Imagine your favorite Italian-American classic, chicken parmesan, transformed into a rich, velvety soup. This Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup recipe is everything you love about the original—tender chicken, a robust tomato-basil sauce, and a generous amount of nutty Parmesan—all in one comforting bowl. It’s the perfect easy weeknight dinner that feels like a decadent, restaurant-quality meal. Get ready to dip in some crusty bread and enjoy a truly unforgettable soup.
Why This Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe is a Must-Try
This isn’t just another soup recipe; it’s a game-changer for busy weeknights and cozy weekends. It captures the soul-warming essence of chicken parmesan without the lengthy process of breading and frying. We use simple, high-quality ingredients to build layers of flavor, resulting in a soup that’s both luxuriously creamy and incredibly satisfying. Plus, it’s a one-pot meal, which means less cleanup and more time enjoying your delicious creation.
The Essential Ingredients for a Perfect Soup
The magic of this soup lies in its simple, yet flavorful components. Here’s what you’ll need to bring this dish to life.
For the Soup Base
- Olive Oil & Butter: A combination of these two creates a rich base for sautéing the aromatics.
- Yellow Onion & Garlic: The foundational flavor builders for any great Italian-inspired dish.
- All-Purpose Flour: This helps to thicken the soup, giving it a velvety texture.
- Chicken Broth: Use a good quality broth as it forms the bulk of the soup’s liquid.
- Crushed Tomatoes: Provides the classic, robust tomato flavor that is central to chicken parmesan.
- Italian Seasoning & Dried Basil: These herbs provide the signature Italian aroma and taste.
- Heavy Cream: The key to the soup’s luxurious creaminess.
- Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese: Stirred in at the end for that sharp, nutty, and salty finish. Don’t use the pre-shredded kind for the best melt-in-your-mouth texture.
The Chicken and Toppings
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking and easy eating.
- Salt & Black Pepper: To season the chicken and the soup.
- Optional Toppings: Croutons, extra Parmesan, fresh basil, and shredded mozzarella cheese.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup
Follow these simple steps to create a show-stopping soup that the whole family will love. This recipe comes together quickly, making it perfect for any night of the week.
Sautéing the Aromatics
- In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat.
- Add the chopped yellow onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes, or until softened and translucent.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn.
Building the Creamy Tomato Base
- Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic, stirring constantly to cook for about one minute. This will remove any raw flour taste.
- Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and dried basil. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Cooking the Chicken
- While the soup base is coming to a simmer, season your bite-sized chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
- Carefully add the seasoned chicken to the simmering soup. Let it cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Finishing Touches
- Reduce the heat to low. Slowly stir in the heavy cream and the freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
- Continue to stir gently until the cheese is completely melted and the soup is smooth and creamy.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot with your favorite toppings. For a truly authentic experience, try it with our Classic Italian Stromboli on the side.
Pro Tips for the Best Chicken Parmesan Soup
- Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can make the soup grainy. Grating your own ensures a perfectly smooth and creamy texture.
- Don’t Boil After Adding Cream: Once the heavy cream and Parmesan are added, keep the heat low. Boiling can cause the cream to curdle.
- Toast Your Croutons: For an extra layer of flavor and crunch, toss some bread cubes in olive oil, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning, then bake until golden brown.
Delicious Variations to Try
This Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup is fantastic as is, but it’s also wonderfully adaptable. Here are a few ideas to make it your own:
- Add Veggies: Stir in a cup of fresh spinach at the end until wilted, or add chopped carrots and celery with the onions for extra nutrition.
- Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic to give your soup a little kick.
- Crockpot Version: Sauté the aromatics as directed, then transfer everything except the cream and Parmesan to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours, then stir in the dairy just before serving. Speaking of slow cookers, our Crockpot Vegetable Beef Soup is another winter warmer you’ll love.
What to Serve with Your Soup
This soup is a meal in itself, but it pairs beautifully with a few classic sides. A crusty baguette or garlic bread is essential for dipping. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette can cut through the richness of the soup. For a heartier meal, serve it alongside a cheesy Baked Mac and Cheese.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Avoid microwaving, as it can cause the cream-based sauce to separate. Unfortunately, due to the dairy content, this soup does not freeze well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can make this soup a day or two in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat it gently on the stovetop over low heat. Avoid boiling to prevent the cream from curdling.
Absolutely! Chicken thighs would be delicious in this soup. They will be more tender and flavorful. Just be sure to trim any excess fat and cut them into bite-sized pieces. The cooking time will be similar.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Freezing is not recommended as the dairy can separate upon thawing.
As written, this soup is not keto-friendly due to the flour used as a thickener. To make it keto, you can omit the flour and thicken the soup with a small amount of xanthan gum or by simmering it a bit longer to reduce.
For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half, but the soup won’t be as rich or creamy. For the best results, heavy cream is recommended as it’s less likely to curdle.
The Best Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup
Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup (The Ultimate Comfort Meal)
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- In a large Dutch oven, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Sprinkle the flour over the onions and cook for one minute, stirring constantly. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and dried basil. Bring to a simmer.
- Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Add the chicken to the simmering soup and cook for 10-15 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through.
- Reduce heat to low. Slowly stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese until the cheese is fully melted and the soup is creamy. Do not let it boil.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan, croutons, and fresh basil if desired.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove.
Share Your Creation!
We are so excited for you to try this Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup recipe. It’s a true comfort food masterpiece that we know you’ll make again and again. If you loved it, please leave a comment below and share your creation on Pinterest! Your feedback helps us and inspires other home cooks.
