🍗 Creamy Chicken and Noodles

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 medium carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped
• 8 oz (225 g) egg noodles
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

1. Sauté the vegetables:
   Melt the butter with the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5–6 minutes, until the vegetables begin to soften. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
2. Make the creamy base:
   Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir well. Cook for 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste.
3. Add the broth:
   Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Add the thyme, parsley, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
4. Simmer:
   Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 8–10 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
5. Cook the noodles:
   Add the egg noodles and cook according to the package directions, usually 6–8 minutes, until tender.
6. Add chicken and cream:
   Stir in the cooked chicken, heavy cream, and milk. Simmer gently for 3–5 minutes. Do not let it boil vigorously.
7. Finish with Parmesan:
   Stir in the Parmesan cheese and cook for another 1–2 minutes, until the sauce is creamy and slightly thickened.
8. Serve:
   Taste and adjust the seasoning. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve hot.

💡 Tips

• For extra flavor, use rotisserie chicken.
• If the noodles absorb too much liquid, add a splash of chicken broth or milk.
• For an even richer dish, stir in 2 oz (60 g) cream cheese with the heavy cream.
• Add mushrooms, peas, or spinach for extra vegetables.

Serve with: crusty garlic bread, a green salad, or roasted vegetables. 🍞🥗