If you’re craving the cozy, cheesy comfort of chicken parmesan but want something warm and soothing to sip, this Easy Chicken Parm Soup Recipe is a total game-changer. Imagine all the rich flavors of melted mozzarella, sharp Parmesan, tender shredded chicken, and zesty tomato broth swirling together in a bowl that’s effortless to whip up any night of the week. It’s absolutely perfect whether you’re feeding a family or just treating yourself to a delicious meal that feels like a hug in soup form.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet essential, each bringing its own magic to the bowl. From the hearty shredded chicken to the fragrant Italian seasoning and creamy cheeses, every element plays a key role in creating that perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color you’ll adore.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): The fragrant base that sautés your aromatics and adds a silky richness.
- Small onion, diced: Adds subtle sweetness and depth to the broth.
- Garlic, minced (3 cloves): For that irresistible savory punch that wakes up every bite.
- Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): A blend of herbs that brings all those classic tomato soup flavors together.
- Red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): A gentle hint of heat that balances the soup’s richness.
- Crushed tomatoes (1 can, 28 oz): The vibrant, tangy heart of this comforting soup.
- Chicken broth (4 cups): Keeps the soup light yet flavorful with a savory base.
- Cooked shredded chicken (2 cups): Tender protein that makes this soup hearty and satisfying.
- Dry small pasta (1/2 cup, like ditalini or elbow): Tiny morsels that add just the right amount of chewiness and fun.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup): Brings salty, nutty notes that enhance every spoonful.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 cup): That melty, gooey goodness that makes it feel like chicken parmesan in a bowl.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings for balancing all the flavors perfectly.
- Fresh basil or parsley (optional, for garnish): Adds a fresh, herbal brightness and lovely color.
- Toasted bread or croutons (for serving): Crunchy companions that soak up every last delicious drop.
How to Make Easy Chicken Parm Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics to Build Flavor
Start by warming your olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and let it cook for about 3 to 4 minutes until it becomes tender and translucent. This soft onion base is what gives your soup depth and sweetness. Next, stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and optional red pepper flakes, cooking for just 1 minute to release those wonderful fragrant oils without burning the garlic.
Step 2: Add Tomatoes and Broth, Then Simmer
Pour in the crushed tomatoes along with the chicken broth. Give everything a good stir so the flavors mingle beautifully. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat just enough to keep everything bubbling softly as it cooks.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta to Perfection
Once your tomato and broth base is ready, add the pasta and allow it to cook until it reaches al dente—tender with a tiny bite—usually around 8 to 10 minutes, depending on the pasta shape. This step is key to balancing texture so your soup feels comforting but never mushy.
Step 4: Stir in Chicken and Cheeses
After the pasta has cooked, mix in the shredded chicken and grated Parmesan cheese, seasoning with salt and pepper. Lower the heat and let the soup simmer gently for an additional 5 minutes so the flavors marry and the chicken fully warms through. Right before serving, stir in your mozzarella cheese or sprinkle it on top of each bowl, allowing it to melt into luscious, stretchy goodness.
How to Serve Easy Chicken Parm Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped basil or parsley are fantastic for adding a pop of color and light herbal brightness that complements the cheesy richness perfectly. Sprinkle on a little extra Parmesan if you want to amp up the savory factor before serving.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs beautifully with toasted crusty bread or crispy croutons that you can dip into that delicious broth. A simple green salad or roasted veggies can also round out the meal without overwhelming the beautiful flavors of the soup.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup in mini bread bowls or take advantage of individual crock pots to keep each serving warm for a cozy gathering. Layering some fresh mozzarella slices on top and popping under the broiler for a minute makes an irresistibly bubbly finish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Easy Chicken Parm Soup Recipe is just as delicious reheated the next day. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The soup may thicken as it chills; simply stir in a splash of broth or water to loosen it when warming.
Freezing
This soup freezes beautifully if you want to prepare it in advance. Ladle portions into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stove over low to medium heat. If it has thickened, add a little broth or water and stir until it reaches your preferred consistency. Avoid high heat to keep the chicken tender and the cheeses smooth.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this soup?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a quick and delicious shortcut that makes this Easy Chicken Parm Soup Recipe even faster without sacrificing flavor.
What pasta works best in this soup?
Small, dry pasta like ditalini, elbow macaroni, or orzo work wonderfully because they cook quickly and blend seamlessly into the broth.
Is it possible to make this soup dairy-free?
Yes! Swap out the cheeses for dairy-free alternatives or omit them entirely, and the soup will still deliver rich, satisfying flavor thanks to the tomatoes and herbs.
How spicy is this soup?
The red pepper flakes are optional, so you can control the heat level easily—omit if you prefer no spice or add a pinch more for a bit of kick.
Can I add vegetables to the soup?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in chopped spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms for extra nutrition and variety. Just add them during the broth simmering stage to cook through.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Chicken Parm Soup Recipe is one of those dishes that surprises you with how cozy, cheesy, and satisfying it feels while being so straightforward to prepare. Perfect for weeknights when you want something nourishing and flavorful without fuss, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a new favorite in your meal rotation!
Print
Easy Chicken Parm Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course, Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Kid-Friendly
Description
This Easy Chicken Parm Soup is a comforting and flavorful Italian-American dish that combines tender shredded chicken, savory tomato broth, and melty cheeses for a perfect weeknight dinner. With simple ingredients and a quick stovetop method, this cheesy chicken parmesan soup offers a hearty meal that’s both satisfying and easy to make.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1/2 cup dry small pasta (like ditalini or elbow)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Seasonings and Garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley (optional, for garnish)
- Toasted bread or croutons (for serving)
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using, cooking for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add Liquids and Bring to Boil: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
- Cook the Pasta: Add the dry small pasta to the boiling soup. Cook according to the pasta package instructions until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Incorporate Chicken and Cheese: Stir in the cooked shredded chicken and Parmesan cheese. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Reduce the heat and allow the soup to simmer gently for 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Add Mozzarella and Serve: Just before serving, stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese or sprinkle it on top of each bowl to melt. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired, and serve hot with toasted bread or croutons on the side.
Notes
- For extra richness and creaminess, add a splash of heavy cream at the end of cooking.
- Using rotisserie chicken is a convenient shortcut to save time.
- Leftovers tend to thicken when refrigerated—add a bit of chicken broth when reheating to loosen the soup.
