Description
This Easy Chicken Parm Soup is a comforting and hearty dish inspired by classic chicken Parmesan flavors. It features tender shredded chicken, rich tomato broth, aromatic herbs, tender pasta, and a melty cheese topping, making it a perfect warm meal for cozy evenings.
Ingredients
Scale
Soup Base
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup small pasta (such as ditalini or elbow macaroni)
Cheese and Garnish
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or basil (for garnish)
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes. Cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add Liquids and Chicken: Pour in crushed tomatoes and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Add shredded chicken, salt, and black pepper. Cover and let it simmer for 10 minutes to meld flavors.
- Cook Pasta: Stir in the pasta and cook according to the package instructions, approximately 8-10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender but not mushy.
- Incorporate Parmesan: Reduce heat to low and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts smoothly and integrates into the soup, adding richness.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the soup into individual bowls. Top each serving with shredded mozzarella cheese and allow it to melt naturally or place under the broiler for a couple of minutes to achieve a bubbly, golden topping. Sprinkle toasted panko breadcrumbs on top if using and garnish with chopped fresh parsley or basil before serving.
Notes
- For a spicy kick, keep the red pepper flakes; omit if you prefer milder flavors.
- Pasta can be substituted with gluten-free alternatives for dietary needs.
- The panko breadcrumbs topping adds a delightful crunch but can be skipped for a softer texture.
- Leftover soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; add extra cheese and panko just before serving.
