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Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup with Pancetta Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.1 from 49 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 Protein

  • 4 oz pancetta, diced
  • 2 cups cooked shredded chicken

Vegetables

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

Liquids and Dairy

  • 1 tbsp olive oil (if needed)
  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter option)
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra richness)

Grains and Starches

  • 1½ cups egg noodles (or pasta of choice)
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour

Herbs & Spices

  • 1 tsp dried thyme (or 2 tsp fresh thyme)
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish


Instructions

  1. Cook Pancetta: In a large pot, cook pancetta over medium heat until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the pancetta drippings in the pot.
  2. Sauté Vegetables: Add diced onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté until softened, adding olive oil if the pancetta drippings aren’t sufficient to cook the vegetables evenly.
  3. Make Roux: Stir in all-purpose flour and cook for about 1 minute to form a roux, which will help thicken the soup.
  4. Add Broth: Slowly whisk in chicken broth until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps.
  5. Simmer Soup: Add shredded chicken, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer to blend the flavors.
  6. Cook Noodles: Stir in egg noodles and cook until tender, approximately 8 to 10 minutes, depending on noodle type.
  7. Add Cream and Pancetta: Lower the heat and stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese if using, and the reserved crispy pancetta. Heat through gently without boiling to keep the cream from curdling.
  8. Garnish and Serve: Garnish the soup with fresh chopped parsley and serve warm for a comforting meal.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, add a splash of white wine when sautéing the vegetables.
  • Substitute pancetta with thick-cut bacon if pancetta is unavailable.
  • Leftovers tend to thicken in the fridge—add extra chicken broth when reheating to reach desired consistency.
  • Make it 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