Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Sauté the vegetables
- Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat until it foams, then add the onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5 minutes, stirring often, until the vegetables begin to soften and look glossy.
- Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to avoid browning. You should smell the garlic sharply and see no dark spots.
Build the creamy base
- Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring until it forms a smooth paste. The mixture should look slightly thicker and lightly toasted.
- Gradually whisk in the chicken broth until fully combined and smooth. Whisking constantly will prevent lumps while the pot starts to steam and thicken.
- Add the diced chicken, dried thyme, and dried parsley, then stir to coat the chicken in the broth. Let the soup return to a steady simmer.
- Simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender. Keep the bubbles gentle rather than boiling hard.
Cook noodles and finish
- Stir in the heavy cream and nutmeg, then bring the soup back to a gentle simmer. Watch for steam and small bubbles around the edges, not a rolling boil.
- Add the egg noodles and cook for 6-8 minutes until tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. They should be fully cooked but still hold their shape.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, then garnish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately while the broth is hot and silky.
Notes
Pro tip: whisk the flour with the butter thoroughly before adding broth so the soup turns out smooth and velvety. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 3-4 days; reheat gently, adding a splash of broth if it thickens. Freezing is not recommended because cream soups and noodles can change texture after thawing. For a lighter option, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream (texture remains creamy).
