Meet your next favorite comfort food: Easy Chicken Parm Soup. This cozy bowl brings together all the best flavors of classic chicken parmesan—juicy chicken, melty cheese, and tangy tomato sauce—but turns it into a satisfying, soul-warming soup that comes together in just 30 minutes. Whether you’re craving a hearty weeknight dinner or something fun to share with family and friends, Easy Chicken Parm Soup is every bit as delicious as it sounds, and the best part? No breading or frying required!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You won’t believe how a few humble pantry staples transform into a rich, flavorful feast! Each ingredient in Easy Chicken Parm Soup plays an important part, from the herbs and aromatics to the cheesy finish, making every spoonful a little celebration of taste and texture.
- Olive oil: Adds a fruity depth and helps soften the onions for a smooth flavor base.
- Yellow onion: Diced for sweetness and body, giving the soup a subtle, savory backbone.
- Garlic: A must-have for that unmistakable Italian flair—feel free to add extra if you’re a garlic fan!
- Dried oregano: Classic herb that brings the essential chicken parm vibes right into your bowl.
- Dried basil: Adds brightness and a fragrant note that balances the richness of the cheese.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): For a gentle heat—totally adjustable according to your mood.
- Chicken broth: The soul of the soup, creates a flavorful, savory base that ties everything together.
- Crushed tomatoes: Brings tang and depth, soaking the broth with irresistibly rich tomato flavor.
- Marinara sauce: Shortcuts extra flavor; use your favorite for even more personality in the soup.
- Cooked shredded chicken: Rotisserie works wonders here for sheer convenience and juicy bites every time.
- Small pasta (ditalini or elbow): Little noodles that float perfectly in each spoonful and soak up the sauce.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds that iconic nutty, salty profile; don’t skip it for the full chicken parm effect.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into the soup for ultimate creaminess and cheesy pulls every time you scoop.
- Salt and pepper: Season to taste and let all the other flavors shine through.
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley (optional): Sprinkled on top for a fresh, herbaceous finish and a pop of color.
How to Make Easy Chicken Parm Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and let it cook for about 4–5 minutes until it’s softened and wonderfully fragrant. Once you add the garlic, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes, your kitchen will instantly smell like your favorite Italian trattoria!
Step 2: Build the Soup Base
Pour in your chicken broth, crushed tomatoes, and marinara sauce. Give everything a good stir and bring it up to a gentle simmer. This is where all the flavors start mingling and deepening—don’t rush it, let the base get nice and cozy.
Step 3: Add Protein and Pasta
Toss in your cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut here) along with your small pasta. Now, let the soup gently simmer for about 10–12 minutes, just until the pasta is perfectly al dente and the chicken is heated through.
Step 4: Stir in the Cheesy Goodness
Lower the heat and add in both the Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses. Stir until everything is melted and creamy, and you see those delightful cheese strands forming in the pot. Taste, then add salt and pepper as needed for the perfect savory finish.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Ladle the hot Easy Chicken Parm Soup into bowls, then finish things off with a generous sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley for a restaurant-worthy look and a touch of garden-fresh flavor.
How to Serve Easy Chicken Parm Soup
Garnishes
A handful of chopped fresh basil or flat-leaf parsley goes a long way, adding both color and a hit of fresh flavor. For extra indulgence, dust your bowl with a little more Parmesan or a swirl of extra virgin olive oil—trust me, it looks as good as it tastes!
Side Dishes
You can never go wrong with toasted bread or garlic knots on the side, perfect for dunking and soaking up every drop. If you want something greener, a crisp Italian salad works beautifully, bringing balance and a little crunch to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving Easy Chicken Parm Soup in mini bowls as a fun appetizer at gatherings, or ladle it into bread bowls for a playful twist that doubles up on comfort. For a kid-friendly touch, float extra mozzarella on top and pop the bowls under the broiler just until bubbly and golden.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Easy Chicken Parm Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making the next-day bowl even more irresistible!
Freezing
If you’d like to freeze your Easy Chicken Parm Soup, simply let it cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers, leaving a little space on top. Note that the pasta will soften further after freezing, so if you plan to freeze, consider cooking the pasta separately and adding it just before serving.
Reheating
Reheat your soup gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring to prevent burning or sticking. If the soup has thickened overnight, just add a splash of chicken broth to loosen it up—it’ll return to its original, creamy glory in no time.
FAQs
Can I use uncooked chicken instead of cooked?
Absolutely! Just dice raw chicken and sauté it with the onions, cooking until it’s no longer pink, then proceed with the recipe. This adds a few minutes but works just as well.
What pasta shapes work best in Easy Chicken Parm Soup?
Small shapes like ditalini, elbows, or even small shells are perfect because they cook quickly and fit well on a spoon. Feel free to use what you have on hand, but avoid large pasta shapes that dominate the bowl.
How can I make this soup gluten-free?
Simply swap in your favorite gluten-free small pasta, or omit the pasta altogether and add extra veggies like zucchini or spinach for a lighter twist.
Is this soup spicy?
The red pepper flakes add mild heat, but you can adjust the spice level or skip them entirely if you prefer a milder soup. Add more if you love that little kick!
Can I make Easy Chicken Parm Soup ahead of time?
Yes! The flavors develop even more as it sits. For best texture, cook and store the pasta separately, then add it back in when reheating the soup so it doesn’t get too soft.
Final Thoughts
If you love cheesy, tomato-rich comfort food with minimal fuss, Easy Chicken Parm Soup absolutely deserves a spot in your recipe rotation. There’s just something magical about those gooey cheese pulls and robust Italian flavors in every bite. Give it a try—you might never look at chicken parmesan or soup the same way again!
Print
Easy Chicken Parm Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and flavorful twist on traditional chicken parmesan in the form of a delicious soup. This Easy Chicken Parm Soup is a hearty one-pot meal that’s perfect for a cozy night in.
Ingredients
Base:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Soup:
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 (15-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1/2 cup small pasta (like ditalini or elbow)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Base: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté until softened. Stir in garlic, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute.
- Cook Soup: Add chicken broth, crushed tomatoes, and marinara sauce. Bring to a simmer, then add chicken and pasta. Cook for 10–12 minutes until pasta is tender.
- Finish: Stir in Parmesan and mozzarella until melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for quick prep.
- Add more broth if soup thickens.
- Toast bread or garlic knots as side dishes.
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