If you are craving something hearty, comforting, and bursting with all the flavors of a classic Italian favorite, then this Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe is going to be your new go-to. It perfectly combines tender chunks of chicken, savory herbs, tangy tomatoes, and cheesy goodness all in a warm, soothing broth that feels like a hug in a bowl. Whether you’re looking for a cozy dinner or an impressive dish to share with friends and family, this soup captures the essence of Chicken Parmesan in a delightful, slurpable form that’s both easy to make and utterly irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is the first step to bringing this Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe to life. Each component is carefully chosen to build layers of flavor, texture, and color, ensuring every spoonful is as vibrant as it is delicious.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Provides a rich base and helps sauté the aromatics for depth of flavor.
- 1 medium onion, diced: Adds sweetness and a subtle bite that balances the acidity of tomatoes.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the broth with classic Italian pungency and warmth.
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces: Delivers lean protein and silky chunks that soak up the broth’s flavor.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Brings an earthy, slightly minty touch essential to Italian dishes.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil: Adds a sweet, aromatic herbiness to complement the tomatoes.
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes: Offers a gentle kick of heat to enliven the soup.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Enhances and balances all the flavors perfectly.
- 4 cups chicken broth: The savory heart of the soup that carries every ingredient’s essence.
- 1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes: Introduces bright, tangy notes and vibrant red color.
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste: Concentrates tomato flavor and thickens the broth slightly for richness.
- 1 cup small pasta (such as ditalini or elbow macaroni): Adds satisfying texture and makes the soup more filling.
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the broth, lending a creamy, nutty finish.
- 2 cups chopped fresh spinach or kale: Provides a fresh, green contrast and boosts the soup’s nutrition.
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional): Adds elegance and a fresh herbal aroma just before serving.
- Grated mozzarella cheese, for serving (optional): Creates a luscious, melty topping for that true Chicken Parmesan feel.
- Crusty bread, for serving: Perfect for dunking and savoring every last bit of the flavorful broth.
How to Make Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Begin by heating your olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and cook until it becomes translucent, which takes about 4 to 5 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and stir for another minute until the kitchen fills with that irresistible garlicky fragrance. This step is crucial because it lays down a flavorful foundation for the soup.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Next, add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the pot. Stir them occasionally, allowing them to brown lightly and cook through thoroughly, roughly 6 to 8 minutes. This step not only seals in the chicken’s juices but also adds a lovely texture to the soup, making every spoonful satisfying.
Step 3: Add the Spices
Now it’s time to spice things up just right. Sprinkle in the oregano, basil, crushed red pepper flakes, and season generously with salt and pepper. Mix everything well so the spices marry with the chicken and onions, releasing their fragrant oils and creating a beautiful, vibrant base for the broth.
Step 4: Build the Soup Base
Pour in the chicken broth along with the whole can of diced tomatoes, including their juice, and stir in the tomato paste. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil, allowing all the flavors to meld beautifully. This creates the essence of our Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe, rich and deeply savory with a hint of tanginess.
Step 5: Cook the Pasta
Add your chosen small pasta to the simmering broth. Cook it according to package instructions until just al dente, stirring occasionally so it doesn’t stick. The pasta not only makes the soup heartier but also gives it the classic pasta presence reminiscent of Italian comfort food.
Step 6: Finish with Cheese and Greens
Once the pasta reaches the perfect tenderness, reduce the heat to low. Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and toss in the chopped spinach or kale. Allow the greens to wilt gently in the hot soup for about 2 to 3 minutes. This finishing touch adds a burst of color, nutrition, and a slight earthiness that balances the rich cheese.
Step 7: Adjust Seasoning
Give your soup a careful taste and tweak the seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. This final seasoning step ensures every bite delivers the perfect harmony of flavors.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your Chicken Parmesan Soup hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves and a generous sprinkle of grated mozzarella cheese if you like it extra cheesy. Offering crusty bread alongside will elevate the experience, giving you the perfect vehicle to soak up all that incredible broth.
How to Serve Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves are a simple but stunning garnish that add brightness and the signature herbaceous note of Italian cuisine. If you want to turn things up a notch, sprinkling grated mozzarella cheese on top just before serving adds a melty, gooey layer that wonderfully mimics the cheesy topping of traditional Chicken Parmesan.
Side Dishes
A crusty baguette or rustic Italian bread serves as the ideal companion. The crunch of the bread contrasts with the soup’s velvety texture and allows for dipping every last drop of that flavorful broth. For a heartier meal, a light green salad with a zesty vinaigrette can provide a refreshing balance to the rich soup.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup in individual hollowed-out bread bowls to turn your meal into an interactive experience. Alternatively, layering a bit of shredded mozzarella on top and popping the bowls under the broiler for a minute creates an irresistibly bubbly, golden crust right on your soup. These small touches make the meal feel special and memorable for guests or family alike.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe stores beautifully in an airtight container placed in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, making it a fantastic option for meal prep or busy weeknights when you want a quick, satisfying meal already waiting for you.
Freezing
If you want to save some for longer, freeze the soup in portion-sized containers, leaving some room for expansion. Avoid adding pasta before freezing if possible, as it can become mushy; instead, cook fresh pasta to add when reheating. Frozen soup can last up to 3 months and still taste just as delicious.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the soup gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat until piping hot, stirring occasionally. If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge first for best results. Add freshly cooked pasta and a sprinkle of Parmesan for a fresh-touch to your leftovers, bringing every bowl back to life.
FAQs
Can I use other types of chicken for this Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe?
Absolutely! While boneless, skinless chicken breasts provide a lean and tender texture, you can substitute with chicken thighs for a richer flavor and juicier bite. Just adjust cooking times slightly to ensure thorough cooking.
Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, swap out the chicken broth for vegetable broth and omit the chicken pieces. You can add hearty mushrooms or beans to keep the protein content up. The essence of Chicken Parmesan can still shine through with the cheese and tomato base.
What pasta shapes work best in this soup?
Small pasta shapes like ditalini, elbow macaroni, or small shells work best as they cook quickly and distribute evenly throughout the soup. Avoid large or flat noodles as they may not blend as nicely with the broth.
Can I prepare this Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes! Sauté the aromatics and chicken first on the stove, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Add the broth, tomatoes, and spices, and cook on low for about 4-6 hours. Add pasta, cheese, and greens in the last 30 minutes to avoid overcooking.
How can I make the soup spicier?
To add more heat, simply increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce while cooking. Fresh chili peppers finely chopped can also be sautéed with the onions for an extra spicy kick.
Final Thoughts
Diving into a bowl of this Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe is like wrapping yourself in a warm Italian embrace. It’s packed with flavors you love, textures that satisfy, and all the comfort you need on a chilly day or any time you want a taste of home-cooked goodness. I encourage you to try making this soup soon—once you do, I guarantee it will become a beloved staple in your kitchen just as it is in mine.
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Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 0h 30m
- Total Time: 0h 45m
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A hearty and comforting Chicken Parmesan Soup that combines tender chicken, savory tomato broth, tender pasta, and fresh greens, all enriched with Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses for a deliciously satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
Pasta and Cheese
- 1 cup small pasta (such as ditalini or elbow macaroni)
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Greens and Garnishes
- 2 cups chopped fresh spinach or kale
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
- Grated mozzarella cheese, for serving (optional)
- Crusty bread, for serving
Instructions
- Heat the base: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Cook the chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is lightly browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
- Add seasonings: Sprinkle in the oregano, basil, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine the spices with the chicken and onion mixture.
- Add liquids and tomatoes: Pour in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes with their juice, and tomato paste. Stir everything together and bring the soup to a gentle boil.
- Cook pasta: Add the pasta to the pot and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add cheese and greens: Once the pasta is cooked, reduce the heat to low. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and chopped spinach or kale, cooking until the greens are wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if needed.
- Serve: Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves and grated mozzarella cheese, if desired. Pair with crusty bread for dipping.
Notes
- Use small pasta shapes such as ditalini or elbow macaroni for best texture in the soup.
- Fresh spinach or kale can be substituted depending on preference; kale provides a heartier texture.
- Adjust the crushed red pepper flakes according to your heat preference.
- For a thicker soup, reduce the amount of chicken broth slightly.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days; reheat gently on the stovetop.
