If comfort food had a warm, welcoming hug, it would be this Chicken Parm Soup Recipe. Imagine the rich, savory flavors of classic chicken Parmesan transformed into a luscious, cheesy soup that’s bursting with tender chicken, tangy tomatoes, and just the right hint of herbs and spice. It’s the perfect dish to cozy up with on a chilly evening, offering all the familiar tastes we love but in a wonderfully slurpable form. Whether you’re craving a meal that’s hearty yet light, or looking to wow your family with something delightfully different, this recipe brings together simple ingredients that create an unforgettable bowl of pure comfort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Chicken Parm Soup Recipe brings together straightforward ingredients that pack a punch in flavor and texture. Each one plays a crucial role, from creating the base to delivering that irresistible cheesy finish you’ll keep coming back for.
- Olive oil: Adds a subtle richness and is the perfect fat for sautéing the aromatics.
- ½ large onion, finely diced: Offers a sweet and savory foundation when cooked down.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced or pressed: Infuses the soup with bold, aromatic depth.
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes: Provides just a whisper of heat that balances the soup’s richness.
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste: Brings a concentrated, slightly caramelized tomato flavor that deepens the broth.
- 4 cups chicken broth: The flavorful liquid base that ties all the ingredients together.
- 2 cans (14.5-ounce each) crushed tomatoes: Introduces a luscious, tangy tomato body to the soup.
- ½ teaspoon dried basil: Adds a fragrant, herbaceous note reminiscent of classic Italian cooking.
- ¼ heaping teaspoon dried oregano: Complements the basil with its earthy, slightly peppery essence.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for enhancing and balancing all the flavors.
- 4 ounces penne or preferred small pasta: Gives the soup satisfying bite and heartiness.
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded: The star protein, tender and ready to soak up all those delicious flavors.
- ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese: Melts smoothly into the soup for that unmistakable umami richness.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided: Topped on the soup to create a gooey, melty finish you’ll adore.
How to Make Chicken Parm Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
Begin by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the finely diced onion and cook gently until it softens and becomes translucent around the edges—this usually takes about 5 minutes. This step is crucial for building that sweet, mellow flavor base that will carry the soup.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Tomato Paste
Next, stir in the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes. Let the garlic cook for about 1 minute until it becomes golden and fragrant without burning. Then, add the tomato paste, cooking and stirring for 1 to 2 minutes until the paste thickens and caramelizes slightly, adding a rich, almost smoky undertone to your soup.
Step 3: Add Liquids and Simmer
Pour the chicken broth and crushed tomatoes into the pot, making sure to scrape up any flavorful browned bits from the bottom. Cover the pot and bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat and let it gently bubble for about 8 minutes. This simmer allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a vibrant, hearty broth.
Step 4: Cook Pasta and Season
Stir in your penne pasta along with dried basil and oregano. Cover the pot again and cook until the pasta is tender but still slightly firm, which usually takes 10 to 12 minutes. This is where your kitchen will start to smell absolutely irresistible, filling the air with the essence of a classic Italian dinner.
Step 5: Add Chicken and Cheese
Finally, fold in the cooked chicken and shredded Parmesan cheese. Keep the soup over gentle heat until the chicken is warmed through and the Parmesan melts perfectly into the broth. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed. This step adds that creamy, cheesy touch that makes this Chicken Parm Soup Recipe irresistibly satisfying.
Step 6: Serve with Mozzarella
Ladle the steaming soup into bowls and sprinkle each serving with about ¼ cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Let the cheese melt slightly before you dive in, enjoying the delightful gooey texture that crowns this comforting soup.
How to Serve Chicken Parm Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your Chicken Parm Soup Recipe with fresh garnishes like chopped basil or parsley for a burst of bright, herbal freshness. A drizzle of high-quality olive oil or a few red pepper flakes on top can also add a beautiful visual and flavor boost.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with warm, crusty bread or homemade garlic knots to soak up every last drop. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing balance, making your meal well-rounded and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup in hollowed-out mini bread bowls or ramekins, allowing guests to enjoy the edible container alongside the meal. You can also sprinkle bread crumbs mixed with Parmesan and herbs on top before broiling briefly for a crunchy, gratin-like finish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer your leftover Chicken Parm Soup Recipe to airtight containers and refrigerate. It stays fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days, making it an excellent option for quick lunches or dinners later in the week.
Freezing
You can freeze this soup for up to 3 months in freezer-safe containers. Keep the mozzarella cheese separate and add it fresh when reheating to maintain that lovely, melty cheese topping without it becoming rubbery.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If the soup thickens too much in the fridge or freezer, add a splash of chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this Chicken Parm Soup Recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that adds great flavor and convenience without sacrificing the dish’s deliciousness.
What pasta works best in this soup?
Penne is traditional and perfect, but any small, sturdy pasta shape like rigatoni, shells, or even ditalini will hold up well and soak up the flavorful broth.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
You can swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and omit the chicken. Adding mushrooms or eggplant could create a hearty, vegetarian-friendly twist that’s just as comforting.
How spicy is this soup?
The crushed red pepper flakes add only a gentle warmth that enhances the flavors without making it too hot. You can adjust or omit the flakes depending on your spice preference.
Is this Chicken Parm Soup Recipe good for meal prep?
Definitely! It reheats beautifully and is easy to portion out for lunches or dinners throughout the week. Just add your mozzarella topping fresh each time for the best cheesy experience.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Parm Soup Recipe is truly one of those gems that brings comfort, flavor, and ease together in perfect harmony. It’s a dish you’ll want to make again and again, whether for cozy nights in or to impress your loved ones with a twist on classic Italian flavors. So grab your pot, gather those simple ingredients, and dive into a bowlful of warmth and cheesy goodness that feels like a hug in a bowl.
Print
Chicken Parm Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This comforting Chicken Parm Soup blends the rich flavors of classic chicken parmesan into a hearty, cheesy soup. With tender chicken, savory tomato broth, and melty cheese, this 45-minute recipe is perfect for a cozy meal any day of the week.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ large onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons (33g) tomato paste
- 4 cups (2 14.5-ounce cans) chicken broth
- 2 14-ounce cans crushed tomatoes
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ¼ heaping teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Pasta and Protein
- 4 ounces (about 1 â…“ cup) penne or favorite pasta for soup
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded (white or dark meat)
Cheeses
- ½ cup (2 oz) shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup (4 oz) shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the finely diced onions and cook until they become soft and translucent around the edges, about 5 minutes.
- Add Garlic and Tomato Paste: Stir in the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes, cooking for about 1 minute until the garlic is golden and fragrant. Add the tomato paste and continue cooking for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the paste begins to caramelize and stick to the bottom of the pot.
- Add Liquids and Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth and crushed tomatoes, scraping the bottom of the pot to loosen browned bits. Cover the pot, bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for 8 minutes.
- Cook Pasta and Season: Add the penne pasta, dried basil, and oregano to the pot. Cover and cook until the pasta is al dente, about 10 to 12 minutes.
- Add Chicken and Cheese: Stir in the cooked chicken and shredded Parmesan cheese. Heat until the chicken is warmed through and the Parmesan has melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and top each serving with ¼ cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Serve immediately to enjoy the melted cheesy topping.
Notes
- You can substitute penne with any favorite short pasta like rigatoni or rotini.
- Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to save time and add flavor.
- For a spicier kick, increase the crushed red pepper flakes to your preference.
- Leftover soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; add mozzarella cheese only when serving.
