Few dishes combine the heartiness of comfort food with the soul-warming qualities of a good soup quite like Chicken Parmesan Soup. This delightful recipe takes everything you love about the classic Italian dish—juicy chicken, tangy marinara sauce, and melted cheesy goodness—and transforms it into a warm, inviting bowl of soup.
Perfect for cozy nights, family gatherings, or meal prepping, this easy soup recipe will quickly become a favorite in your household. Read on to learn why this dish works, what makes it unique, and how to recreate it in your own kitchen.
Why This Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe Works
There’s a reason why Chicken Parmesan Soup is gaining popularity among soup lovers and comfort foodies alike. Here’s what sets this recipe apart from others:
- Familiar flavors: All the classic elements of chicken parmesan—savory chicken, rich tomato sauce, and gooey cheese—find a home in a warm and satisfying bowl.
- Easy preparation: This recipe is beginner-friendly and doesn’t require any advanced cooking skills. It’s perfect for both novice and experienced home cooks.
- One-pot convenience: Fewer dishes? Sign us up! This entirely stovetop recipe keeps cleanup simple.
- Versatility: Feed a family, serve a crowd at an informal dinner party, or store leftovers for a satisfying lunch later in the week.
Tips and Variations for a Perfect Chicken Parmesan Soup
- Make it lighter: Opt for whole-wheat pasta or omit the pasta entirely, replacing it with spiralized zucchini or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
- Use rotisserie chicken: If you’re short on time, shredded rotisserie chicken works wonderfully in this recipe. Add it during Step 4.
- Add veggies: Enhance the nutritional value with veggies like spinach, kale, or diced zucchini. Simply add them during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- Spice it up: Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your Chicken Parmesan Soup with these comforting sides for a complete meal:
- Garlic bread: Use it to soak up every last drop of the soup.
- Simple salad: A crisp Caesar or garden salad balances the soup’s richness.
- Red wine: A glass of Chianti or Merlot complements the Italian flavors beautifully.
Experience Comfort in Every Bowl
There’s something magical about a bowl of soup that not only satisfies your hunger but also warms your soul. Chicken Parmesan Soup does just that—it takes a beloved classic and gives it a cozy twist.
Whether you’re a soup enthusiast, a comfort food lover, or simply looking for an easy soup recipe to share with friends and family, this dish has something for everyone.
Give it a try, and don’t forget to share your photos with us on social media. We can’t wait to see how your version turns out!
Storing and Reheating Chicken Parmesan Soup
One of the best things about Chicken Parmesan Soup is that it stores beautifully, making it perfect for meal prepping or enjoying leftovers. Here’s how to store and reheat your soup while maintaining its delicious flavor and texture:
- Refrigeration: Transfer the cooled soup to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep the toppings like mozzarella cheese and breadcrumbs separate to avoid sogginess.
- Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the soup without the pasta to prevent it from becoming too soft when reheated. Simply store the soup base in a freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months. When ready to serve, thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight, reheat, and cook a fresh batch of pasta to stir in before serving.
- Reheating: Warm the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. If the soup has thickened during storage, you can add a splash of chicken broth or water to restore the desired consistency.
With these simple tips, you can enjoy comforting bowls of Chicken Parmesan Soup anytime, without sacrificing quality or flavor.
Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe
Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cups rotini pasta (or any short pasta)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tbsp dried basil
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken breast and cook for 5-7 minutes, until browned and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same pot, add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, heavy cream, basil, oregano, and salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add the pasta and simmer for another 10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender.
- Stir in the Parmesan and mozzarella cheese, letting it melt into the soup. Return the cooked chicken to the pot and mix.
- Serve the soup in bowls, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions and helpful answers to make sure your Chicken Parmesan Soup turns out perfectly every time:
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! To adapt this recipe for a slow cooker, combine the onions, garlic, chicken breasts, chicken broth, marinara sauce, and seasonings in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender. Shred the chicken, return it to the slow cooker, and stir in the parmesan cheese. Cook the pasta separately and add it just before serving to avoid it becoming too soft.
Is this soup gluten-free?
This soup can easily be made gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta and ensuring the marinara sauce and chicken broth are free of gluten-based additives. For the optional breadcrumbs topping, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or omit it entirely.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a dairy-free version. Substitute the parmesan cheese with a dairy-free alternative and skip the mozzarella topping or use a plant-based shredded cheese option instead. Be sure to check the labels of your marinara sauce and any other ingredients for hidden dairy.
What’s the best marinara sauce to use?
For the best flavor, use a high-quality, flavorful marinara sauce. Homemade marinara works wonderfully if you have some on hand, but a store-bought option like Rao’s or another premium brand will also yield delicious results.
How can I thicken the soup if it’s too thin?
If you find the soup too thin, you can allow it to simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce and thicken. Another option is to create a slurry by mixing a tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of water, then stirring it into the soup and simmering until it reaches your desired consistency.
By addressing these common questions, you’ll feel confident and prepared to tackle this comforting recipe, making it your own in the process! Enjoy every bite of this cozy twist on an Italian classic.