Easy Chicken Parm Soup a comforting and cheesy chicken parmesan-inspired soup that combines tender chicken, a rich tomato broth, and gooey melted cheese into a warm and hearty dish. This soup delivers all the flavors of classic chicken parmesan in an easy, one-pot meal that is perfect for a cozy night in.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love how this soup brings together the comforting flavors of chicken parmesan in a bowl. It’s rich, cheesy, and satisfying without the hassle of breading and frying chicken. The combination of tender shredded chicken, a robust tomato broth, and melty mozzarella makes every spoonful delicious. Plus, it’s a quick and easy meal that comes together in just 35 minutes, making it perfect for a busy weeknight.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
4 cups chicken broth
2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup small pasta (such as ditalini or elbow macaroni)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or basil (for garnish)
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
Directions
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
Stir in the minced garlic, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes, cooking for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer.
Add the shredded chicken, salt, and black pepper. Cover and let simmer for 10 minutes to develop the flavors.
Stir in the pasta and cook according to package instructions until tender, about 8-10 minutes.
Reduce heat to low and mix in the Parmesan cheese until melted and incorporated.
Ladle the soup into bowls and top each serving with shredded mozzarella cheese. Let the heat from the soup melt the cheese, or place under a broiler for a few minutes for a golden, bubbly topping.
If using breadcrumbs, toast them in a dry pan over medium heat until golden brown, then sprinkle over the soup for added crunch.
Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Calories per serving: 320 kcal
Variations
Make it creamy – Stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half for a richer, creamier texture.
Add veggies – Throw in some spinach, kale, or bell peppers for added nutrition.
Spicy kick – Increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
Low-carb option – Swap the pasta for zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
Gluten-free version – Use gluten-free pasta and omit the breadcrumbs.
Storage and Reheating
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freeze: This soup freezes well without the pasta. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Add freshly cooked pasta when reheating.
Reheat: Warm the soup over medium heat on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. If needed, add a splash of broth to adjust the consistency.
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FAQs
How can I make this soup thicker?
I like to let it simmer a little longer to reduce the broth, or I add a bit more cheese to make it creamier.
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes! Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut and adds extra flavor to the soup.
What’s the best pasta to use?
Small pasta shapes like ditalini, elbow macaroni, or small shells work best because they hold up well in the broth.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! Just leave the pasta out and cook it fresh when reheating to avoid it getting too soft.
How do I get the cheese to melt perfectly?
I stir in the Parmesan while the soup is hot and let the mozzarella melt on top. For extra gooeyness, I pop the bowl under the broiler for a minute.
Conclusion
This easy chicken parm soup is a comforting, cheesy, and satisfying dish that delivers all the flavors of classic chicken parmesan in a simple, one-pot meal. It’s perfect for a cozy night in and can be customized to suit different tastes. Whether enjoyed fresh or reheated later, this soup is sure to be a hit.
📖 Recipe:
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Easy Chicken Parm Soup
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
A comforting and cheesy chicken parmesan-inspired soup that combines tender chicken, a rich tomato broth, and gooey melted cheese into a warm and hearty dish. This soup delivers all the flavors of classic chicken parmesan in an easy, one-pot meal that is perfect for a cozy night in.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
4 cups chicken broth
2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup small pasta (such as ditalini or elbow macaroni)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or basil (for garnish)
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics – Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes. Cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add Liquids & Chicken – Pour in crushed tomatoes and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer. Add shredded chicken, salt, and pepper. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Cook Pasta – Stir in pasta and cook according to package instructions (about 8-10 minutes) until tender.
- Melt Cheese – Reduce heat to low and stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and incorporated.
- Serve & Garnish – Ladle soup into bowls, top with mozzarella cheese, and let it melt. For a bubbly topping, broil for a couple of minutes. Sprinkle toasted panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch and garnish with fresh parsley or basil. Enjoy!
Notes
For the best texture, cook the pasta separately if planning to store leftovers, then add it when reheating to prevent it from getting too soft.
Enhance the flavor by using fire-roasted crushed tomatoes or adding a splash of balsamic vinegar for extra depth.
Make it extra cheesy by stirring in more Parmesan or adding shredded provolone along with mozzarella for a richer, gooey topping.
For a crispy topping, sprinkle toasted panko breadcrumbs or crushed croutons over each serving to mimic the crunch of classic chicken parmesan.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: ~320 kcal
