Chicken Parmesan Soup: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

Chicken Parmesan Soup: Imagine all the comforting, cheesy goodness of classic chicken parmesan, but in a warm, inviting soup! This isn’t just another soup recipe; it’s a culinary hug in a bowl, perfect for chilly evenings or when you’re craving something truly satisfying.

While chicken parmesan itself is a relatively modern Italian-American creation, inspired by dishes like eggplant parmesan, the concept of combining rich tomato sauce, breaded chicken, and melted cheese has deep roots in Italian culinary traditions. This soup takes those beloved flavors and transforms them into a comforting, easy-to-eat format.

What makes Chicken Parmesan Soup so irresistible? It’s the symphony of flavors and textures! The tangy tomato broth, tender pieces of chicken, the delightful chew of pasta, and the gooey, melted parmesan cheese create a truly unforgettable experience. Plus, it’s a relatively quick and easy meal to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Forget spending hours layering and baking; this soup delivers all the deliciousness of chicken parmesan in a fraction of the time. Get ready to experience a new family favorite!

this RECIPE

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 cup cooked small pasta (ditalini, orzo, or elbow macaroni work well)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, for garnish
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Optional: Crusty bread, for serving

Sautéing the Vegetables

Okay, let’s get started! First, we’re going to build a flavorful base for our soup. This is where the magic happens, so don’t skip this step!

1. Heat the olive oil: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. You want the oil to shimmer, but not smoke.
2. Sauté the onion, carrots, and celery: Add the chopped onion, diced carrots, and diced celery to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes. They should be tender and the onion should be translucent. This is called a mirepoix, and it’s the foundation of many great soups and sauces.
3. Add the garlic and spices: Stir in the minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter. The aroma should be amazing at this point!

Building the Soup Base

Now that our vegetables are nice and fragrant, it’s time to add the liquids and create the heart of our Chicken Parmesan Soup.

1. Add the chicken broth, crushed tomatoes, and tomato sauce: Pour in the chicken broth, crushed tomatoes, and tomato sauce. Stir to combine everything. Make sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot – those are packed with flavor!
2. Season with salt and pepper: Season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste. Remember that the Parmesan cheese is salty, so start with a little less salt and add more later if needed.
3. Bring to a simmer: Bring the soup to a simmer over medium heat. Once it’s simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. The longer it simmers, the more flavorful it will become! You can even let it simmer for an hour or two if you have the time.

Cooking the Chicken

Next up, we’re adding the chicken. We want it to be tender and juicy, so we’ll cook it right in the soup.

1. Add the chicken: Add the cubed chicken breasts to the simmering soup. Stir to make sure the chicken is submerged in the liquid.
2. Simmer until cooked through: Cover the pot again and continue to simmer until the chicken is cooked through, about 10-15 minutes. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). You can check this with a meat thermometer. If you don’t have a meat thermometer, you can cut into a piece of chicken to make sure it’s no longer pink inside.
3. Shred the chicken (optional): If you prefer shredded chicken, you can remove the chicken breasts from the pot and shred them with two forks. Then, return the shredded chicken to the soup. This is totally optional, but it can make the soup easier to eat.

Adding the Pasta and Cheese

Almost there! Now we’re adding the pasta and Parmesan cheese to complete our Chicken Parmesan Soup.

1. Add the cooked pasta: Stir in the cooked pasta. If you’re using ditalini, orzo, or elbow macaroni, they should already be cooked according to the package directions. Make sure the pasta is heated through.
2. Stir in the Parmesan cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. The cheese will melt into the soup, adding a rich and savory flavor.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes to your liking.

Serving and Garnishing

Finally, it’s time to serve our delicious Chicken Parmesan Soup! This is the best part!

1. Ladle into bowls: Ladle the soup into bowls.
2. Garnish with mozzarella cheese and parsley: Top each bowl with shredded mozzarella cheese and chopped fresh parsley. The mozzarella will melt slightly from the heat of the soup, creating a cheesy and delicious topping.
3. Serve immediately: Serve the soup immediately. It’s best enjoyed hot!
4. Optional: Serve with crusty bread: Serve with crusty bread for dipping. The bread is perfect for soaking up all the flavorful broth.

Tips and Variations

Here are a few tips and variations to make this recipe your own:

• Add vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the soup, such as zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach. Add them along with the carrots and celery.
• Use different pasta: You can use any small pasta shape you like. Ditalini, orzo, and elbow macaroni are all good choices.
• Make it spicy: Add more red pepper flakes for a spicier soup.
• Use rotisserie chicken: To save time, you can use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking the chicken breasts in the soup. Simply shred the rotisserie chicken and add it to the soup along with the pasta.
• Add cream: For a creamier soup, stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end.
• Make it ahead: This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will actually meld together even more as it sits.
• Freeze it: This soup also freezes well. Let it cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Use Italian seasoning: If you don’t have dried oregano and basil, you can use 1 1/2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning instead.
• Add a bay leaf: For extra flavor, add a bay leaf to the soup while it’s simmering. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
• Make it in a slow cooker: You can also make this soup in a slow cooker. Add all the ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

Enjoy!

I hope you enjoy this Chicken Parmesan Soup as much as I do! It’s a comforting and flavorful meal that’s perfect for a chilly day. Let me know in the comments if you try it and how it turns out!

Conclusion:

This Chicken Parmesan Soup isn’t just another soup recipe; it’s a warm, comforting hug in a bowl, a symphony of flavors that will transport you straight to your favorite Italian trattoria. I truly believe this is a must-try because it captures all the deliciousness of classic chicken parmesan – the savory chicken, the tangy tomato sauce, the melty mozzarella, and the aromatic herbs – in a surprisingly easy and quick soup format. Forget spending hours layering and baking; this soup delivers the same incredible taste in a fraction of the time. It’s the perfect weeknight meal when you’re craving something satisfying but don’t want to spend all evening in the kitchen.

But the best part? It’s incredibly versatile! For a heartier meal, try serving it over a bed of cooked pasta, like ditalini or small shells. The pasta soaks up the flavorful broth and adds a delightful textural element. Or, if you’re looking for a lighter option, pair it with a crusty loaf of Italian bread for dipping. The bread is perfect for soaking up every last drop of that delicious, cheesy broth.

And don’t be afraid to experiment with variations! If you’re a fan of spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the soup while it’s simmering. For a richer flavor, use bone-in chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. The bones will add depth and complexity to the broth. You could also add some chopped vegetables, like zucchini or bell peppers, for extra nutrients and flavor. If you want to make it even cheesier (and who doesn’t?), stir in some grated Parmesan cheese right before serving.

Another fantastic variation is to add a dollop of ricotta cheese to each bowl before serving. The creamy ricotta adds a luxurious touch and complements the other flavors beautifully. You could even swirl in a pesto sauce for an extra burst of herbaceous flavor. The possibilities are endless!

I’ve poured my heart into perfecting this recipe, and I’m confident that you’ll love it as much as I do. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or even a cozy night in. The ease of preparation and the incredible flavor make it a winner every time.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients and get cooking! I promise you won’t be disappointed. This Chicken Parmesan Soup is a game-changer, a delicious and comforting meal that will quickly become a family favorite.

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe! Once you’ve made it, please come back and share your experience in the comments below. I’d love to hear what you think, what variations you tried, and how much you enjoyed it. Your feedback is invaluable, and it helps me continue to create and share recipes that you’ll love. Happy cooking! Let me know if you have any questions, and I’ll do my best to answer them. I can’t wait to hear about your Chicken Parmesan Soup success!