Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Step 1: Slow Cook the Base
- In the basin of your slow cooker, combine the diced celery, sliced carrots, whole raw chicken breasts, dried thyme, dried basil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the chicken stock over everything. Give it a gentle stir, cover, and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours.
Step 2: Thicken the Soup
- This step is where you create that signature creamy texture. The traditional recipe calls for a stovetop roux, but I have a much easier method I highly recommend.
- Traditional Method: After the initial cook time, carefully remove 2 cups of hot broth from the slow cooker. In a separate small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour until a smooth paste forms. Very slowly, add the reserved hot broth, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Once smooth, pour this roux back into the slow cooker and stir to combine.
- EASIER METHOD (Chef's Recommended): Skip the saucepan! In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 1/4 cup of cold water or milk until perfectly smooth. This is your slurry. You will add this later, along with the heavy cream in the final step, for foolproof, easy thickening.
Step 3: Cook the Noodles
- Once you've added your thickener (the roux OR slurry), pour in the uncooked penne noodles. Stir everything together, switch the slow cooker to the high setting if it isn't already, and cook for another 30 minutes.
Step 4: Finish and Serve
- Turn off the heat. Carefully remove the cooked chicken breasts and place them on a cutting board.
- Use two forks to shred the chicken—it should be incredibly tender and fall apart easily. Return the shredded chicken to the crock pot.
- Now, stir in the heavy cream until the soup is uniform and velvety. (If using the cornstarch slurry method, add it now along with the cream and stir well.) Let it sit for a few minutes, then serve hot and enjoy!
Nutrition
Notes
This effortless crock pot recipe yields a rich, creamy chicken noodle soup with tender chicken and perfect noodles. It's a comforting one-pot meal, simplified by a clever thickening method. Enjoy a family favorite with minimal fuss! Nutrition information is estimated based on common ingredients and serving sizes and may vary.