As the weather cools down, there’s nothing better than wrapping your hands around a warm bowl of soup. This Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup combines all the rich, cheesy flavors of chicken parmesan with the comforting warmth of a hearty soup. Packed with tender chicken, tangy marinara, creamy broth, and a hint of parmesan, this soup is perfect for cozy evenings and lazy weekends. Subscribe to our newsletter for more comforting recipes delivered right to your inbox!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✨ Decadently Creamy: The luscious broth is enriched with cream and parmesan, creating a velvety texture.
✨ Familiar Flavors: It’s like enjoying chicken parmesan, but in spoonfuls!
✨ Weeknight-Friendly: Ready in about 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy evenings.
✨ Customizable: You can easily tweak this recipe to suit your preferences or dietary needs.
What Does It Taste Like?
This soup is a harmonious blend of creamy richness, savory chicken, and the tangy depth of marinara sauce. The parmesan cheese infuses every bite with its nutty, salty flavor, while Italian herbs like basil and oregano provide a comforting aroma. It’s a warm hug in a bowl!
Benefits of This Recipe
- Hearty and Filling: Packed with protein and a creamy base, this soup satisfies every appetite.
- One-Pot Wonder: Easy cleanup makes this dish as practical as it is delicious.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Great for family dinners or serving a group of friends.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 medium onion (diced)
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 cup small pasta (like ditalini or elbow macaroni)
Garnishes
- Fresh basil leaves (chopped)
- Shaved parmesan cheese
- Croutons or garlic bread on the side
Necessary Tools
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Cutting board and knife
- Grater for parmesan cheese
Ingredient Swaps and Additions
- Protein Swap: Use shredded rotisserie chicken for convenience or turkey for a leaner option.
- Pasta-Free Option: Skip the pasta and add zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a low-carb version.
- Veggie Boost: Stir in spinach, kale, or mushrooms for added nutrients.
- Cheese Choice: Swap parmesan with pecorino romano for a sharper flavor.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in garlic, basil, oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using) and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Add the chicken pieces to the pot, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook until lightly browned and no longer pink, about 5-6 minutes.
Step 3: Build the Base
Pour in the chicken broth and marinara sauce. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
Step 4: Add Pasta
Stir in the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until tender, about 8-10 minutes.
Step 5: Add the Cream and Cheese
Lower the heat to medium-low. Stir in the heavy cream and grated parmesan cheese, mixing until the cheese has melted and the soup is creamy.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh basil, shaved parmesan, and a side of croutons or garlic bread.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair this soup with a crisp Caesar salad for a well-rounded meal.
- Serve it alongside warm, crusty garlic bread to soak up every last drop of the broth.
- Enjoy it as a starter or the main course—it’s hearty enough to stand alone.
Pro Tips for the Best Soup
- Shred the Chicken: For a traditional chicken parmesan feel, shred the cooked chicken instead of using chunks.
- Adjust Thickness: Add more chicken broth if you prefer a thinner soup, or let it simmer longer for a thicker consistency.
- Cook Pasta Separately: If you’re planning leftovers, cook the pasta separately and add it to individual servings to avoid it becoming mushy.
Storing and Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: The soup can be frozen (without pasta) for up to 2 months. Add fresh pasta when reheating.
- Reheat: Warm the soup gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or cream to restore its texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use store-bought marinara sauce?
Absolutely! Choose a high-quality marinara for the best flavor, or use homemade if you have it.
What’s the best pasta for this soup?
Small shapes like ditalini, elbow macaroni, or orzo work best as they’re easy to eat with a spoon.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Swap the heavy cream with coconut milk and use a vegan parmesan alternative.
Conclusion
This Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup is a comforting, flavorful twist on a classic favorite. With its creamy base, rich marinara, and satisfying chicken, it’s bound to become a family favorite. Make it part of your weeknight rotation or serve it at your next gathering—it’s guaranteed to impress.
Tried this recipe? Share your creations with us on Instagram or Pinterest and leave a review! We’d love to see how you make this dish your own.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 380
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Sugar: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
Warm your heart and soul with this delightful soup. Happy cooking! 🥣❤️
Variations to Try
This versatile soup can be adapted to suit your tastes or dietary preferences. Here are some ideas:
Spicy Kick:
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to bring some heat to your soup.
Herb-Infused:
Enhance the flavor with fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or a bay leaf simmered in the broth.
Tomato Lover’s Delight:
Use fire-roasted tomatoes in place of marinara sauce for a smoky depth of flavor.
Seafood Twist:
Replace the chicken with shrimp or scallops for a unique seafood variation.
Vegetarian Version:
Substitute the chicken with hearty chickpeas or white beans, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Creative Serving Ideas
Take your presentation to the next level with these serving tips:
Bread Bowl:
Serve the soup in a hollowed-out crusty bread bowl for a rustic and delicious touch.
Toppings Bar:
Set up a toppings station with options like shredded mozzarella, chopped parsley, or crispy bacon bits to let everyone customize their bowl.
Mason Jars for Picnics:
Pour the soup into mason jars for easy transport and an Instagram-worthy serving option.
Kitchen Hacks for Quick Prep
Streamline your cooking process with these time-saving tricks:
Pre-Chopped Veggies:
Use frozen, pre-chopped onions and garlic to save time.
Rotisserie Chicken:
Opt for shredded rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken for a shortcut without sacrificing flavor.
One-Pot Pasta:
Cook the pasta directly in the soup for fewer dishes to wash and to infuse it with more flavor.
Seasonal Inspiration
Tailor this soup to match the flavors of the season:
Spring:
Add fresh peas or asparagus for a lighter, seasonal twist.
Summer:
Incorporate fresh basil and ripe tomatoes for a vibrant, sunny flavor.
Fall:
Stir in roasted butternut squash or sweet potatoes for a warm, autumnal take.
Winter:
Add a splash of red wine to the broth for a rich and cozy winter version.
Let me know if you’d like additional ideas or specific sections expanded!
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in garlic, basil, oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using) and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
- Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Add the chicken pieces to the pot, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook until lightly browned and no longer pink, about 5-6 minutes.
- Step 3: Build the Base
- Pour in the chicken broth and marinara sauce. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
- Step 4: Add Pasta
- Stir in the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until tender, about 8-10 minutes.
- Step 5: Add the Cream and Cheese
- Lower the heat to medium-low. Stir in the heavy cream and grated parmesan cheese, mixing until the cheese has melted and the soup is creamy.
- Step 6: Serve and Garnish
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh basil, shaved parmesan, and a side of croutons or garlic bread.
Notes
Hearty and Filling: Packed with protein and a creamy base, this soup satisfies every appetite.
One-Pot Wonder: Easy cleanup makes this dish as practical as it is delicious.
Crowd-Pleasing: Great for family dinners or serving a group of friends.
