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Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup with Crispy Pancetta Recipe


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4.2 from 76 reviews

  • Author: Sara
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Description

A rich and comforting twist on classic chicken noodle soup—crispy pancetta, tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and egg noodles simmer in a creamy broth for the ultimate cozy meal.


Ingredients

Meat and Dairy

  • 4 oz pancetta, diced
  • 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter option)
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra richness)

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced

Pantry

  • 1 tbsp olive oil (if needed)
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
  • 1½ cups egg noodles (or pasta of choice)
  • 1 tsp dried thyme (or 2 tsp fresh thyme)
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)

Garnish

  • Fresh parsley, chopped


Instructions

  1. Cook Pancetta: In a large pot, cook pancetta over medium heat until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving drippings in the pot.
  2. Sauté Vegetables: Add onion, carrots, celery, and garlic to the pot; sauté until softened. Add olive oil if the pancetta drippings aren’t enough to prevent sticking.
  3. Make Roux: Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux, which will help thicken the soup base.
  4. Add Broth: Slowly whisk in chicken broth until the mixture is smooth and combined.
  5. Simmer Soup: Add shredded chicken, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  6. Cook Noodles: Stir in egg noodles and cook until tender, about 8–10 minutes.
  7. Finish Soup: Lower heat and stir in cream, Parmesan cheese (if using), and the reserved crispy pancetta. Heat through gently without allowing it to boil to prevent curdling.
  8. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve the soup warm for the best comforting experience.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, add a splash of white wine when sautéing vegetables.
  • Substitute pancetta with thick-cut bacon if preferred.
  • Leftovers will thicken in the fridge—add more broth when reheating to loosen.
  • Can be made dairy-free by using oat cream or coconut milk and omitting Parmesan cheese.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Soup, Main Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-American