If you’re craving something comforting, flavorful, and utterly satisfying, this Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Picture tender chicken pieces swimming in a luscious tomato and cream broth, accented with garlic and Italian herbs, all brought together by the rich, nutty goodness of Parmesan cheese. It’s like your favorite Chicken Parmesan dinner reimagined as a cozy, soul-warming soup that’s perfect for any day of the year.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that work together to create a symphony of flavors and an irresistible, creamy texture. Each component plays a crucial role—from the juicy chicken that provides hearty protein to the Parmesan cheese that crowns the soup with savory richness.
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb): The star protein, diced for quick, even cooking.
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced: Adds a fragrant depth and savory warmth to the broth.
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth: Forms the flavorful, comforting base without overpowering the other ingredients.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Brings the irresistible creamy texture and balances the tomato’s acidity.
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes: Adds vibrant color, freshness, and gentle tang to brighten the soup.
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning: A classic herb blend that injects those beloved Italian flavors you crave.
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the soup for that signature cheesy, savory finish.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasoning to enhance every ingredient’s flavor.
- Olive oil (for cooking): Helps brown the chicken and enrich the soup with subtle fruitiness.
How to Make Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Brown the Chicken
Start by dicing your boneless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces—this helps them cook quickly and evenly. Heat a splash of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, then add your chicken chunks, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook them until they’re beautifully golden brown on all sides, sealing in the juices that keep every bite tender and flavorful.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Build the Base
Once your chicken is perfectly browned, add the freshly minced garlic directly to the pot. Sauté it for just about a minute, until it releases that irresistible aroma that fills your kitchen and signals deliciousness ahead. Then pour in the low-sodium chicken broth, bringing everything to a gentle boil. This step creates a light yet flavorful broth that cradles all the other ingredients.
Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Cream for Richness
Next up, toss in the can of diced tomatoes for a fresh, slightly chunky texture, followed by the heavy cream, which adds that luxurious, velvety mouthfeel that makes this Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe feel indulgent and satisfying. Let the mixture simmer gently for about ten minutes so all the flavors meld together beautifully.
Step 4: Season with Italian Herbs
Stir in the Italian seasoning—this simple blend of herbs like oregano and basil brings the soul of Italian cooking right into your soup pot. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed, ensuring every spoonful bursts with balanced flavor.
Step 5: Melt in Parmesan Cheese
Finally, fold in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. As it melts, it thickens the soup and infuses it with that unmistakable savory, cheesy goodness that will have you savoring every bowl. Once the cheese has fully integrated, your Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe is ready to serve.
Step 6: Serve Hot and Enjoy
Ladle the steaming soup into bowls and get ready for comfort in every sip. The combination of rich broth, tender chicken, and cheesy highlights make this a standout dish that’s perfect any time you need a little warm hug in your meal.
How to Serve Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your soup presentation with a sprinkle of extra freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a snowy, cheesy finish. Add a few torn fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and aromatic brightness, or a drizzle of good olive oil for silkiness on top. A dash of crushed red pepper flakes can bring a little kick if you like some heat.
Side Dishes
Chicken Parmesan Soup is heavenly served with crusty Italian bread or garlic breadsticks, perfect for dipping into the rich broth. A fresh, crisp green salad makes a lovely contrast to the creamy soup, balancing the meal with lightness and texture.
Creative Ways to Present
For a twist, serve the soup inside a hollowed-out bread bowl for a cozy, rustic feel. Or, ladle it over cooked pasta for a playful mash-up of soup and pasta that’s sure to impress family and guests. Garnish with shaved Parmesan curls and a sprinkle of fresh herbs for an elegant touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer your Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe leftovers into airtight containers and refrigerate. It keeps well for up to 3 days, making it a great option for easy weeknight meals or lunches that taste just as good the next day.
Freezing
This soup freezes beautifully. Store it in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-lock bags for up to 3 months. Keep in mind that the texture of the cream and cheese might change slightly after freezing, but the flavors remain delightful.
Reheating
When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the cheese from separating. You can add a splash of broth or cream if the soup thickens too much. Microwave reheating works in a pinch, just heat in short bursts and stir.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add a bit more richness and stay tender, but adjust cooking times accordingly since thighs may take slightly longer to brown and cook through.
Is it possible to make this soup dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative, and use a vegan Parmesan substitute to keep the cheesy flavor without dairy.
Can I add pasta or rice to this soup?
Definitely! Small pasta shapes like orzo or ditalini work well, as does cooked rice. If adding pasta, it’s best to cook and add it just before serving to avoid it becoming mushy.
What’s the best way to shred or grate Parmesan cheese for this recipe?
Freshly grating the cheese with a microplane or fine grater ensures it melts smoothly into the soup. Pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the texture.
Can I prepare parts of this soup ahead of time?
Yes, you can dice the chicken and mince the garlic in advance. Even the broth and tomato mixture can be made a day ahead and refrigerated, making the final assembly quick and easy.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe is a heartwarming blend of Italian comfort and simple ingredients that come together to create pure magic in a bowl. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just your own foodie soul, give this recipe a try—you’ll find it’s a deliciously satisfying way to enjoy all the best flavors of Chicken Parmesan without the fuss. Happy cooking and even happier eating!
Print
Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This comforting Chicken Parmesan Soup blends tender diced chicken, rich Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasonings in a creamy tomato broth. Ready in just 40 minutes, it’s a hearty and flavorful meal perfect for chilly days, served best with crusty bread for dipping.
Ingredients
Soup Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb), diced into bite-sized pieces
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for cooking chicken and garlic)
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced chicken breasts seasoned with salt and pepper, cooking until golden brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
- Sauté Garlic: Add minced garlic to the pot and sauté for about one minute until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
- Add Broth and Boil: Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
- Simmer with Tomatoes and Cream: Stir in the diced tomatoes and heavy cream. Reduce heat to medium-low and let the soup simmer for 10 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
- Season and Adjust: Add Italian seasoning and adjust salt and pepper to taste. Stir to combine evenly.
- Incorporate Parmesan: Remove the pot from heat and fold in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
- Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls, garnish with extra Parmesan cheese if desired, and serve with crusty bread for dipping.
Notes
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the salt level.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk.
- Add fresh basil or parsley as garnish for extra flavor.
- To thicken the soup, simmer a few minutes longer or add a teaspoon of cornstarch slurry.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
