We all know the magic of a steaming bowl of canned chicken noodle soup. It’s pure comfort in a can, perfect for chilly days or when you’re feeling under the weather.
But what if we could take this classic a step further? Imagine that familiar, soothing broth transformed into something richer, creamier – a decadent twist on a beloved recipe.
Let’s elevate the humble can of chicken noodle soup with a touch of creamy indulgence.
How To Make Canned Chicken Noodle Soup Creamy?
You can easily transform canned chicken noodle soup into a delightful creamy version! Here are a few ways to achieve that:
Adding Dairy
Ah, the magic of cream! For that classic velvety texture that elevates countless dishes, dairy offers two champions: heavy cream and half-and-half.
Cream of Chicken Soup: This is a classic shortcut. Simply whisk in a can of cream of chicken soup (condensed) along with some milk or water (depending on your desired thickness) into your heated canned soup. Let it simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Heavy Cream or Sour Cream: For a richer and smoother texture, stir in some heavy cream or full-fat sour cream. You can add a tablespoon at a time until you reach your preferred level of creaminess. For a lighter option, use low-fat dairy products.
But wait, there’s more! Canned condensed cream soups, particularly cream of celery or mushroom, can be secret weapons for both added flavor and creaminess.
They blend seamlessly into sauces, stews, and casseroles, offering a delightful umami depth alongside the creamy texture.
Using Other Thickening Agents
For those seeking a delightful creamy experience without dairy, fear not! The cornstarch slurry method is your new best friend.
This simple technique thickens sauces and soups beautifully, achieving a texture that rivals dairy cream. Here’s how it works:
Flour and Butter: This is a great way to thicken the soup without adding dairy. Make a roux by whisking together some flour and butter in a separate pan until it becomes a golden paste.
Slowly whisk the roux into your heated soup until it reaches the desired consistency.
Mix a cornstarch slurry: In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and cold water. The ratio of cornstarch to water can vary depending on the desired thickness. A good starting point is 1 tablespoon cornstarch to 2 tablespoons cold water.
Whisk it in: Slowly whisk the cornstarch slurry into your simmering sauce or soup. As the mixture heats, the cornstarch activates, thickening the liquid and creating a smooth, creamy texture.
With these techniques in your arsenal, you can achieve creamy perfection in all your culinary creations, both dairy-based and dairy-free!
Pro Tips
Those are absolutely pro tips for perfect creamy soup! They cover all the important bases:
- Noodle Nirvana: Cooked separately, noodles won’t become mushy and can retain their satisfying bite.
- Souper Solutions: Chicken broth is a perfect way to thin out overly thick soup without affecting the creamy texture.
- Seasoning Savvy: Adding cream can sometimes mute the other flavors, so a final taste test and adjustment are key. A squeeze of lemon juice can add a delightful brightness that cuts through the richness.
Here are a couple of additional tips that you might consider adding to your “Souper Solutions” section:
- Blending Bliss: Use an immersion blender directly in the pot for the smoothest, silkiest texture.
- Dairy-Free Dream: For a dairy-free alternative, you can use cashew cream, coconut milk, or even silken tofu to create a creamy base.
How to thicken up canned chicken noodle soup?
Canned chicken noodle soup can be easily thickened at home with a few pantry staples. Here are two ways to achieve this:
1. Using Starch (Cornstarch or Flour):
This is a common and straightforward method.
- Cornstarch is generally the preferred choice due to its transparency and smooth thickening effect.
- Flour can also work, but it might give the soup a slightly cloudy look.
Here’s how to do it:
- Take a small bowl and mix a tablespoon or two of cornstarch (or flour) with a little cold water to make a slurry.
- Heat your canned soup in a pot on the stovetop.
- Once hot, slowly whisk the cornstarch slurry into the soup.
- Bring the soup to a simmer and cook for a couple of minutes, stirring constantly. The cornstarch needs to cook to activate its thickening properties.
- Add more cornstarch slurry a tablespoon at a time if you want the soup thicker. Be careful not to overdo it, or the soup might become gloopy.
2. Adding Other Thickening Ingredients:
You can incorporate other ingredients that add body and texture to the soup.
Here are some ideas:
- Cooked Rice or Pasta: Add about half a cup of cooked rice or pasta per 4 cups of soup. This will not only thicken the soup but also add more substance. Just be mindful that pre-cooked rice or pasta might continue to absorb liquid, so adjust the amount accordingly.
- Mashed Vegetables: Take some cooked vegetables from the soup, mash them with a fork, and return them to the pot. This adds starch and thickness without much additional effort.
- Cream: For a richer and creamier soup, you can stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end.
Tips:
- Regardless of the method you choose, always add the thickening agent gradually and simmer the soup for a few minutes to ensure it thickens properly.
- Taste the soup after thickening and adjust seasonings if needed.
- By using these techniques, you can easily transform your canned chicken noodle soup into a thicker and more satisfying meal.
FAQs
Do you add milk to canned soup?
Yes, milk can be added to canned soup, especially creamy soups like tomato or bisque, to make them richer and creamier. But it’s not necessary for all canned soups.
How to jazz up canned chicken noodle soup?
Liven up canned chicken noodle soup with fresh herbs (like parsley or dill), a squeeze of lemon for brightness, or shredded rotisserie chicken for protein and flavor.
Does adding milk to soup make it creamy?
Yes, milk adds fat and body, making soup richer and slightly creamier. For thicker, ultra-creamy soups, use cream instead.
How to make can chicken taste good?
Canned chicken can shine with bold flavors! Saute it with spices, shred it for salads with a punchy dressing, or simmer it in a creamy sauce for a quick and flavorful dish.
Conclusion
With just a splash of cream or a dollop of condensed soup, you can transform your canned chicken noodle soup into a velvety, soul-warming masterpiece.
It’s surprisingly simple to elevate this classic dish – so ditch the spoon on the can opener and grab a whisk instead!
Don’t be afraid to experiment – maybe add some fresh herbs or a sprinkle of your favorite cheese. Get creative and discover your own perfect bowl of creamy chicken noodle soup.