If you’re craving something cozy, comforting, and bursting with the flavors of a classic Italian favorite, you’re going to adore this Chicken Parm Soup Recipe. It beautifully captures every essence of chicken parmesan but in a warming, hearty soup form that’s ready in just 25 minutes. Imagine tender chunks of breaded chicken mingling with rich tomato broth, gooey mozzarella, and savory Parmesan, all brought together with just the right amount of spice and herbs. This soup is the perfect soul-soother for busy weeknights or whenever you want a hug in a bowl.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Chicken Parm Soup Recipe lies in its simplicity and the thoughtful combination of ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in layering flavor, adding texture, or bringing vibrant color to the pot.
- 1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil: Builds a flavorful base by sautéing aromatics.
- 1 large onion, finely chopped: Adds sweetness and depth once softened.
- 3 garlic cloves, minced: Brings a fragrant punch that lifts the soup.
- 3 tbsp. tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor with a rich, concentrated touch.
- 1 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes: Gives just the right spicy kick without overpowering.
- 1 (15-oz.) can diced or crushed tomatoes: Creates a robust, textured tomato base.
- 6 cups Swanson Chicken Broth: Provides the warm, savory liquid that ties everything together.
- 8 oz. penne: Adds comforting pasta goodness and heartiness.
- 3/4 lb. cooked cubed breaded chicken tenders: Delivers tender, flavorful bites reminiscent of classic chicken parm.
- 1 1/2 c. shredded mozzarella: Melts beautifully for a luscious, cheesy finish.
- 1 c. finely grated Parmesan: Offers a salty, nutty punch essential to the dish’s character.
- 1 tbsp. finely chopped fresh parsley: Brightens the soup with a fresh herbal note.
- Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors perfectly.
- Freshly ground black pepper: Adds subtle warmth and depth.
How to Make Chicken Parm Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Begin by heating the extra-virgin olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the finely chopped onion and cook it gently until it becomes soft and translucent, about five minutes. This process unlocks its natural sweetness, giving the soup a rich base. Then, add the minced garlic and stir it for about a minute until your kitchen fills with that irresistible garlicky aroma. This foundational step brings a lot of the soup’s soul to life.
Step 2: Build the Tomato Base
Next, stir in the tomato paste and crushed red pepper flakes, coating the softened onions and garlic in a vibrant, spicy layer. Once these are well combined and fragrant, pour in the diced or crushed tomatoes along with the chicken broth. Bring everything up to a gentle simmer. This creates a comforting, tomato-rich broth that’s just begging to be paired with pasta and chicken.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
Add the penne directly into the simmering broth. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and cook until the pasta is just tender but still holds a bit of bite — usually about 8 to 10 minutes. Cooking the pasta right in the soup makes every bite soak up the beautiful flavors of the broth, turning each spoonful into a perfect harmony of taste and texture.
Step 4: Add Chicken and Cheese
Now, it’s time for the star of the show: the cooked, cubed breaded chicken tenders. Stir them gently into the soup, followed by the shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and freshly chopped parsley. Season generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Let the cheese melt slowly into the hot soup, creating a gooey, mouthwatering finish that’s going to have you coming back for seconds.
How to Serve Chicken Parm Soup Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Chicken Parm Soup Recipe experience, sprinkle extra grated Parmesan and freshly chopped parsley on top just before serving. A drizzle of good quality olive oil or a few crispy basil leaves can also add a nice touch of freshness and visual appeal. These small garnishes bring an extra layer of flavor and make the soup look as inviting as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This soup is fantastic as a standalone meal but pairs wonderfully with warm, crusty bread or garlic knots to mop up every last drop of that delicious broth. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette offers a refreshing counterbalance. If you want something more indulgent, a cheesy breadstick can make the meal feel even more special.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this soup in mini bread bowls or rustic bowls with toasted parmesan croutons on top. You can also layer it in clear mugs to show off the colorful ingredients, making it perfect for casual gatherings. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes at the table lets guests customize their spice level, making it interactive and even more enjoyable.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (though this soup rarely lasts long), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors actually grow deeper after resting overnight, making it a perfect next-day meal.
Freezing
This Chicken Parm Soup Recipe freezes well, but because of the pasta, it’s best to freeze the soup before adding the penne. Freeze in airtight containers for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight and then cook the pasta fresh or reheat gently with pasta added during reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the soup in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If reheating frozen soup with pasta included, you might want to add a splash of broth or water to loosen the texture. Stir in extra cheese at the end for that melty, fresh-from-the-pot goodness.
FAQs
Can I use different kinds of pasta in the Chicken Parm Soup Recipe?
Absolutely! While penne works wonderfully because of its sturdy shape, you can substitute with rigatoni, rotini, or even small shells. Just make sure to adjust cooking times slightly depending on the pasta you choose.
What type of chicken is best to use?
Cubed breaded chicken tenders are ideal for this recipe because they add texture and flavor reminiscent of traditional chicken parmesan. However, grilled or baked chicken pieces can work in a pinch if you want a lighter option.
Is this soup spicy?
The crushed red pepper flakes give it a gentle warming heat, but it’s not overwhelmingly spicy. You can always reduce or omit the red pepper if you prefer a milder flavor or add more for an extra kick.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
It’s a bit tricky since chicken broth and chicken are central to the recipe’s flavor profile, but you could substitute vegetable broth and use breaded eggplant or mushrooms instead of chicken to keep some of those hearty textures.
How do I prevent the pasta from getting mushy when storing leftover soup?
To avoid mushy pasta, cook the pasta separately and add it to individual servings when reheating. Alternatively, store the soup and pasta separately if you plan to refrigerate or freeze leftovers.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a recipe that brings the comfort of a classic favorite into a fresh, easy-to-make soup form. This Chicken Parm Soup Recipe is just that — a soul-warming bowl of goodness filled with rich tomato broth, cheesy comfort, and tender chicken that feels like a big kitchen hug. I can’t wait for you to try it, share it, and make it your own go-to dish whenever you need something delicious and satisfying on the table in no time.
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Chicken Parm Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
A comforting and hearty Chicken Parm Soup inspired by classic chicken parmesan flavors, featuring tender breaded chicken tenders, pasta, tomatoes, and melted cheese in a savory tomato broth.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tbsp. tomato paste
- 1 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 (15-oz.) can diced or crushed tomatoes
- 6 cups Swanson Chicken Broth
Main Ingredients
- 8 oz. penne pasta
- 3/4 lb. cooked cubed breaded chicken tenders
Cheese and Garnish
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella
- 1 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp. finely chopped fresh parsley
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Sauté aromatics: In a large pot over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the finely chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and continue cooking, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 more minute.
- Build the soup base: Stir in the tomato paste and crushed red pepper flakes, allowing the paste to cook slightly to develop flavor. Add the canned diced or crushed tomatoes along with the chicken broth to the pot. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Cook the pasta: Add the penne pasta to the simmering soup. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes, ensuring pasta cooks evenly and absorbs the soup flavors.
- Add chicken and cheese: Stir in the cooked cubed breaded chicken tenders, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and chopped fresh parsley. Generously season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Allow the cheese to melt into the soup, creating a creamy, rich texture.
- Serve: Once the cheese has fully melted and the soup is heated through, ladle into bowls and serve immediately, garnished with additional parsley if desired.
Notes
- Use cooked breaded chicken tenders for convenience, but leftover chicken parm can also be cubed and added.
- For a spicier kick, increase the crushed red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
- Stir the soup occasionally while cooking the pasta to prevent sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Leftover soup keeps well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheats nicely on the stovetop or microwave.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute penne with gluten-free pasta.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
