Step-by-Step Method

Step 1: Preparing the Base

  1. Sauté the Aromatics:
    Heat the butter or olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once melted, add the chopped onion, minced garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables become tender and the onions are translucent.

  2. Add Seasonings:
    Sprinkle the thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper over the sautéed vegetables. Stir well to combine and allow the herbs to release their aroma for 1-2 minutes.

Step 2: Building the Soup

  1. Add Chicken Broth:
    Pour in the chicken broth and stir. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften further and the flavors to meld.

  2. Incorporate the Chicken:
    Add the shredded or diced chicken to the pot. Stir and let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes to infuse the chicken's flavor into the broth.

Step 3: Cooking the Noodles

  1. Add Noodles:
    Stir in the egg noodles and cook according to the package instructions (typically 6-8 minutes). Be careful not to overcook the noodles as they will continue to soften slightly in the soup.

Step 4: Creating the Creamy Texture

  1. Make the Cream Mixture:
    In a small bowl, whisk the flour with the heavy cream until smooth. This step prevents lumps from forming in your soup.

  2. Thicken the Soup:
    Slowly pour the cream mixture into the pot while stirring continuously. Simmer the soup for 3-5 minutes until it thickens to your desired consistency. Avoid boiling the soup at this stage, as it can cause the cream to curdle.

Step 5: Final Touches

  1. Adjust Seasoning:
    Taste the soup and adjust the salt and pepper to your preference. If you like a bit of spice, add a pinch of cayenne.

  2. Garnish:
    Turn off the heat and sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the soup. This adds a burst of freshness and enhances the visual appeal.