Delicious Chicken Parmesan Soup: Family Comfort Food!

Sometimes, dinnertime feels like a battlefield, right? Between picky eaters, endless sports practices, and just the sheer exhaustion of the day, getting a decent meal on the table can feel like climbing Mount Everest. That’s where this Chicken Parmesan Soup comes in. It’s warm, it’s cheesy, it’s surprisingly simple, and it’s become my go-to when I need a sanity-saving comfort food win.

I remember the first time I made this Chicken Parmesan Soup. My youngest was going through a “sauce-only” phase (don’t ask!), and I was desperate to find something that would sneak in some protein and veggies without a full-blown meltdown. I threw this together using what I had on hand, and the reaction was incredible! The empty bowls and happy smiles told me I had struck gold.

This isn’t your grandma’s Chicken Parmesan. Think all the cozy, comforting flavors of classic Chicken Parmesan, but in a bowl. Plus, it’s a one-pot wonder, which means fewer dishes. Amen to that! My family loves the rich, creamy texture, and I love that it’s packed with goodness.

It brings that cozy family comfort we all crave. This Chicken Parmesan Soup has evolved over time. I’ve tweaked the recipe based on my family’s ever-changing tastes (and what I happen to have in the fridge!). I’m excited to share it with you today.

If you’re a busy mom looking for a simple, comforting meal that your family will actually enjoy, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s get cooking!

INGREDIENTS You’ll Need:

Here’s what you’ll need to create this bowl of comfort:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp dried basil
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick!)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, plus more for topping
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cooked pasta (rotini, penne, or your favorite shape)

Trust me, this Chicken Parmesan Soup ingredient list is simple because busy moms need comfort without complexity!

No worries if you don’t have heavy cream. I use half-and-half sometimes for extra comfort in my *creamy* Chicken Parmesan Soup, and it works just fine! You can also use milk for a lighter option.

You can find these simple ingredients at your regular grocery store. I like to stock up on canned tomatoes and chicken broth when they’re on sale. It helps to be prepared.

This Chicken Parmesan Soup proves delicious doesn’t mean expensive! Chicken breasts are often on sale, and canned tomatoes are budget-friendly staples.

For a shortcut, use pre-minced garlic. It saves time and keeps your fingers from smelling garlicky all day.

Dried herbs are a lifesaver on busy weeknights. They add so much flavor without any extra effort. If you’re feeling fancy, fresh basil is amazing in this hearty Chicken Parmesan Soup, but dried works great too!

My family gets extra comfort when I add a pinch of sugar to the soup. It helps to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.

Let’s Make it Happen!

Okay, fellow comfort seekers, let’s get this Chicken Parmesan Soup cooking! Don’t worry, it’s easier than you think.

1. First, cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. This helps them cook quickly and evenly. This step is crucial for your Chicken Parmesan Soup preparation.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. While that’s cooking, prep the next step.

In my busy kitchen, this comforting Chicken Parmesan Soup usually takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for those nights when you need dinner on the table fast!

3. Add the chicken to the pot and cook until browned on all sides. It doesn’t need to be fully cooked through at this point. We’re just building flavor. Don’t overcrowd the pot; cook in batches if necessary. The aroma is a huge comfort!
4. Pour in the chicken broth, crushed tomatoes, and tomato sauce. Stir in the oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a simmer. This part of the Italian Chicken Parmesan Soup journey is essential.
5. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. This is the perfect time to prep tomorrow’s lunch! You can also tidy up the kitchen a bit. We love a tidy kitchen.
6. Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and mozzarella cheese. Cook until the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy and smooth. Your Chicken Parmesan Soup should smell amazing by now! If you like it thicker, you can add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) to the soup.
7. Add the cooked pasta to the soup and stir to combine. You can also serve the soup over the pasta, if you prefer. If you’re using leftover pasta, make sure to add it at the very end so it doesn’t get mushy. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Now, for a family-tested time-saver, use pre-cooked pasta from the store!
8. Ladle the Chicken Parmesan Soup into bowls and top with extra Parmesan cheese and mozzarella cheese. If you want, you can pop the bowls under the broiler for a minute or two to melt the cheese and make it bubbly.

Here’s where I used to struggle with my Chicken Parmesan Soup – I would add the cheese too early and it would get clumpy. Now I wait until the very end, and it’s perfect every time!

While your cheesy Chicken Parmesan Soup is cooking, take a moment to appreciate creating comfort for your family! It’s not always easy, but it’s so worth it.

How We Love to Eat This!

Serving suggestions? I’ve got you covered! Here’s how we enjoy this creamy chicken parmesan soup in my house.

The kids devour this comforting Chicken Parmesan Soup when I serve it with garlic bread for dipping. It’s a guaranteed win! Sometimes I even make mini pizzas on English muffins for a fun side dish.

This quick Chicken Parmesan Soup is perfect for those busy weeknights when we need comfort food fast! It’s also great for potlucks or casual get-togethers with friends. Everyone always raves about it.

For a prettier presentation, I like to garnish the soup with fresh basil leaves and a drizzle of olive oil. It makes it look extra fancy, even though it’s so simple to make.

If we have any leftovers (which is rare!), I pack them in thermoses for the kids’ school lunches. They love having a warm and comforting meal on a cold day.

In the summertime, I sometimes make a lighter version of this soup by using zucchini noodles instead of pasta. It’s a great way to sneak in some extra veggies.

My friend Sarah tried this Chicken Parmesan Soup last week and said it was the best soup she’s ever had! That’s always nice to hear. I felt a little famous.

You can add a dollop of ricotta cheese to each bowl for an extra creamy and cheesy experience. My oldest loves this!

This comforting Chicken Parmesan Soup reminds me of another family favorite, my One-Pot Tomato Pasta. It’s perfect for a quick and tasty meal.

FAQs: Your Questions Answered

I know you have questions, so let’s tackle them! Here are some common concerns I hear from busy moms about Chicken Parmesan Soup.

Is this Chicken Parmesan Soup really filling enough for growing kids? Absolutely! The chicken, pasta, and cheese make it a hearty and satisfying meal. Plus, you can always serve it with a side of veggies or a salad to round it out.

What if my picky eater won’t try this Chicken Parmesan Soup? Ah, the age-old question! Start by letting them help you make it. Kids are more likely to try something they’ve helped create. Also, offer a small taste and don’t pressure them to eat it. Sometimes, it takes multiple exposures for a child to accept a new food. I started by letting my son only eat the pasta!

Can I meal prep this hearty Chicken Parmesan Soup for busy weeks ahead? Yes! This soup is great for meal prepping. Just make a big batch on Sunday and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat it on the stove or in the microwave.

How can I make this Chicken Parmesan Soup healthier? Use whole wheat pasta, low-fat cheese, and add extra vegetables like spinach or carrots. You can also use chicken broth with less sodium.

Can I make this Chicken Parmesan Soup in a slow cooker? Yes, you can! Add all the ingredients (except the cream, cheese, and pasta) to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Then, stir in the cream, cheese, and pasta before serving. You can check out this Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup | Net Cooking Talk link for inspiration!

What kind of pasta works best in this Chicken Parmesan Soup? I like to use rotini or penne because they hold the sauce well. But you can use any pasta shape you like. Even orzo is fun!

What if I don’t have Parmesan cheese? You can substitute it with another hard cheese like Pecorino Romano. It will still be delicious!

My family likes their soup extra cheesy. Can I add more cheese? Of course! Add as much cheese as your heart desires. There’s no such thing as too much cheese, in my opinion.

For more simple comfort food ideas for busy families, check out this Creamy Chicken Parmesan Pasta Soup – The Café Sucre Farine recipe. It’s a different take on the theme and delicious.

Final Thoughts:

This Chicken Parmesan Soup is more than just a recipe. It’s a sanity-saver, a comfort provider, and a way to bring your family together around the table. I hope it becomes a staple in your home, just like it is in mine.

I believe this Chicken Parmesan Soup supports my family’s comfort food goals because it is packed with flavor and is extremely easy to make. It uses ingredients that are easy to find and it’s a great way to use up leftovers. Plus, who doesn’t love a cheesy, creamy soup on a cold day?

My Chicken Parmesan Soup Comfort Hacks

Here are a few **My Chicken Parmesan Soup Comfort Hacks** that I rely on:

• Rotisserie Chicken: Use a rotisserie chicken to save time on cooking the chicken.
• Frozen Veggies: Add frozen veggies like peas or carrots for extra nutrients without any extra prep work.
• Garlic Bread Croutons: Top each bowl with garlic bread croutons for added crunch and flavor.

Family-Tested Chicken Parmesan Soup Variations

Here are some family-tested Chicken Parmesan Soup variations:

• Spicy Chicken Parmesan Soup: Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicier kick.
• Creamy Tomato Chicken Parmesan Soup: Add an extra can of crushed tomatoes and a splash of heavy cream for a richer, creamier soup.
• Chicken Parmesan Soup with Spinach: Add a few handfuls of fresh spinach to the soup during the last few minutes of cooking.

My husband prefers the spicy version, while my kids love the creamy tomato version. I like them all!

Remember, this recipe is just a starting point. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and flavors to make it your own.

I hope your family enjoys this comforting Chicken Parmesan Soup as much as mine does! Let me know in the comments below what you think! Check out this Easy Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe for another take on this comforting soup.

Chicken Parmesan Soup

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Enjoy the comforting flavors of chicken parmesan in a warm and hearty soup! This easy recipe combines tender chicken, rich tomato broth, and plenty of parmesan cheese for a delicious and satisfying meal.

• Author: Beatriz
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Skillet
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup cooked pasta (such as ditalini or small shells)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, for garnish
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chicken and cook until browned on all sides. Remove chicken from pot and set aside.
2. Add onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for 1 minute more.
3. Stir in crushed tomatoes and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer.
4. Return chicken to the pot. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through.
5. Stir in cooked pasta and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with fresh basil and additional Parmesan cheese.

Notes

Serve with a side of crusty bread for dipping.