!
Alright, let’s get down to business. Here’s what you’ll need to make this bowl of pure comfort:
- 1-1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs if you're feeling frisky)
- 2 carrots, thinly sliced (about 1 cup)
- 2 celery stalks, diced (about 1 cup)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped (don't worry, I won't judge if you cry while chopping)
- 4 garlic cloves, minced (or more if you're a garlic fiend like me)
- 1 cup roasted red peppers, chopped (from a jar is fine, we're all friends here)
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning (store-bought or homemade, you do you)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 cup heavy cream (this is where the magic happens)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving (because more cheese is always better)
- 4 cups egg noodles (or any pasta shape that makes you happy)
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (for a pop of color and freshness)
- Pro tip: If you're avoiding dairy, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream and omit the Parmesan. It'll have a slightly different flavor, but still be delicious!
- Toss in the chicken, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, and roasted red peppers. It's like a little veggie party in there!
- Pour in the chicken broth and sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Give it a quick stir. No need for a workout here; we're making soup, not butter.
- Cover and let your slow cooker work its magic. Cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours. This is the perfect time to binge-watch that show everyone's been talking about.
- Once time's up, carefully remove the chicken and shred it using two forks. It should be so tender it practically falls apart on its own.
- Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker. Now for the good part - stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. This is what takes this soup from "Meh" to "Marry me!"
- Add the egg noodles and cook for another 30 minutes on HIGH until they're tender but still have a bit of bite. Nobody likes mushy noodles, am I right?
- Stir in the fresh parsley, taste, and adjust seasoning if needed. You're the boss, applesauce!
Now, let’s talk serving suggestions. I love to ladle this soup into big, deep bowls and top it with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan. You can enjoy it with a thick piece of crunchy bread for dipping. (because who doesn’t love a good dunk?), and if you’re feeling fancy, a simple side salad. And hey, if you want to pour yourself a glass of white wine to go with it, I certainly won’t stop you. It’s five o’clock somewhere, right?
This soup is perfect for those nights when you need a big ol’ hug in a bowl. It’s great for feeding a crowd, impressing your in-laws, or just treating yourself after a long day. Plus, it tastes even better the next day, so don’t be afraid to make extra for leftovers. Future you will thank present you, trust me.
So there you have it, folks! Your new favorite comfort food recipe. Give it a try and let me know what you think. And remember, in the immortal words of Julia Child, “The only time to eat diet food is while you’re waiting for the steak to cook.” Or in this case, while you’re waiting for your Creamy Italian Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup to cook!
Happy slurping! Don’t forget to like and share!