Chicken Parmesan Soup 🍅🍗🧀
Comforting, cheesy, and bursting with flavor, this Chicken Parmesan Soup brings the warmth of classic Italian comfort food into a cozy bowl of pure satisfaction. Tender chicken, rich tomato broth, and perfectly cooked pasta come together with melty mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan to create a soup that’s both hearty and elegant. It’s everything you love about chicken parm — just lighter, creamier, and spoon-ready.
Ingredients
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
4 cups chicken broth
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 1/2 cups small pasta (such as ditalini, elbow, or mini penne)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup heavy cream (optional for creaminess)
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
Begin by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the chicken breasts or thighs to the pot and sear lightly on both sides, about 2 minutes per side, to lock in flavor.
Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and chicken broth. Add Italian seasoning, basil, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir well and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the soup. Add the pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, or until tender but not overcooked. If the soup thickens too much as the pasta absorbs liquid, add a bit more broth or water.
Once the pasta is cooked, stir in Parmesan cheese and, if you prefer a creamier texture, the heavy cream. Allow it to heat through for a few minutes until smooth and slightly thickened. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Ladle the soup into bowls and top each serving with a handful of shredded mozzarella. Let it melt into the hot soup to create that signature cheesy stretch. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and a light sprinkle of extra Parmesan for a beautiful finish.
Tips for Perfect Flavor
For deeper flavor, use a mix of chicken broth and a splash of dry white wine. You can also add a Parmesan rind while simmering to enrich the broth. If you like a heartier texture, add cooked meatballs or Italian sausage. For a healthier twist, substitute whole-grain or lentil pasta.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the soup with toasted garlic bread or a fresh green salad for balance. It’s a perfect dish for cozy nights in, and it reheats beautifully, making it a great make-ahead meal for busy weeks.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of broth to loosen the consistency. This soup also freezes well — just omit the pasta before freezing and add it fresh when reheating for the best texture.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: ~420 kcal
Protein: 35g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fat: 18g
Conclusion
This Chicken Parmesan Soup is the ultimate fusion of Italian comfort and cozy homemade warmth. Every spoonful captures the flavors of crispy chicken parm — rich tomato sauce, herbs, and melted cheese — but in a creamy, hearty soup form that’s easy to make and deeply satisfying. Whether it’s a cold night or a craving for something cheesy and nourishing, this bowl of comfort will never disappoint.