Amazing Creamy Million Dollar Soup
Amazing Creamy Million Dollar Soup
Introduction
Get ready to indulge in a bowl of pure comfort! Our "Amazing Creamy Million Dollar Soup" is exactly what its name implies: an incredibly rich, satisfying, and utterly luxurious experience that feels like a million bucks with every spoonful. Forget complicated recipes – this ultimate comfort soup is surprisingly easy to whip up, turning simple ingredients into a truly gourmet homemade meal. Perfect for cozy evenings or when you just need a little extra warmth and indulgence. Let's dive in and create some magic!
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 large yellow onion, finely diced
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 6 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened and cut into cubes
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for garnish)
- Fresh chopped chives or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 8-10 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir continuously for 2 minutes to create a roux, cooking out the raw flour taste.
- Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, a little at a time, ensuring no lumps form. Once all the broth is added, bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently, and cook for 5-7 minutes until it begins to thicken.
- Pour in the whole milk and heavy cream. Add the dried thyme and parsley. Season generously with salt and pepper. Continue to simmer gently for another 5-10 minutes, allowing the soup to further thicken and the flavors to meld, stirring occasionally. Do not bring to a rolling boil.
- Reduce the heat to low. Add the softened cream cheese cubes and stir until they are completely melted and incorporated into the soup, creating an incredibly smooth and creamy texture.
- Stir in the shredded cooked chicken and the grated Parmesan cheese until both are fully combined and heated through.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. If the soup is too thick, add a little more milk or broth until desired consistency is reached.
- Ladle into bowls and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh chives or parsley, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Pro Tips & Notes
- Pre-Cooked Chicken: Using rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken makes this soup incredibly fast. If cooking chicken from scratch, poach two large chicken breasts in water or broth until cooked through, then shred.
- Cream Cheese Choice: Full-fat cream cheese will yield the creamiest and most luxurious result. Ensure it's softened before adding to prevent lumps.
- Adjusting Thickness: If you prefer a thinner soup, simply add more chicken broth or milk until it reaches your desired consistency. For a thicker soup, let it simmer a bit longer, or create a slurry with a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with cold water and whisk it in during the last 5 minutes of simmering.
- Vegetarian Option: Omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can add extra vegetables like diced potatoes, corn, or peas for more substance.
- Storage: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, adding a splash of milk or broth if needed.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 850mg
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: Can I make Million Dollar Soup ahead of time? A: Absolutely! This soup often tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld. Just reheat gently on the stovetop.
- Q: Is this soup freezer-friendly? A: Due to the dairy content (milk, cream, cream cheese), freezing can sometimes alter the texture, causing it to become grainy when thawed. If you plan to freeze, it's best to freeze the soup before adding the heavy cream and cream cheese. Add those fresh when reheating.
- Q: What makes it "Million Dollar" soup? A: The "Million Dollar" moniker typically refers to the rich, luxurious, and decadent combination of ingredients like cream cheese, heavy cream, and butter, creating an incredibly smooth and flavorful soup that feels incredibly indulgent.
- Q: What can I serve with this soup? A: This rich soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread for dipping, a light green salad, or a simple grilled cheese sandwich for the ultimate comfort meal.