Chicken Parmesan Soup

This Chicken Parmesan Soup is a delightful dish that combines the comforting flavors of traditional chicken parmesan with the heartiness of a soup. Perfect for chilly evenings or family gatherings, this recipe is packed with juicy chicken, tender pasta, and melty mozzarella croutons. It’s not only easy to make but also offers a unique twist on classic flavors that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ridiculously Flavorful: The combination of spices, fresh ingredients, and rich broth creates an explosion of taste in every spoonful.
• Quick and Easy: With simple preparation and cooking steps, you can whip up this delicious soup in no time.
• Versatile Meal Option: Perfect for lunch or dinner, it can be served on its own or paired with a side salad or garlic bread.
• Kid-Friendly: The cheesy croutons and flavorful chicken make this soup a hit with children and adults alike.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Make a big batch ahead of time and store leftovers for quick meals throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

To get started on your Chicken Parmesan Soup, gather your kitchen essentials. Having the right tools will make the cooking process smoother.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Large stock pot
• Baking sheet
• Oven mitts
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife

Why These Tools Matter

• Large stock pot: Ideal for making soups, as it holds all your ingredients comfortably while allowing room for stirring.
• Baking sheet: Perfect for roasting chicken and making those delicious mozzarella croutons without mess.
• Cutting board & chef’s knife: Essential for safely chopping vegetables and cutting cooked chicken into cubes.

Ingredients

This Chicken Parmesan Soup is ridiculously flavorful and so easy to make! Juicy chicken with pasta, fire roasted tomatoes, and mozzarella croutons. Yum!

For the Soup

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, (about 8 ounces total)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon dried basil
• 6 cups Swanson Chicken Broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 sweet onion, (diced)
• 3 garlic cloves, (minced)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 14 ounce can diced fire roasted tomatoes
• 8 ounces pasta, (like rotini or farfalle)
• ½ cup finely grated parmesan cheese, (plus more for topping)
• ½ cup fresh basil leaves, (for topping)

For the Mozzarella Croutons

• 1 to 2 cups bread cubes, (1 to 2 inches in size)
• 2 to 3 ounces sliced mozzarella cheese

How to Make Chicken Parmesan Soup

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Place the chicken on a baking sheet. Sprinkle it with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried basil. Drizzle with olive oil before placing it in the oven. Bake for 20 minutes or until cooked through (internal temperature should reach about 160 degrees F). Once cool, cut the chicken into cubes.

Step 2: Make Mozzarella Croutons

While the oven is still on, prepare the mozzarella croutons. Spread bread cubes on another baking sheet and drizzle them with olive oil. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until slightly golden. Remove from the oven and top each cube with a slice of mozzarella cheese. Return to the oven for another 2 to 3 minutes until melted.

Step 3: Sauté Vegetables

In a large stock pot over medium heat, add olive oil. Stir in diced onion, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and dried basil. Cook while stirring often until onions soften—this should take about 5 to 6 minutes. Add tomato paste and continue cooking for another 5 minutes.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Add cubed chicken, diced fire-roasted tomatoes, and Swanson Chicken Broth into the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil before reducing it to a simmer. Stir in your choice of pasta and let cook for about 8 to 10 minutes or longer based on your pasta type’s instructions. Finally, mix in parmesan cheese and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 5: Serve It Up!

Ladle your hearty soup into bowls. Top each serving with one or two mozzarella croutons along with extra parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves for garnish. Serve immediately!

How to Serve Chicken Parmesan Soup

Serving Chicken Parmesan Soup can be a delightful experience, enhancing its flavor with complementary sides and toppings. Here are some creative ways to serve this comforting dish.

Add Fresh Toppings

• Chopped Fresh Basil: Sprinkle freshly chopped basil on top for a burst of flavor.
• Grated Parmesan: A generous sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese adds richness.

Pair with Crusty Bread

• Garlic Bread: Serve slices of garlic bread for dipping into the soup.
• Breadsticks: Soft and warm breadsticks make a perfect accompaniment.

Create a Salad Side

• Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad pairs well with the rich flavors of the soup.
• Garden Salad: A light garden salad offers freshness to balance the hearty soup.

How to Perfect Chicken Parmesan Soup

Perfecting Chicken Parmesan Soup involves attention to detail in both preparation and ingredients. Follow these tips for an optimal experience.

• Use High-Quality Broth: Choose a good quality chicken broth for a deeper flavor.
• Season Throughout Cooking: Season at different stages to build layers of flavor.
• Cook Pasta Al Dente: Ensure your pasta is cooked al dente so it doesn’t become mushy in the soup.
• Let It Rest: Allow the soup to rest for a few minutes before serving; this helps meld the flavors together.
• Experiment with Cheese: Try different cheeses like provolone or fontina for variety in taste.

Best Side Dishes for Chicken Parmesan Soup

Complement your Chicken Parmesan Soup with these delicious side dishes that enhance your meal experience.

1. Garlic Toast: Crispy and buttery, perfect for dipping into your soup.
2. Caprese Salad: Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil create a refreshing side.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies add color and nutrition to your meal.
4. Pasta Salad: A cold pasta salad provides a contrasting texture and flavor profile.
5. Cheesy Biscuits: Warm, cheesy biscuits are delightful alongside your soup.
6. Stuffed Peppers: Stuffed bell peppers add heartiness and are easy to prepare ahead of time.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Chicken Parmesan Soup, a few simple mistakes can affect the final result. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for:

• Not seasoning enough: Under-seasoning your soup can lead to bland flavors. Always taste and adjust the salt and pepper as needed.
• Overcooking the chicken: Cooking the chicken too long can make it dry. Bake until just cooked through, about 20 minutes.
• Skipping the sauté step: Failing to sauté onions and garlic can result in a lack of depth in flavor. Take your time to cook these ingredients well.
• Adding pasta too early: If added too soon, pasta can become mushy. Add it once the soup is simmering for best texture.
• Using low-quality broth: The broth greatly influences the taste of Chicken Parmesan Soup. Choose a good-quality chicken broth for the best results.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing Chicken Parmesan Soup

• Place in freezer-safe containers.
• Can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• Leave space at the top of containers for expansion.

Reheating Chicken Parmesan Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F; place soup in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Heat for about 20 minutes or until warm.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Pour into a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through, about 5-10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make Chicken Parmesan Soup thicker?

To thicken Chicken Parmesan Soup, you can add more pasta or a cornstarch slurry (mix equal parts cornstarch and water) during cooking.

Can I use different types of cheese?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with cheeses like provolone or gouda for unique flavors alongside or instead of mozzarella.

What should I serve with Chicken Parmesan Soup?

This soup pairs wonderfully with garlic bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Can I customize this Chicken Parmesan Soup recipe?

Yes! You can add vegetables like spinach or zucchini for extra nutrition and color.

How long does it take to prepare Chicken Parmesan Soup?

The total time is about 60 minutes, including preparation and cooking time. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner!

Conclusion

This Chicken Parmesan Soup is not only easy to make but also packed with flavor that everyone will love. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite veggies or adjusting seasonings. Give this comforting recipe a try today!