Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe
If you’re searching for a soul-warming dish that feels like a hug in a bowl, then this Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup is exactly what you need. It takes the beloved flavors of classic chicken parmesan and transforms them into a luscious, comforting soup that’s perfect for cozy nights or anytime you want a go-to meal that impresses without fuss. Rich, creamy, and packed with tender chicken, tangy tomatoes, and that irresistible Parmesan bite, this soup is destined to become your new favorite comfort food obsession.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe is carefully chosen to bring out the comforting, hearty flavors of the Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup. Simple yet essential, these ingredients come together to create a perfect balance of creaminess, savoriness, and warmth.
- 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken: Use rotisserie or leftover chicken for convenience and extra flavor depth.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps sauté the onion and garlic, adding a light fruity aroma.
- 1 small yellow onion, diced: Provides sweetness and a mellow base flavor once cooked.
- 3 garlic cloves, minced: Infuses the soup with that classic, irresistible savory punch.
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes: Brings vibrant color and balanced acidity to the broth.
- 4 cups chicken broth: The flavorful liquid foundation that ties all the ingredients together.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds depth and a touch of Mediterranean flair.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Contributes rich creaminess that elevates the soup to a silky indulgence.
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese: Gives that signature sharp, nutty taste essential to the dish.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasoning to balance and enhance every flavor note.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Adds a fresh, herbal brightness to finish the soup beautifully.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Once shimmering, add diced onion and minced garlic. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes or until they become fragrant and translucent, creating a foundation of sweet, savory flavor that will infuse the entire soup.
Step 2: Build the Tomato Base
Next, stir in the canned diced tomatoes along with the Italian seasoning. Let this mixture simmer gently for about 3 minutes. This step allows the flavors to meld together and the tomatoes to release their vibrant juices, setting the stage for a delightful, heartwarming broth.
Step 3: Add Broth and Simmer
Pour in the chicken broth and bring everything up to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes. This simmering deepens the flavor and reduces the broth slightly, making it more concentrated and deliciously savory.
Step 4: Introduce the Chicken
Now it’s time to add the cooked, shredded chicken to the pot. Stir it in and let it cook for another 5 minutes so the chicken absorbs the flavorful broth, becoming wonderfully tender and juicy.
Step 5: Make It Creamy
Pour in the heavy cream and stir the soup to combine. Allow it to simmer gently until fully heated through. This step transforms the broth into a smooth, silky base that is the hallmark of the Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup.
Step 6: Finish with Parmesan
Gradually sprinkle in the shredded Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until melted and smooth. This adds the distinct nutty and salty bite characteristic of chicken parmesan flavors, giving the soup its signature depth and richness.
Step 7: Season and Serve
Finally, taste and season your soup with salt and pepper. Ladle it into bowls and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley and a little extra Parmesan for that perfect finishing touch.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds a fragrant, fresh pop of color and herbaceous brightness that perfectly balances the creamy richness. For an extra Parmesan kick, grate a little more cheese on top to melt over the hot soup. A drizzle of good olive oil can add an elegant finish as well.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs beautifully with warm, crusty bread or garlic breadsticks for dipping into the creamy goodness. A crisp green salad lightly dressed with lemon vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich soup, making the meal feel complete and well-rounded.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, serve the soup in mini bread bowls or rustic ramekins with a Parmesan crisp on the side. You can also garnish with basil leaves for an added hint of fresh herb flavor and color. These little touches make serving Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup a memorable experience for your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to maintain freshness and to prevent the cheese from drying out or clumping. Give it a good stir before reheating.
Freezing
This soup can be frozen, although the cream and cheese may separate slightly on thawing. To freeze, cool the soup completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove.
Reheating
Reheat your soup slowly over low to medium heat, stirring often to reincorporate any separated cream or cheese. Adding a splash of broth or cream can help restore the creamy texture if needed. Avoid microwaving without stirring as it might heat unevenly.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken for this soup?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is perfect for this recipe because it’s already cooked and packed with flavor, which makes the process faster and adds a great depth of taste.
Is there a way to make this soup dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative. Keep in mind the flavor and texture will be slightly different but still deliciously creamy.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Fresh tomatoes can be used, but you’ll want to peel and dice them, then cook them down a bit to mimic the texture and concentrated flavor of canned tomatoes. Using ripe, juicy tomatoes gives the soup a lovely freshness.
How spicy is Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup?
This soup isn’t spicy at all; it’s more about savory, creamy, and herbaceous flavors. However, you can always add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce if you prefer a little heat.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
To keep it vegetarian, substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit the chicken or replace it with hearty mushrooms or a plant-based chicken alternative. The creamy Parmesan flavor will still shine through beautifully.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup is pure comfort in a bowl and an absolute delight to make and share. Whether you’re feeding family or impressing friends, it’s a wonderfully rich, flavorful way to enjoy those classic Italian flavors with ease. I hope you give this recipe a try and find it as cozy and irresistible as I do!
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Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
A rich and comforting Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup combining tender shredded chicken with savory Parmesan cheese, Italian herbs, and a creamy tomato broth. This hearty soup offers all the classic flavors of Chicken Parmesan in an easy-to-make, warming bowl perfect for any season.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Chicken & Dairy
- 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Seasoning & Garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat the oil: Warm the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat to prepare for sautéing the aromatics.
- Sauté onion and garlic: Add the diced yellow onion and minced garlic to the pot and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become fragrant and translucent, building the soup’s base flavor.
- Add tomatoes and seasoning: Stir in the canned diced tomatoes along with the Italian seasoning. Let the mixture simmer for about 3 minutes to marry the flavors.
- Pour in chicken broth and simmer: Add the chicken broth to the pot, bringing everything to a gentle boil. Then reduce the heat and let the soup simmer for 10 minutes to deepen the broth’s flavor.
- Add shredded chicken: Incorporate the cooked and shredded chicken into the soup. Cook for an additional 5 minutes to heat the chicken through and blend it with the broth.
- Stir in heavy cream: Pour the heavy cream into the soup and stir well. Allow the soup to simmer gently until the cream is fully heated and integrated.
- Add Parmesan cheese: Gradually sprinkle in the shredded Parmesan cheese while stirring continuously until the cheese melts completely and the soup becomes creamy and smooth.
- Season and serve: Adjust the seasoning by adding salt and pepper to taste. Serve the soup hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quick and easy shortcut.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but note the soup will be less rich.
- To make it gluten-free, ensure your chicken broth and seasonings do not contain gluten.
- Leftover soup keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently to avoid curdling the cream.
- You can add cooked pasta or rice to make this a more filling meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering, Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup, Chicken Soup, Parmesan Soup, Italian Soup, Comfort Food, Easy Dinner
