The Ultimate Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup: An Easy & Comforting Italian Recipe
This creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup recipe is the epitome of comfort food, bringing together the beloved flavors of classic chicken parmesan in a warm, inviting bowl. Imagine tender, succulent chicken, rich diced tomatoes, a luxurious swirl of heavy cream, and your favorite pasta, all simmering together to create a delightful and incredibly flavorful soup that promises to be a highlight of your culinary year. Whether you’re seeking a cozy meal on a chilly evening or a show-stopping dish for entertaining, this recipe delivers on both taste and ease.
In our busy modern lives, days are often packed with endless responsibilities and activities. It’s easy for our “to-do” lists to grow longer, leaving little time for pause and enjoyment. Yet, it’s incredibly important to carve out moments to savor life and connect with our loved ones. For many, some of the most cherished memories are made right around the dinner table. Preparing a delicious meal doesn’t have to be a complicated affair; it just needs to be tasty and thoughtfully presented to foster those special connections.
I take pride in sharing easy-to-follow recipes that achieve precisely that: bringing your family and friends together for a wholesome, satisfying meal. This delightful Chicken Parmesan Soup is no exception. It’s an ideal choice for a quick and simple weeknight dinner, yet its elegant presentation and rich flavors are impressive enough to serve at a more formal dinner party. It’s a versatile dish that truly adapts to your needs, always delivering on its promise of comfort and exquisite taste.
Why This Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup Will Be Your New Favorite
What could possibly be more comforting than a piping hot, steaming bowl of soup? How about a soup that draws its inspiration from one of Italy’s most beloved comfort foods: Chicken Parmesan? This recipe truly embodies the best of both worlds, offering a unique twist on a classic.
This easy chicken parm soup is a perfect harmony of textures and tastes, combining the robust, savory essence of parmesan chicken with the creamy, heartwarming qualities of a rich broth. Each spoonful is a delightful experience, featuring a velvety smooth tomato base generously laden with tender chunks of chicken and al dente pasta. Crowned with a sprinkle of salty, grated Parmesan cheese, this soup is so satisfying that you might be tempted to use a fork, but trust me, you’ll want a spoon to capture every last, delicious drop. It’s a truly indulgent experience that transforms a familiar dish into something wonderfully new and exciting.
Mastering the Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe
This hearty and wholesome soup is an absolute lifesaver for those hectic weeknights, particularly as the temperatures drop and our cravings turn towards thick, hearty, and utterly comforting meals. It’s the kind of dish that warms you from the inside out, offering a sense of nourishment and contentment.
One of the best features of this recipe is its flexibility. You can effortlessly prepare it on the stovetop for a quicker meal, or you can opt to throw all the ingredients into your slow cooker for a hands-off approach. Both methods consistently yield a remarkably flavorful soup, generously infused with gooey, melted cheese that is guaranteed to please even the pickiest eaters. The choice is entirely yours, depending on how much time you have and your preferred cooking style.
If you find yourself falling in love with this creamy chicken parmesan soup, you’re sure to enjoy these other comforting recipes as well: Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup, Hearty Lasagna Soup, Loaded Baked Potato Soup, or a delicious Tortellini Soup With Spinach and Sausage. Each offers a unique blend of flavors designed to provide ultimate comfort.
Crafting Your Perfect Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup
This chicken parmesan soup is incredibly adaptable, easily made with either raw or pre-cooked chicken, and beautifully captures all the quintessential flavors of the classic Italian dish. Its versatility allows you to truly make it your own. Don’t hesitate to personalize it by incorporating extra vegetables for added nutrition and color, experimenting with different pasta shapes for varied textures, or even swapping in a different type of cheese to suit your taste preferences. The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility.
Transform this delicious soup into a complete and satisfying meal by serving it alongside a simple, crisp green salad dressed with a bright vinaigrette and a side of warm, crusty garlic bread. For those who can’t get enough cheese, be sure to place an extra bowl of freshly grated Parmesan on the table, allowing everyone to customize their serving to their heart’s content. This combination creates a truly harmonious and enjoyable dining experience.
Essential Ingredients for Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup
For a comprehensive list of ingredients and detailed, step-by-step instructions, please scroll to the bottom of this post where you’ll find the full printable recipe card. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need and why each component is crucial for achieving the perfect flavor and texture:
- Pasta Sauce – I personally recommend Bertolli pasta sauce for its consistent quality and flavor in this soup, but feel free to use your favorite marinara sauce. A good quality sauce forms the rich, tomatoey base of our soup.
- Olive Oil – Extra virgin olive oil is ideal for its rich flavor, but any good quality olive oil will work wonderfully for sautéing our aromatics and chicken, adding a foundational richness.
- Onion – A finely chopped onion provides an essential aromatic base, lending a sweet and savory depth to the soup as it softens and caramelizes. Any type of onion will do, but a yellow or white onion is typically preferred.
- Garlic – Freshly minced garlic is highly recommended for its pungent, aromatic kick, which is crucial for Italian-inspired dishes. If fresh isn’t available, jarred minced garlic is an acceptable substitute for convenience.
- Chicken Breasts – Raw chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized cubes, are perfect for this soup as they cook directly in the broth, absorbing all the wonderful flavors and remaining tender. You can also use cooked chicken (see substitutions below).
- Chicken Stock – Opt for low-sodium chicken stock or chicken broth. This allows you complete control over the salt content in your soup, ensuring it’s perfectly seasoned to your preference. It forms the liquid base, infusing the soup with savory notes.
- Diced Tomatoes – Canned diced tomatoes add both vibrant flavor and a pleasant chunky texture to the soup. They contribute to the classic tomato base of chicken parmesan.
- Red Pepper Flakes – These flakes introduce a subtle, delightful touch of heat and complexity to the soup. Adjust the amount according to your personal spice preference – a little goes a long way!
- Heavy Cream – This is the secret to the soup’s incredibly rich, velvety texture and luxurious mouthfeel. For a slightly lighter version without sacrificing too much creaminess, half and half can be used as a substitute.
- Pasta – We recommend stirring in cooked pasta, ideally prepared al dente, to prevent it from becoming mushy. I’ve had great success with farfalle (bow-tie) and lumache (snail shell) pasta, but feel free to use any shape you prefer that holds up well in soup. Both regular and whole wheat pasta varieties will work perfectly.
- Parmesan Cheese – Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is the ultimate finishing touch, providing a salty, umami-rich flourish that truly elevates the soup. For the best flavor and texture, see why grating your own cheese is highly recommended.
How to Make This Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe: Step-by-Step Stovetop Method
Creating this incredibly satisfying chicken parmesan soup on the stovetop is a straightforward process that yields impressive results. Follow these steps for a warm and comforting meal:
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics and Chicken. In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-5 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent, releasing its sweet aroma. Next, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until it’s fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Stir in the cubed raw chicken breasts and cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is lightly browned on all sides and mostly cooked through. This initial browning adds depth of flavor to your soup.
Step 2: Simmer the Base. Pour in the diced tomatoes, your chosen pasta sauce, red pepper flakes (adjust to your spice preference), and the low-sodium chicken stock. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for at least 15 minutes. This simmering time allows all the flavors to meld beautifully and the chicken to finish cooking through, ensuring a truly rich and cohesive broth.
Step 3: Finish and Serve. Once the base has simmered, stir in the heavy cream until fully incorporated and the soup takes on a luscious, creamy texture. Add your pre-cooked pasta (ensure it’s al dente) to the pot, stir gently to combine, and heat through for just a few minutes until the pasta is warmed. Avoid overcooking the pasta in the soup. Serve this magnificent soup immediately in warm bowls, generously topped with plenty of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. A sprig of fresh basil can add a lovely touch of color and aroma.
Storage Instructions: Leftover soup can be a delightful lunch the next day! Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze leftovers for up to 3 months. If freezing, it’s often best to cook and add the pasta when reheating to prevent it from getting mushy.
Love it? Pin it! Share the Comfort!
If you adore this creamy chicken parmesan soup as much as we do, make sure you don’t lose track of this fantastic recipe! Pin it to your favorite Pinterest recipe board before you go. Sharing is caring, and your friends and followers will thank you for introducing them to this ultimate comfort food!
How to Make Crock Pot Chicken Parmesan Soup for Effortless Meals
For those days when you prefer a more hands-off approach and want to come home to a delicious meal, converting this recipe to a slow cooker is incredibly simple. To make chicken parmesan soup in the crockpot, begin by placing all of the ingredients – with the exception of the heavy cream and the pasta – directly into your slow cooker. Cover and cook on a low setting for 6 hours. This extended cooking time allows the chicken to become incredibly tender and the flavors to deepen beautifully. Towards the end of the cooking cycle, add the uncooked pasta directly into the crockpot, increase the heat setting to high, and cook for an additional 30 minutes, or until the pasta is perfectly cooked al dente. Finally, stir in the heavy cream until the soup achieves its signature creaminess. Serve this magnificent slow cooker parmesan soup piping hot, crowned with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese for that authentic finishing touch.
FAQs About This Delicious Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe
- What is the difference between chicken parmesan and chicken parmigiana? These two names essentially refer to the exact same classic Italian-American dish. “Parmesan” is simply a shortened version of “Parmigiana,” which denotes the style of cooking with Parmesan cheese.
- Why is it called chicken parmesan? One popular theory suggests that the dish, or at least the use of “Parmesan” in its name, comes from the city of Parma in Italy, renowned for its Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese. While the exact origin of the dish itself is debated, its name clearly pays homage to this iconic Italian ingredient.
- Can I make this soup vegetarian? Absolutely! To transform this into a vegetarian delight, simply omit the chicken. You can substitute it with chickpeas, white beans, or even hearty mushrooms for added texture and protein. Ensure you use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock to keep it fully vegetarian.
- How can I make this soup spicier or milder? Adjusting the heat is easy! For a spicier kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper. For a milder version, simply reduce or entirely omit the red pepper flakes.
- Can I add more vegetables to the soup? Yes, and it’s highly encouraged! This soup is very versatile. Consider adding diced carrots, celery, bell peppers, zucchini, or a handful of fresh spinach during the last few minutes of simmering. This boosts both nutrition and flavor.
Creative Substitutions & Variations for Your Perfect Bowl
When it comes to culinary creativity, remember that recipes are often just starting points! Don’t be afraid to experiment with substitutions to tailor dishes to your personal tastes, dietary preferences, or simply to use what you have on hand. Make this Chicken Parmesan Soup truly your own!
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Cheese Lovers Rejoice! For an even more authentic “Parmesan” experience, throw in a generous handful of shredded mozzarella cheese along with the Parmesan. The mozzarella will melt beautifully, adding extra creaminess and a delightful stringy texture, truly capturing the essence of baked chicken parmesan.
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Chicken Options Galore: Instead of raw chicken, feel free to use pre-cooked chicken to speed up your prep time. Shredded chicken from a rotisserie chicken works perfectly, as does any other cooked leftover chicken you might have on hand. Chicken thighs are also an excellent substitute for breasts, whether cooked or raw, offering a richer flavor and often more tender texture.
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Thickening the Broth: If you prefer a thicker, heartier soup, you have a few options. Add a few tablespoons of tomato paste to the pot with the pasta sauce for a more concentrated tomato flavor and thicker consistency. Alternatively, you could use crushed tomatoes instead of diced, or even whisk in a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water) at the end, simmering until thickened.
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Pasta Play: While farfalle pasta is a wonderful choice, the soup is highly adaptable to other pasta shapes. Consider using ditalini pasta, penne pasta, or rotini pasta for different textural experiences. For those with dietary restrictions, gluten-free pasta works just as well; just be mindful of its cooking time. You can even try spiralized zucchini noodles for a low-carb alternative!
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Broth Alternatives: If you don’t have chicken stock, vegetable broth can be used, though it will alter the flavor profile slightly. For an even richer flavor, consider using bone broth.
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Herb Power: Fresh herbs are key! Stir in fresh basil, oregano, or a touch of fresh parsley at the very end for a burst of vibrant flavor and color. Dried Italian seasoning can also be added with the other spices.
Expert Tips & Tricks for the Best Chicken Parmesan Soup
Elevate your Chicken Parmesan Soup from delicious to absolutely unforgettable with these simple yet effective tips:
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Amplify the Flavor: To infuse your soup with even more authentic Italian flair, consider adding a teaspoon or two of Italian seasoning or a handful of fresh basil leaves (chopped or torn) during the last few minutes of simmering. A bay leaf added with the stock and removed before serving can also add subtle depth.
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Adjusting Consistency: If you find the soup becomes too thick for your liking as it simmers or after storage, simply thin it out by stirring in a little more chicken stock or water until it reaches your desired consistency. If you prefer it thicker, you can let it simmer uncovered for a bit longer, or use one of the thickening methods mentioned in the substitutions section above.
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Don’t Overcook the Pasta: For the best texture, always cook your pasta separately to al dente, and only add it to the soup right before serving or during the final warm-through stage. This prevents the pasta from becoming mushy and absorbing too much liquid, which can also make your soup too thick. If storing leftovers, it’s often best to store the pasta separately and add it to individual servings when reheating.
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Freshly Grated Parmesan: While pre-grated Parmesan is convenient, nothing compares to the flavor and melt of freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano. It melts more smoothly and offers a sharper, more complex taste that truly makes a difference. Always save some for garnishing!
More Delicious & Comforting Recipes to Love
If you’ve enjoyed the warmth and flavor of this Chicken Parmesan Soup, you’re in for a treat with these other beloved recipes from our collection:
- Easy Skillet Lasagna (pictured above)
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Easy Chicken and Mushroom Florentine Pasta
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Creamy Chicken Penne Pasta
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Southwest Chicken Linguine
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Chicken and Rice Cordon Bleu Recipe
- Easy Weeknight Chicken Parmesan Bake
- Lemon Basil Pasta Salad
- Parmesan Cheese Bowls
In conclusion, this easy, creamy chicken parmesan soup stands out as one of the very best chicken soup recipes you’ll ever make. Its harmonious blend of tender chicken, rich tomato, and creamy cheese, complemented by al dente pasta, creates a truly unforgettable comfort food experience. It’s the perfect dish to embrace and welcome soup season, or to simply bring a touch of Italian warmth to your table any time of year. Believe me, this recipe is a keeper!
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Print Recipe
Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup
Equipment
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12-Piece Black Sharp Knife Set with Covers, Cutting Board and Sharpener
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ZYLISS Classic Rotary Cheese Grater – NSF Restaurant Certified
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Lodge 6 Quart Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven. Classic Red Enamel Dutch Oven (Island Spice Red)
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AmazonBasics Enameled Cast Iron Covered Dutch Oven, 6-Quart, Blue
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Stainless Steel Pasta Cooker Steamer Multipots, 12 Quart, Silver
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Cuisinart Stainless Steel Pasta Server
Ingredients
- 1 jar Bertolli® Pasta sauce
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 3-4 chicken breasts cubed
- 32 ounces chicken stock
- 1 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 12 ounces pasta cooked al dente
- 8 ounce package Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
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To prepare on the stovetop: in your soup pot, saute onion and garlic in olive oil until fragrant. Stir in cubed chicken meat and saute until cooked.
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Add diced tomatoes, pasta sauce, red pepper flakes, and chicken stock. Simmer for 15 minutes.
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Stir in cream. Add pasta, stir, heat through, and serve topped with Parmesan cheese.
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To Prepare in the Crock Pot: Place all of the ingredients except cream and pasta into your crock pot. Cook on low for 6 hours. Add uncooked pasta, turn the crock pot to high, and cook 30 minutes longer, or until pasta is cooked al dente. Stir in cream.
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Serve topped with grated Parmesan cheese.
Nutrition
This recipe was originally posted on October 23, 2015, in partnership with Bertolli® Pasta Sauce. The post has been updated and significantly expanded to improve user experience, enhance SEO, and provide even more helpful tips and information, then reshared on October 23, 2023.
