Chicken Parmesan Soup with Cheese and Herbs
Chicken parmesan is a beloved classic, and now you can enjoy those flavors in a delightfully creamy and comforting soup. This hearty recipe combines tender chicken, rich tomato broth, and melty cheese for a dish that’s both satisfying and full of flavor.
Whether you’re craving a cozy weeknight dinner or looking to impress guests, this chicken parmesan soup is sure to become a new family favorite. The combination of savory chicken, tangy tomatoes, and aromatic herbs creates a flavor profile that’s both familiar and crave-worthy.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❓
What sets this chicken parmesan soup apart is the perfect blend of textures and flavors. The creamy broth provides a comforting base, while the tender chicken, melty cheese, and crispy breadcrumb topping offer a delightful contrast. Plus, with minimal prep time and simple ingredients, this recipe is accessible and easy to make at home.
One of the best things about this soup is its versatility. You can enjoy it as a main course, serve it as a starter, or even freeze leftovers for a quick and satisfying meal on a busy day. The flavors only deepen as the soup rests, making it a great make-ahead option that’s sure to impress.
🛒 What You Need to Prepare Chicken Parmesan Soup ❓
🛒 What You Need to Prepare Chicken Parmesan Soup ❓
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cans (14.5 oz each) diced tomatoes
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
The beauty of this chicken parmesan soup is that most ingredients are pantry or freezer staples. The combination of tender chicken, tangy tomatoes, and aromatic herbs creates the Italian-inspired flavor profile that has made chicken parmesan recipes perennially popular.
📝 How to Make Chicken Parmesan Soup Step-by-Step ❓
• Step 2: Add the cubed chicken to the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes.
• Step 3: Pour in the diced tomatoes and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through.
• Step 4: Stir in the heavy cream, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, basil, parsley, and oregano. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
• Step 5: In a small skillet, toast the panko breadcrumbs in the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat, stirring frequently, until golden brown, about 3-5 minutes.
• Step 6: Ladle the chicken parmesan soup into bowls and top with the toasted panko breadcrumbs.
⏱️ Timing Overview
• Cooking time: 30 minutes
• Total time: 50 minutes
Compared to traditional chicken parmesan which can take up to an hour to prepare, this chicken parmesan soup saves you 10% of your cooking time while delivering similar flavors.
👩🏻⚕️ Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 6 servings):
• Protein: 41g
• Carbohydrates: 16g
• Fat: 27g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sodium: 1,061mg
These chicken parmesan soup recipes provide approximately 82% of your daily protein requirements and 45% of your daily sodium needs, making them not just delicious but nutritionally valuable as well.
🔄 Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
• Lower-carb version: Omit the panko breadcrumbs or substitute with crushed pork rinds or almond flour.
• Dairy-free adaptation: Use coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk instead of heavy cream, and choose dairy-free cheese alternatives.
• Added protein: Stir in cooked chickpeas or white beans for an extra protein boost.
• Boost vegetables: Add diced bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for added nutrition and color.
These modifications can reduce calories by up to 20% or adapt the recipe for specific dietary needs without compromising the fundamental flavor profile of the chicken parmesan soup.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
• Pair with a side of roasted garlic bread or garlic knots for a complete meal
• Complement the soup with a simple Caesar salad or a fresh caprese salad
• For a family-style dinner, serve alongside a platter of roasted vegetables and a side of pasta
• Create an Italian-inspired appetizer platter with the soup, along with bruschetta, olives, and a selection of cured meats
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Forgetting to toast the breadcrumbs: The toasted panko breadcrumbs add a delightful crunch, so don’t skip this step. Be sure to toast them until golden brown.
• Using the wrong cheese: Stick to high-quality mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses for the best flavor and texture. Avoid using pre-shredded cheese, as it may contain additives that can affect the melting process.
• Letting the soup boil: Once you’ve added the cream and cheese, be gentle and avoid letting the soup come to a full boil, as this can cause the cheese to seize up and the texture to become gritty.
• Skimping on the herbs: The fresh basil and parsley are essential for capturing the classic chicken parmesan flavor, so be sure to use the full amounts specified in the recipe.
🧊 Storing Tips for the Recipe
These chicken parmesan soup recipes retain their quality remarkably well:
• Freezing unbaked: Prepare the soup up to the point of adding the cheese and breadcrumbs. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat on the stovetop and top with the cheese and breadcrumbs.
• Freezing baked: Allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then warm on the stovetop, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
• Reheating: When reheating the soup, do so gently over medium heat, stirring frequently, to prevent the cheese from seizing up or the cream from curdling. You can add a splash of broth or milk to thin out the consistency if needed.
❓ FAQs
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! The chicken parmesan soup actually benefits from being made ahead of time. You can prepare the full recipe, including the topping, and refrigerate it for up to 4 days. When ready to serve, simply reheat the soup gently on the stovetop until heated through, topping with the breadcrumbs just before serving.
Can I substitute the chicken with something else?
While chicken is the traditional protein in this dish, you can easily substitute it with other proteins, such as ground turkey, Italian sausage, or even shredded rotisserie chicken. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed for the specific protein you choose.
Is this recipe gluten-free or dairy-free?
The original recipe is not gluten-free or dairy-free, as it contains breadcrumbs and dairy products. However, you can make modifications to accommodate these dietary restrictions. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed pork rinds. For a dairy-free adaptation, replace the heavy cream with coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk, and use dairy-free cheese alternatives.
What can I do if the soup is too thick?
If your chicken parmesan soup turns out thicker than you’d like, you can easily thin it out by adding more chicken broth or milk, a little at a time, until you reach the desired consistency. Stir the soup gently while adding the additional liquid to ensure the flavors are well-incorporated.
Can I add any extra ingredients to this recipe?
Absolutely! This chicken parmesan soup is highly customizable. You can stir in cooked pasta, diced bell peppers, or even sliced mushrooms to add more texture and flavor. You can also experiment with different herbs, such as oregano or thyme, to further enhance the Italian-inspired profile.
Conclusion
These chicken parmesan soup recipes represent the perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and presentation. Whether you’re serving them as a cozy weeknight dinner or a showstopping appetizer, they’re sure to impress with their creamy texture and irresistible cheesy, herb-infused flavor profile. The versatility of this recipe allows for countless variations to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.
With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, these chicken parmesan soup recipes demonstrate that sophisticated flavors don’t require complicated techniques – just quality ingredients and a little bit of care in the cooking process. Indulge in the comforting and satisfying flavors of this Italian-inspired soup and enjoy the rave reviews from your family and friends.
