If you are looking for a cozy, comforting meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, this Easy Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe is about to become your new favorite go-to. With the rich flavors of classic chicken Parmesan transformed into a hearty soup, it brings together tender shredded chicken, savory tomatoes, delicate pasta, and a cheesy finish that’s utterly irresistible. The best part? It’s incredibly straightforward to make, perfect for busy weeknights or when you want something satisfying without fuss. Let me walk you through everything you need to know about this soul-soothing soup.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating this Easy Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe is all about simple, familiar ingredients that come together to create a symphony of flavors and textures. Each component adds a special touch, from the aromatic herbs to the melty cheeses and the satisfying pasta.
- Olive oil: This is the foundation for sautéing your onions and garlic, adding richness and depth.
- Small onion, diced: Brings a sweet, savory base that softens perfectly in the soup.
- Garlic cloves, minced: Adds a fragrant punch that infuses the entire pot with warmth.
- Dried oregano: A classic Italian herb giving that signature herbaceous flavor.
- Dried basil: Compliments oregano with a subtle sweetness.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): A little heat for those who like a slight kick without overpowering the soup.
- Crushed tomatoes (28-ounce can): The heart of the soup, delivering bold tomato flavor and vibrant color.
- Chicken broth (4 cups): Provides a savory, comforting base that brings it all together.
- Cooked, shredded chicken (2 cups): The protein star, tender and filling, making this soup a meal.
- Salt: Enhances every flavor, balancing the ingredients.
- Black pepper: Adds just enough spice for a well-rounded taste.
- Small pasta (1/2 cup): Such as ditalini or elbow macaroni, for delightful bites and texture contrast.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): Melts into the broth for that unmistakable cheesy flavor.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 cup): Adds gooey, melty goodness as the finishing touch.
- Fresh parsley or basil (1/4 cup, chopped): Bright herbaceous topping that freshens every spoonful.
- Panko breadcrumbs (1/2 cup, optional): Toasted for crunchy contrast when sprinkled on top.
How to Make Easy Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by warming olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in your diced onion and cook until it’s soft and translucent, about 2 to 3 minutes. Next, stir in your minced garlic along with oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes if you’re using them. This step builds a fragrant foundation that instantly fills your kitchen with inviting aromas, setting the stage for all the flavors to come together.
Step 2: Build the Tomato Broth
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth, stirring everything to mix beautifully. Bring the pot to a gentle simmer, then add the cooked shredded chicken along with salt and pepper. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 10 minutes so the flavors meld and the soup thickens slightly, developing a rich base for your ingredients.
Step 3: Add the Pasta
Once your broth is bubbling away, add the small pasta you’ve chosen. Most will take about 8 to 10 minutes to cook until perfectly tender but still holding its shape. This step is key to giving your soup that satisfying bite and making it truly filling.
Step 4: Melt in Parmesan Cheese
Reduce the heat to low and stir in your grated Parmesan cheese. Watch as it gently melts and blends into the soup, enriching the broth with that signature salty, cheesy flavor that reminds you exactly why chicken Parmesan is loved by so many.
Step 5: Final Touches and Serving Prep
Ladle your soup into individual bowls and top each with a handful of shredded mozzarella cheese. Allow it to melt naturally, or for a bubbly golden finish, pop the bowls under the broiler for a minute or two. Sprinkle toasted panko breadcrumbs over the top for a delightful crunch and finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil. This brings a fresh, vibrant note that makes every bite feel special.
How to Serve Easy Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or basil aren’t just pretty, they brighten and lift the entire dish with their fresh, peppery notes. The mozzarella cheese tops off the soup with creamy, melty texture, while crispy toasted panko breadcrumbs add a satisfying crunch that you wouldn’t expect in soup but absolutely love.
Side Dishes
This soup is hearty enough to stand alone, but pairing it with crusty garlic bread or a simple green salad makes for an even more complete Italian-inspired meal. The crunchy bread is perfect for dipping and soaking up the flavorful broth.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this Easy Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe in rustic bowls with a drizzle of good olive oil or a sprinkle of chili flakes for extra warmth. For a more elegant touch, top each bowl with a thin Parmesan crisp or add mini mozzarella balls floating amid the soup. These little details turn a simple comfort food into a memorable experience.
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 preserve the flavors and moisture. Just remember, the pasta might soak up some broth over time, so you might want to stir in a little extra chicken broth or water when reheating.
Freezing
While this soup freezes well, it’s best to undercook the pasta slightly if you plan to freeze it to avoid mushy noodles when thawed. Freeze in portions, making sure to leave some space as the liquid expands. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating gently on the stove.
Reheating
Reheat on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup has thickened too much, add chicken broth or water to loosen it up. Top with fresh mozzarella and herbs again if you like, to bring back that fresh, melty goodness.
FAQs
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Absolutely! Using fresh, ripe tomatoes will give your soup a lighter, fresher tomato flavor, though you may need to cook them down a bit longer to reach the right consistency. Canned crushed tomatoes are just a convenient shortcut without sacrificing flavor.
What type of chicken is best for this soup?
Cooked, shredded chicken breast works wonderfully because it’s lean and tender, but rotisserie chicken or leftover roast chicken can add extra depth and convenience. Just make sure it’s well shredded for easy eating.
Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?
You can certainly make a vegetarian version by swapping chicken broth for vegetable broth and omitting the chicken. Consider adding mushrooms or extra beans for protein and heartiness while keeping that classic chicken Parmesan flavor profile.
Can I use different types of cheese?
Parmesan and mozzarella provide the authentic cheesy experience, but feel free to experiment with provolone, fontina, or even a bit of sharp cheddar for a unique twist. Just keep the balance so the soup remains creamy and delicious.
How spicy is this soup with the red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes add a gentle warmth but aren’t overwhelmingly spicy. You can adjust the amount to your preference or leave them out entirely if you prefer a milder soup. The flavors are still fantastic without the heat.
Final Thoughts
There is something so wonderfully comforting about this Easy Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe that it quickly becomes a recipe you turn to again and again. It’s cozy, flavorful, and just downright delicious, capturing all the essence of chicken Parmesan with the ease of one-pot cooking. Whether for a family dinner or a quiet night in, this soup promises warmth and satisfaction in every bowl. I can’t wait for you to try it and maybe even tweak it to make it your own signature dish!
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Easy Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4.5 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Easy Chicken Parm Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish inspired by classic chicken Parmesan flavors. Made with tender shredded chicken, savory herbs, crushed tomatoes, and tender pasta, it’s topped with melted mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, and a crunchy panko breadcrumb garnish. Perfect as a hearty meal that’s quick and simple to prepare on the stovetop.
Ingredients
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
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Pasta and Cheese
- 1/2 cup small pasta (such as ditalini or elbow macaroni)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Garnish
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or basil
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Prepare the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, and optional red pepper flakes. Cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant to develop the flavor base of the soup.
- Add Liquids and Chicken: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth, stirring well to combine all the ingredients. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then add the shredded cooked chicken along with salt and black pepper. Cover the pot and let it simmer gently for 10 minutes to meld flavors and heat the chicken through.
- Cook the Pasta: Stir in the small pasta to the simmering soup. Continue cooking according to the pasta package instructions, generally about 8-10 minutes, until the pasta is tender but still slightly firm to the bite, ensuring the pasta absorbs some of the soup’s flavor.
- Incorporate Parmesan Cheese: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese into the soup until it melts fully and is evenly incorporated, adding richness and depth to the broth.
- Serve with Toppings: Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Top each serving with shredded mozzarella cheese and allow it to melt naturally, or for a bubbly finish, place bowls briefly under a broiler for a couple of minutes. Sprinkle with toasted panko breadcrumbs for a crunchy texture and garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil before serving. Enjoy your warm and cheesy chicken parm inspired soup!
Notes
- Using pre-cooked shredded chicken saves time; rotisserie chicken works well.
- For a spicier soup, increase the amount of red pepper flakes.
- Broiling the soup with mozzarella is optional but adds a delicious cheesy crust.
- The breadcrumb topping is optional but adds a nice crunch contrast.
- Fresh herbs like basil can be used instead of dried for a brighter flavor.
