Imagine taking all the elements of a classic Chicken Parmesan—the crispy breading, the melted mozzarella, the savory tomato sauce—and turning them into a cozy, spoonable soup. That’s exactly what this Chicken Parmesan Soup delivers. It’s a rich, tomato-based broth loaded with tender chicken and pasta, finished with a mountain of melted cheese and crunchy croutons. It’s the ultimate comfort food mashup that warms you up without the hassle of frying cutlets.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Deconstructed Comfort
This soup captures the essence of the beloved Italian dish but in a fraction of the time. Instead of breading and frying chicken, you get the crunch from garlic croutons (or parmesan crisps) on top. The soup itself is a robust marinara-style broth enriched with cream, making it velvety and satisfying. It’s like dipping a piece of crusty bread into the best pasta sauce you’ve ever tasted.
One-Pot Family Favorite
Kids love the familiar flavors of pizza and pasta found in this soup. It’s incredibly easy to make in one pot, reducing cleanup. You can use rotisserie chicken to make it even faster, meaning dinner can be on the table in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, cooked/shredded
- 1 cup pasta (shells or rotini)
- 1 can (28oz) crushed tomatoes
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 0.5 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 0.5 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 cup garlic croutons
Instructions
- Sauté onion and garlic. Add broth and tomatoes. Bring to boil.
- Add pasta and cook until tender.
- Stir in chicken, cream, and half the parmesan. Heat through.
- Serve topped with mozzarella and croutons.
Nutrition
Ingredient Highlights & Substitutions
Essential Ingredients
Chicken: Cooked shredded chicken or cubed breast meat.
Crushed Tomatoes: The base of the soup. Look for San Marzano for best flavor.
Pasta: Short shapes like ditalini, shells, or rotini work best.
Cheese: Mozzarella for the melt, Parmesan for the flavor.
Heavy Cream: Cuts the acidity of the tomatoes and adds richness.
Croutons: Essential for that “breaded chicken” texture.
Smart Substitutions
You can use uncooked chicken breasts and poach them directly in the simmering broth. If you want more veggies, chopped spinach or zucchini hide well in the red sauce. For a lighter version, skip the heavy cream, though the soup will be more acidic. Tortellini is a fun pasta swap that makes the soup even heartier.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prep Phase
Dice the onion and mince the garlic. If using raw chicken, cut it into cubes. Shred the cheeses.
Cooking Phase
In a large pot, sauté onion and garlic in olive oil until soft.
Add the chicken (if raw) and cook until surface is white.
Pour in the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, and Italian seasoning. Bring to a boil.
Add the pasta and simmer for 10-12 minutes until the pasta is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
Stir in the heavy cream and half of the parmesan cheese. Simmer for 2 minutes.
Ladle into bowls. Top generously with shredded mozzarella, remaining parmesan, and croutons. Let the cheese melt from the heat of the soup before digging in.
Pro Tips for Perfect Results
Technique Secrets
Cook the pasta directly in the soup! The starch released from the pasta helps thicken the broth, giving it a better texture. However, if you plan to have leftovers, cook the pasta separately, otherwise, it will absorb all the broth overnight and turn into a casserole.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
A common mistake is using a marinara sauce that is too sweet. Stick to high-quality canned crushed tomatoes and season it yourself with herbs and garlic for a savory profile.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450 kcal |
| Protein | 30g |
| Carbohydrates | 35g |
| Fat | 22g |
Serving Ideas & Pairings
Presentation & Plating
For a restaurant touch, place the bowls under the broiler for 1 minute to bubble and brown the cheese on top (make sure your bowls are oven-safe!).
Pairing Suggestions
Serve with a side salad. If you love this creamy chicken soup, try our Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup (Comfort) for a non-tomato option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1? Can I freeze this?
The soup base freezes well, but pasta does not. Freeze without pasta/cream, then add fresh when reheating.
Q2? Is it spicy?
No, but red pepper flakes are a great addition.
Q3? Can I use ground chicken?
Yes, brown it with the onions like a meat sauce base.
Conclusion
Chicken Parmesan Soup is a fun, cheesy twist on dinner. It gives you all the comfort of the classic dish in a warm, slurpable bowl.
