Velvety Chicken Parmesan Soup

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this incredibly creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup. This recipe takes everything you love about classic chicken parmesan – the tender chicken, rich tomato sauce, and savory cheese – and transforms it into a warm, inviting bowl of soup. Imagine succulent chicken pieces, diced tomatoes, a velvety heavy cream base, and your favorite pasta, all coming together in a symphony of flavors that promises to be one of the most delicious and satisfying meals you’ll create this year.

In our busy modern lives, moments of connection and comfort are more precious than ever. Our daily schedules are often packed with responsibilities, leaving little time for pause. However, finding time to enjoy life and cherish loved ones is crucial. For many, the dinner table serves as a central gathering point, a place where some of the best memories are made. Delicious meals don’t have to be complicated; they just need to be heartfelt and present. This creamy chicken parmesan soup embodies that philosophy, offering a wholesome and incredibly tasty dish that’s surprisingly simple to prepare.

This recipe is designed to bring your family together around a nourishing meal without the stress of elaborate cooking. While it’s an ideal easy weeknight dinner, its rich flavors and beautiful presentation make it impressive enough to serve at an elegant dinner party. It strikes the perfect balance between casual comfort and culinary sophistication, ensuring everyone at your table will be delighted.

Experience the Irresistible Charm of Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup

What could be more comforting than a hot, steaming bowl of soup? How about when that soup draws its inspiration from one of Italy’s most beloved comfort foods: Chicken Parmesan? This dish combines the rich, savory essence of parmesan chicken with the soothing warmth of a creamy soup, creating a perfect marriage of textures and tastes. Each spoonful delivers a harmonious blend of a luscious tomato-infused broth, generous chunks of tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta, all crowned with a sprinkle of salty, melt-in-your-mouth Parmesan cheese. While it’s tempting to try to eat it with a fork to savor every ingredient, you’ll definitely want a spoon to capture every last drop of this exquisite broth.

Your New Favorite Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe

This hearty and satisfying soup is an absolute lifesaver for those hectic weeknights, particularly as the temperatures drop and our cravings turn towards thick, comforting, and deeply flavorful foods. The beauty of this creamy chicken parmesan soup lies in its adaptability. You can prepare it efficiently on the stovetop for a quick meal, or let it simmer slowly in your crockpot for a hands-off approach that deepens the flavors. Both methods guarantee a deliciously rich and savory soup, loaded with gooey cheese and an aroma that will fill your home with warmth.

If you’re a fan of creamy chicken parmesan soup, you’ll undoubtedly enjoy these other comforting and flavorful soup recipes. Explore our Chicken Tortilla Soup, hearty Lasagna Soup, indulgent Loaded Baked Potato Soup, or the delightful Tortellini Soup With Sausage for more culinary inspiration.

Customize Your Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup

This chicken parmesan soup is incredibly versatile and can be made with either raw or pre-cooked chicken, perfectly capturing all the beloved flavors of the classic Italian dish. Don’t hesitate to personalize it to your taste; feel free to incorporate extra vegetables for added nutrition, experiment with different pasta shapes for varied texture, or even swap in a different type of cheese to explore new flavor profiles. Serve this delightful soup as a complete meal alongside a fresh green salad with a zesty vinaigrette and a side of crispy garlic bread. For the true cheese connoisseurs at your table, make sure to offer an extra bowl of freshly grated Parmesan for an indulgent topping.

Essential Ingredients for Your Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup

Crafting this flavorful creamy chicken parmesan soup begins with selecting the right ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in building the rich, comforting taste that makes this recipe so special. Below is a list of what you’ll need, along with a few tips to ensure the best possible outcome:

• Pasta Sauce: A high-quality marinara sauce forms the backbone of the soup’s tomato flavor. We recommend Bertolli pasta sauce for its robust taste, but feel free to use your favorite brand or a homemade marinara sauce for an even fresher profile.
• Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is ideal for sautéing, lending a subtle fruity note. Any good quality olive oil will work perfectly to build the aromatic foundation of your soup.
• Onion: One medium onion, finely chopped, provides a sweet and savory base. Any variety of onion will contribute to the depth of flavor.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic offers an unparalleled aromatic punch. If fresh isn’t available, jarred minced garlic is a convenient and acceptable substitute.
• Chicken Breasts: Cubed raw chicken breasts are perfect for this soup, cooking directly in the broth to absorb all the wonderful flavors. You can also use pre-cooked shredded chicken for a quicker preparation.
• Chicken Stock: Opt for a low-sodium chicken stock or broth. This allows you complete control over the saltiness of your soup, ensuring it’s perfectly seasoned to your taste.
• Diced Tomatoes: A can of diced tomatoes, undrained, adds a bright, tangy flavor and a pleasant texture to the soup, contributing to its hearty feel.
• Red Pepper Flakes: These add a subtle hint of warmth and a touch of spice. Adjust the quantity according to your preferred level of heat.
• Heavy Cream: This is the secret to the soup’s luxurious richness and velvety texture. For a slightly lighter version, you can substitute half and half.
• Pasta: Stir in your preferred pasta, cooked al dente, to prevent it from becoming mushy in the soup. Shapes like farfalle (bow-tie), lumache, ditalini, or penne work wonderfully. Both regular and whole wheat pasta varieties are suitable.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is a non-negotiable for the authentic chicken parmesan experience. It adds a salty, nutty, and umami-rich finish that truly elevates the dish. Discover why grating your own cheese is always the best option.

Mastering the Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup: Step-by-Step Guide

Whether you choose the quick stovetop method or the convenient slow cooker approach, creating this flavorful creamy chicken parmesan soup is straightforward and rewarding. Follow these simple steps for a truly delicious result.

Stovetop Method

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 5-7 minutes until it becomes softened and translucent, building a flavorful base. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Stir in the cubed chicken breasts and cook until lightly browned on all sides and mostly cooked through, about 5-8 minutes.
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3. Simmer the Broth: Next, pour in the diced tomatoes (undrained), your chosen pasta sauce, red pepper flakes, and 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 to allow all the wonderful Italian flavors to meld beautifully. For an even deeper, more complex flavor, you can simmer it for up to 30 minutes.
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5. Finish and Serve: Stir in the heavy cream until it is fully combined and heated through, creating that signature creamy texture. Add the cooked pasta (ensure it’s cooked al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy in the soup). Stir everything together gently and heat through for a few more minutes, making sure the soup is warmed but not boiling. Serve immediately, garnished generously with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze leftovers for up to 3 months. When reheating, it’s best to do so gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken stock or water if it has thickened too much.

Love This Recipe? Pin It!

If you adore this creamy chicken parmesan soup as much as we do, make sure you don’t lose this fantastic recipe! Pin it to your favorite Pinterest recipe board before you go, so it’s always handy for your next comforting meal idea.

How to Make Crock Pot Chicken Parmesan Soup

For a hands-off approach to this delicious soup, the slow cooker is your best friend. To make chicken parmesan soup in the crockpot, simply place all of the ingredients – including the raw chicken, pasta sauce, diced tomatoes, chicken stock, onion, garlic, and red pepper flakes – into your slow cooker. Stir everything together well. Cover and cook on the LOW setting for 6-8 hours, or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is wonderfully tender and cooked through. About 30 minutes before you plan to serve, add the uncooked pasta directly to the slow cooker (if using a pasta type that cooks quickly, like ditalini or small shells) or pre-cook it separately. If adding uncooked, turn the crockpot to HIGH (if not already) and cook for an additional 20-30 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked al dente. Finally, stir in the heavy cream until warmed through. Serve this delightful slow cooker parmesan soup hot, topped with an ample amount of freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Frequently Asked Questions About This Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup

• What is the difference between chicken parmesan and chicken parmigiana? These two names refer to the exact same dish! “Parmigiana” is the Italian term for a dish prepared in the style of Parma, Italy, often with Parmesan cheese. “Parmesan” is simply the anglicized version.
• Why is it called chicken parmesan? One popular theory suggests that the dish, or at least the cheese used in it, was named after the Italian city of Parma, renowned for its Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese. Over time, the name evolved to reflect its key cheesy component.
• Can I make this soup ahead of time? Absolutely! This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld. Simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a little extra chicken stock or water if it’s too thick.
• Is this soup freezer-friendly? Yes, this soup freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. For best results, consider freezing the soup without the pasta, and cook the pasta fresh when you’re ready to serve. This prevents the pasta from becoming mushy upon thawing and reheating.

Delicious Substitutions & Creative Variations

Don’t be afraid to unleash your culinary creativity when making this chicken parmesan soup! Recipes are a guideline, and customizing them to suit your personal taste preferences and dietary needs is part of the fun. Make this soup truly your own with these delicious substitution and variation ideas:

• Add More Cheese: For an even richer, gooier chicken parmesan experience, throw in a generous handful of shredded mozzarella cheese along with the Parmesan. It melts beautifully, adding another layer of classic Italian flavor and texture.

• Use Pre-Cooked Chicken: Short on time? Instead of raw chicken, stir in shredded chicken from a rotisserie chicken or any leftover cooked chicken you have on hand. Chicken thighs, cooked or raw, are also an excellent substitute for chicken breasts, offering a richer flavor and often more tenderness.

• Adjust Thickness: If you prefer a thicker soup, add a few tablespoons of tomato paste along with the pasta sauce and diced tomatoes. Alternatively, use crushed tomatoes instead of diced tomatoes for a slightly smoother, thicker base.

• Pasta Variety: While farfalle pasta is a wonderful choice, feel free to experiment with other shapes. Ditalini pasta, penne pasta, or rotini pasta all work well and offer different textures. For those with dietary restrictions, gluten-free pasta also performs beautifully in this recipe.

• Boost the Veggies: Enhance the nutritional value and flavor by adding finely diced carrots, celery, bell peppers, or spinach to the soup. Add heartier vegetables like carrots and celery with the onions, and stir in spinach during the last few minutes of cooking.

Tips & Tricks for the Perfect Pot

• Amplify Flavor: For an extra layer of authentic Italian flavor, add a teaspoon of Italian seasoning along with the diced tomatoes and pasta sauce. A few fresh basil leaves, torn or chopped, stirred in right before serving, also add a vibrant, aromatic touch.

• Adjust Consistency: If your soup becomes too thick for your liking after simmering or reheating, simply add a splash more chicken stock or water until it reaches your desired consistency.

• Prevent Mushy Pasta: Cook your pasta separately to al dente (or even slightly undercooked) and add it to individual bowls just before serving. This prevents the pasta from absorbing too much liquid and becoming mushy, especially if you plan to have leftovers.

More Comforting Recipes to Love

If you enjoyed this creamy chicken parmesan soup, you’ll love exploring these other delicious and comforting recipes from our kitchen:

• Easy Skillet Lasagna (pictured above)
• Easy Chicken and Mushroom Florentine Pasta
• Creamy Chicken Penne Pasta
• Southwest Chicken Linguine
• Chicken and Rice Cordon Bleu Recipe
• Easy Weeknight Chicken Parmesan
• Lemon Basil Pasta Salad
• Parmesan Cheese Bowls

This easy, creamy chicken parmesan soup is truly one of the best chicken soup recipes out there, offering unparalleled comfort and flavor. It’s the perfect way to welcome soup season and gather your loved ones around a warm, delicious meal. Originally posted on October 23, 2015, in partnership with Bertolli® Pasta Sauce, this recipe has been updated to improve user experience and reshared on October 23, 2023.