Amazing Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup in 1 Hour

There’s just something magical about a creamy, comforting bowl of soup, isn’t there? Especially when the weather starts to turn chilly, or you just need a hug in a bowl. My absolute go-to for those moments is this Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup. Seriously, it’s ridiculously easy to whip up and tastes like you spent hours slaving over a hot stove, but nope! It’s packed with tender chicken, cozy pasta, and this wonderfully rich, cheesy broth that just sings. It reminds me of the crazy busy weeknights when I just didn’t have a lot of time, but still wanted something heartwarming and delicious for the family.

This soup is pure comfort food distilled. Get ready to fall in love with simple, satisfying goodness!

Bowl of Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup with toasted bread, garnished with parsley and a creamy broth.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup

Okay, let me tell you why this Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup is going to become your new best friend in the kitchen:

  • So Easy, So Fast: Honestly, you can have this amazing soup on the table in under an hour! Perfect for those busy weeknights when you need something delicious *now*.
  • Pure Comfort in a Bowl: It’s warm, it’s creamy, it’s cheesy โ€“ basically, everything you want on a chilly evening or when you just need a little pick-me-up.
  • Incredible Flavor Without the Fuss: You get that rich, savory chicken parmesan taste without all the breading and frying. Itโ€™s pure, concentrated goodness!
  • Kid-Approved Winner: My little ones devour this. The pasta and tender chicken in a creamy broth are always a hit.
  • Super Versatile: This recipe is a fantastic base. Toss in extra veggies, use rotisserie chicken, or add a kick of spice โ€“ itโ€™s super forgiving!
  • Hearty and Satisfying: It’s filling enough to be a meal on its own, saving you from making a separate side dish if you’re really short on time.

A bowl of Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup topped with cheesy croutons and fresh herbs, with a spoonful being lifted.

Gather Your Ingredients for Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup

Alright, let’s get our ingredients sorted for this amazing Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup! Trust me, having everything prepped makes the whole process super smooth. I always like to make sure I have good quality chicken; it just makes a world of difference, you know? And my tip for the Parmesan? Grate it yourself! That stuff in the shaker just doesn’t melt the same.

Here’s what you’ll need to get this deliciousness going:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil: Just a good splash to get things started.
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces. You can totally use chicken thighs too if you prefer!
  • 1 medium onion: Finely chopped.
  • 2 carrots: Chopped. I like to dice them pretty small so they cook down nicely.
  • 2 celery stalks: Chopped. Same here with the dicing!
  • 4 cloves garlic: Minced nice and fine. Fresh garlic is non-negotiable for flavor!
  • 8 cups chicken broth: Low-sodium is great so you can control the saltiness yourself.
  • 1 cup heavy cream: This is what makes it wonderfully rich and creamy.
  • 1 cup cooked pasta: Whatever shape you have on hand works! I often use rotini or penne, and sometimes I even use leftover pasta from another meal. For a quick prep, check out this garlic parmesan chicken pasta recipe โ€“ cook some extra pasta for the soup!
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated is key for the best flavor and melt.
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley: For that pop of freshness at the end.
  • Salt and black pepper: To taste, of course!

Close-up of Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup with mushrooms and herbs in a white bowl.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup

Alright, let’s get this delicious Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup simmering! It’s really not complicated at all, just a few simple steps that build on each other to create something truly special. Follow along, and you’ll have a pot of pure comfort ready in no time!

Browning the Chicken for Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup

First things first, we’re going to brown our chicken. Get your pot nice and hot over medium-high heat with that olive oil. Don’t overcrowd the pot โ€“ do it in batches if you need to! We want that chicken to get a nice golden-brown sear on all sides. This step is super important because it locks in the juices and gives our soup a richer flavor. Once it’s browned, just scoop it out and set it aside. Easy peasy!

Sautรฉing Aromatics and Building Flavor

In that same pot, toss in your chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Let them soften up for about 5 to 7 minutes, just stirring them around until they start to look a little tender. Then, add in your minced garlic. Be careful here โ€“ garlic burns super fast! Just a minute more, stirring constantly until you can really smell that wonderful aroma. This is the flavor foundation for our soup, so take your time!

Simmering the Broth and Adding Chicken

Now, pour in all that lovely chicken broth. Give it a good stir, scraping up any little browned bits from the bottom of the pot โ€“ that’s extra flavor right there! Bring it all up to a boil, then turn the heat down to low so it’s just gently simmering. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes. After that, it’s time to bring your browned chicken back into the party!

Incorporating Cream and Pasta

Okay, time for the magic! Pour in that glorious heavy cream and the cooked pasta. Stir it all together gently. We just want to heat everything through, so let it simmer for about 5 more minutes. We don’t want to boil it vigorously once the cream is in, otherwise, it might curdle. Just a gentle heat will do the trick, making everything wonderfully creamy.

Finishing Touches: Parmesan and Seasoning

Almost there! Take the pot off the heat, and stir in that freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it’s all melted and smooth. Oh, it smells heavenly! Now, taste your soup. Does it need a little more salt? A sprinkle of pepper? Adjust it to your liking. This is your soup, after all!

Baked Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup in a rustic dish, topped with melted cheese and parsley.

Tips for the Best Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup

You know, making amazing soup isn’t just about following steps; it’s about little tricks that make it even better! For starters, if you’re really pressed for time, don’t even hesitate to grab some rotisserie chicken. Just shred it up, and you’ve saved yourself a whole chicken-browning step. It makes this Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup a total breeze!

Want it thicker? Trust me, Iโ€™ve totally been there. A simple slurry โ€“ that’s just 2 tablespoons of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of cold water โ€“ stirred in during the last few minutes of simmering will give you a wonderfully luscious, thicker soup. Itโ€™s my secret weapon for the perfect consistency. And hey, don’t be afraid to throw in some extra veggies! A handful of fresh spinach wilts down beautifully in the hot soup right at the end, adding a nice bit of color and some extra nutrients. Or maybe some peas? Yum! It’s all about making it your own. If you’re looking for more chicken and parmesan inspiration, you have to try these chicken parmesan zucchini boats. So good!

Ingredient Spotlight: Parmesan Cheese

Oh, Parmesan cheese! It’s honestly the unsung hero of this Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup. That nutty, salty punch it brings just elevates everything, right? It doesn’t just add flavor, it also helps give our soup that wonderfully creamy, slightly thickened texture we all love. My biggest tip? Always, always use freshly grated Parmesan. It melts so much better and tastes way more vibrant than the pre-grated stuff. Trust me on this one!

Variations and Serving Suggestions for Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup

This Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup is just begging to be customized! If you’re feeling adventurous, try tossing in some fresh spinach or bright green peas right at the end โ€“ they add a lovely pop of color and a little something extra. For a bit of a kick, a pinch of red pepper flakes works wonders, especially if you love that subtle heat. It gives it a whole new dimension!

And serving it? Oh, that’s the best part! This soup is fantastic on its own, of course, but it’s even better with some crusty bread for dipping. Seriously, get a good baguette or some sourdough and soak up every last drop of that cheesy broth. A crisp side salad is also a winner if you want something fresh on the side. Maybe try this cucumber caprese salad โ€“ itโ€™s so refreshing! Or, if you want another chicken and parmesan idea, these chicken skewers with garlic and parmesan are incredible!

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store any leftover Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready for more goodness, gently reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or pop it in the microwave. Just be sure it’s heated through completely. A little splash of extra broth or milk can help revive its creamy consistency if it seems a bit thick after resting!

Frequently Asked Questions about Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup

Got questions about my Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup? I’ve got answers! People often ask me how to tweak it, and honestly, that’s the fun part! Here are a few things that pop up:

Can I make this soup dairy-free?

While it’s tricky to get that authentic cheesy flavor without dairy, you *can* make it creamier and still delicious. Try using full-fat coconut milk instead of heavy cream for richness, and then look for a good quality dairy-free Parmesan alternative for that cheesy umami. It won’t be exactly the same, but itโ€™ll still be tasty!

Can I use different pasta shapes?

Absolutely! I’ve made this with all sorts of pasta. Rotini, penne, even elbow macaroni work wonderfully. Just make sure you cook the pasta separately according to package directions until it’s al dente, then stir it into the soup at the end. Little shapes are usually best so they don’t get lost!

How can I make it spicier?

Oh, I love a little heat too! The easiest way is to add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the garlic when you’re sautรฉing the veggies. Start with just a pinch, taste, and add more if you like it hotter. You could also swirl in a little hot sauce right before serving!

Is it okay to use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken?

Yes, yes, and YES! Rotisserie chicken is a lifesaver, making this soup even faster. Just shred it up and add it in when the recipe says to add the browned chicken back. It’s already cooked and seasoned, so it works like a charm. You won’t need these keto spinach wraps if you’ve got rotisserie chicken!

Nutritional Information

Just a heads-up, these numbers are estimates and can change a bit depending on the exact brands you use or if you tweak things. But roughly, a serving (about 1.5 cups) of this Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup will give you around 450 calories, 25g of fat (with about 15g of that being saturated), 35g of protein, and 20g of carbs. It also has about 2g of fiber and around 800mg of sodium. So, itโ€™s a pretty filling and satisfying meal!

Share Your Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup Experience

Did you make this amazing Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup? I’d absolutely LOVE to hear all about it! Let me know in the comments below what you thought, if you tried any fun variations, or how your family liked it. Maybe even share a picture if you snapped one! You can find out more about me here!

Print

Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup

A rich and comforting soup featuring tender chicken, pasta, and a cheesy broth.

  • Author: Mary
  • Prep Time: 20 min
  • Cook Time: 30 min
  • Total Time: 50 min
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 8 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup cooked pasta
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned on all sides. Remove chicken and set aside.
  2. Add onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
  4. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
  5. Return chicken to the pot. Stir in heavy cream and cooked pasta.
  6. Simmer for 5 minutes, or until heated through.
  7. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted.
  8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  9. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

  • For a thicker soup, you can add a slurry of 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water in step 5.
  • You can use leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken for a quicker preparation.
  • Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach or peas.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1.5 cups
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 25g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Cholesterol: 120mg

Keywords: chicken soup, creamy soup, parmesan soup, pasta soup, comfort food, easy soup recipe

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