If you adore the comforting flavors of Italian cooking and crave a warm, hearty bowl that’s both cozy and packed with flavor, you are going to fall in love with this Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe. Imagine all those familiar tastes of chicken Parmesan transformed into a soul-satisfying soup: tender chicken, savory tomato broth, tender pasta, vibrant greens, and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan that melts into every spoonful. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for any day you need a little comfort and a lot of deliciousness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients that come together beautifully to create a dish bursting with flavor and wonderful textures. Each component plays a crucial role, from the garlic that adds irresistible aroma, to the fresh greens bringing brightness and color, making this soup truly special.
- Olive oil: The perfect base that infuses a subtle richness while sautéing the aromatics.
- Onion: Adds sweetness and depth once softened to translucent perfection.
- Garlic: Brings that classic savory punch that wakes up the entire dish.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Tender protein chunks that soak up all the flavors beautifully.
- Dried oregano: Offers that earthy, slightly minty note essential in Italian-style dishes.
- Dried basil: Adds warmth and herbal brightness to the soup’s flavor profile.
- Crushed red pepper flakes: A gentle heat that livens things up without overpowering.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and enhance all ingredients.
- Chicken broth: The flavorful liquid base that ties everything together.
- Diced tomatoes: Bring acidity and a vibrant color, adding to the soup’s richness.
- Tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor with deep, concentrated notes.
- Small pasta (such as ditalini or elbow macaroni): Provides satisfying bite and texture in every spoonful.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the soup, delivering that signature nutty, salty flavor.
- Chopped fresh spinach or kale: Adds earthiness and a fresh pop of color and nutrients.
- Fresh basil leaves (optional): For garnish, lending a fragrant brightness at the finish.
- Grated mozzarella cheese (optional): For an extra cheesy kick when serving.
- Crusty bread: Ideal for soaking up every delicious drop of this hearty soup.
How to Make Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Begin by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and cook gently until it turns translucent and soft, about 4 to 5 minutes. The onions create a flavorful base that gently sweetens the soup. Then add the minced garlic, stirring it around for about a minute until fragrant. This step awakens the senses and sets the stage for the rich flavors to come.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
Next, add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the pot. Let them cook undisturbed for a few minutes to get a slight golden color, then stir occasionally until fully cooked and lightly browned, about 6 to 8 minutes. This not only develops great flavor but also ensures that your chicken stays tender and juicy inside the soup.
Step 3: Season the Base
Sprinkle in the oregano, basil, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. These herbs and spices bring classic Italian warmth and a bit of gentle heat, harmonizing beautifully with the chicken and aromatic base. Stir everything well so the spices coat the chicken and onion mixture evenly.
Step 4: Add the Broth and Tomatoes
Pour in the chicken broth, the can of diced tomatoes with their juice, and the tomato paste. Stir to combine all these ingredients for the perfect balance of savory and tangy flavors. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, letting these rich elements meld into the heart of your Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe.
Step 5: Cook the Pasta
Add your choice of small pasta, like ditalini or elbow macaroni, straight into the pot. Follow the package instructions to cook the pasta until it’s perfectly al dente. Give it an occasional stir to prevent any sticking and ensure each piece cooks evenly, adding lovely texture to your soup with every spoonful.
Step 6: Stir in Cheese and Greens
Once the pasta is tender, lower the heat and gently stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, letting it melt into the broth and create that signature creamy texture. Then fold in the chopped spinach or kale and cook just until the greens wilt, which only takes a couple of minutes. This addition brings freshness and vibrancy to round out your Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe.
Step 7: Adjust the Seasoning
Take a moment to taste your soup and add more salt or pepper if needed. This final seasoning tweak is key to making sure every flavor is perfectly balanced and your soup feels like it was made just for you.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle this delicious Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe into bowls, garnish with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of grated mozzarella cheese if you want an extra-cheesy touch. Pair with crusty bread to soak up every last drop of that savory, comforting broth. Get ready to fall in love with every spoonful!
How to Serve Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the presentation and flavor, fresh basil leaves and a scattering of grated mozzarella cheese make beautiful garnishes. The basil adds a fresh, herbal aroma while the melting mozzarella adds irresistible creaminess, inviting you to savor every bite even more.
Side Dishes
Serving this soup alongside some crusty garlic bread or a warm baguette is a match made in heaven. The bread soaks up the rich broth perfectly, making every bite a delightful experience. A simple green salad could also add a crisp, refreshing counterpoint to this hearty soup.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming twist, try serving the soup inside hollowed-out bread bowls. Not only does this look gorgeous on the table, but it also adds an extra bread component that soaks up all the delicious soup flavors. Sprinkling extra Parmesan on top just before serving adds a nice finishing touch that showcases the star flavor of this Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This soup keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to maintain its freshness and flavors. The pasta might thicken the soup as it absorbs liquid over time, so expect a heartier texture the next day, which makes it perfect for an easy lunch or dinner.
Freezing
You can freeze Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe for up to 3 months. For best results, cool the soup completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Because pasta tends to change texture when frozen, consider cooking the pasta separately and adding it after reheating, or accept a slightly softer pasta texture after thawing.
Reheating
When it’s time to enjoy leftovers, reheat the soup gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth or water if it becomes too thick. This will revive the soup’s original comforting consistency without losing any of that rich flavor.
FAQs
Can I use shredded rotisserie chicken instead of cooking the chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Using shredded rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut. Add it after the broth and tomatoes, then proceed with the pasta and greens. It saves time and still delivers excellent flavor in this Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe.
What type of pasta works best in this soup?
Small pasta shapes like ditalini, elbow macaroni, or orzo work best because they fit nicely on a spoon and cook quickly. Avoid larger or flat pastas as they can overwhelm the texture and may not cook as evenly in the soup.
Can I substitute kale for spinach? How does it affect the soup?
Both kale and spinach are great choices. Kale offers a heartier, slightly earthier flavor and holds up well with longer cooking. Spinach wilts quickly and is more delicate. Choose based on your texture preference—either will add wonderful color and nutrition to the soup.
Is this soup spicy because of the red pepper flakes?
The crushed red pepper flakes add just a mild, gentle heat to create depth without being overwhelming. You can always adjust the amount or omit them if you prefer a completely mild soup, but a little pepper really helps bring out the Italian flavors in this Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with hearty vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. While it won’t be a traditional Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe, it will still be delicious and comforting with those classic flavors.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser and an absolute joy to make anytime you want rich Italian flavors served up in a cozy, bowl-friendly way. It’s simple enough for a weeknight but impressive enough to serve to guests. Give it a try, share it with your loved ones, and enjoy the warmth and deliciousness that only a homemade soup like this can bring.
Print
Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 0h 30m
- Total Time: 0h 45m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Chicken Parmesan Soup combines all the classic flavors of the beloved Italian-American dish into a comforting, hearty soup. Featuring tender chicken, savory tomato broth, tender pasta, fresh greens, and a cheesy Parmesan finish, it’s a perfect warm meal that brings familiar tastes in a cozy bowl. The soup is easy to prepare on the stovetop and serves as a delightful weeknight dinner or a satisfying lunch.
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 Greens
- 1 cup small pasta (such as ditalini or elbow macaroni)
- 2 cups chopped fresh spinach or kale
Cheese and Garnish
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
- Grated mozzarella cheese, for serving (optional)
Serving Suggestion
- Crusty bread, for serving
Instructions
- Sauté onions and garlic: 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 spices: 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 bring to boil: 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 the pasta: Add the small pasta to the pot and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Incorporate cheese and greens: Once the pasta is cooked, reduce the heat to low. Stir in the freshly grated 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
- You can substitute spinach or kale with other greens like Swiss chard.
- Use gluten-free pasta if you need a gluten-free version.
- Leftover soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For a creamier texture, add a splash of cream or milk at the end of cooking.
- Adjust crushed red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level.
