There’s something magical about a soup that tastes like a full Italian dinner in every spoonful. This Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup is exactly that – rich, flavorful, and completely comforting. Imagine tender chunks of chicken, perfectly seasoned with garlic and Italian herbs, swimming in a creamy, cheesy broth reminiscent of your favorite chicken parmesan dish. It’s cozy, satisfying, and surprisingly easy to make at home.
Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or planning a cozy weekend lunch, this soup hits all the right notes. It’s packed with flavors, textures, and heartiness, yet it’s simple enough that anyone can make it. In under an hour, you can transform basic pantry ingredients into a warm, indulgent bowl that tastes like it came from a high-end Italian restaurant.
This soup isn’t just about taste – it’s about convenience too. With simple steps, easy substitutions, and time-saving tips, you can have dinner on the table faster than you’d expect. And the best part? Leftovers taste even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep or family gatherings.
What Makes This Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup Special?
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Rich and Creamy Texture: The soup uses a combination of chicken, cream, and parmesan to create a velvety base that feels indulgent but is easy to digest.
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Flavor-Packed Ingredients: Italian herbs, garlic, onions, and parmesan work together for an authentic chicken parmesan flavor in soup form.
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Quick and Easy Preparation: You can make this soup in about 45 minutes from start to finish, perfect for busy weeknights.
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Family-Friendly Comfort Food: It appeals to kids and adults alike, making it a great choice for family dinners.
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Versatile and Adaptable: You can swap pasta for low-carb options, add vegetables, or even make it a lighter version without cream.
Ingredient Notes
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Chicken Breast or Thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken works best. Thighs are juicier, breasts are leaner. You can substitute with rotisserie chicken for convenience.
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Chicken Broth: The base flavor of the soup; homemade or low-sodium store-bought works.
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Heavy Cream or Half-and-Half: Gives the soup its signature creamy texture. You can use milk for a lighter version but expect a thinner consistency.
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Parmesan Cheese: Adds rich umami flavor. Freshly grated works best; pre-shredded can be used in a pinch.
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Pasta: Small pasta shapes like ditalini or orzo blend well. For low-carb options, try zucchini noodles or cauliflower pasta.
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Garlic and Onion: Essential aromatics; provide depth of flavor.
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Italian Seasoning & Fresh Herbs: Basil, parsley, and oregano enhance the authentic Italian taste.
Special equipment: Large soup pot or Dutch oven, wooden spoon, fine grater for parmesan.
How To Make Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
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Cut chicken into bite-sized cubes.
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Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of Italian seasoning.
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Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
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Cook chicken for 4-5 minutes until golden brown but not fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
Tip: Browning the chicken adds flavor, but it will finish cooking in the soup.
Step 2: Build the Soup Base
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In the same pot, add 1 diced onion and 3 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until soft and fragrant.
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Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning over onions and garlic for added aroma.
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Pour in 4 cups of chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil.
Step 3: Add Pasta and Chicken
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Reduce heat to medium and add 1 cup of small pasta shapes.
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Return chicken to the pot.
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Simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and chicken is cooked through.
Tip: Stir occasionally to prevent pasta from sticking.
Step 4: Make It Creamy
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Lower heat and stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and 1 cup freshly grated parmesan.
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Let simmer gently for 5 minutes until the soup thickens slightly.
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Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
Tip: Avoid boiling after adding cream, as it may curdle.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
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Serve in bowls topped with extra parmesan and chopped fresh parsley.
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Add a drizzle of olive oil or a few crushed red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
Look for: Creamy consistency, tender chicken, and fully cooked pasta.
Storage Options
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Room Temperature: Best enjoyed immediately; avoid leaving at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
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Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat.
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Freezing: Freeze soup without pasta for up to 3 months. Add pasta when reheating.
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Reheating Tips: Warm gently on the stovetop, add a splash of broth if needed to restore creaminess.
Variations and Substitutions
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Low-Carb Version: Replace pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
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Vegetable Boost: Add spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra nutrients.
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Spicy Twist: Include red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
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Cheese Upgrade: Mix in mozzarella or asiago for richer flavor.
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Dairy-Free: Use coconut milk or cashew cream instead of heavy cream and skip parmesan or use vegan cheese.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes! Just shred it and add it near the end of cooking to heat through. -
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely. Store in the fridge and reheat gently; add pasta fresh when serving. -
Can I freeze Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup?
Yes, but freeze without pasta. Add pasta when reheating. -
What if my soup is too thick?
Stir in a little more chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency. -
Can I use other types of cheese?
Parmesan is key, but you can blend in mozzarella, provolone, or asiago for different flavors. -
Is this soup kid-friendly?
Very much so! It’s creamy, cheesy, and flavorful without being too spicy. - Print
Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup: A Cozy Comfort in a Bowl
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
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1 lb chicken breast, cubed
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1 onion, diced
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3 garlic cloves, minced
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4 cups chicken broth
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1 cup pasta (ditalini or orzo)
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1 cup heavy cream
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1 cup parmesan, freshly grated
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1 tsp Italian seasoning
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
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Sauté chicken until lightly browned; remove.
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Sauté onion and garlic in same pot.
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Add chicken broth, pasta, and chicken; simmer 10–12 minutes.
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Stir in cream and parmesan; simmer 5 minutes.
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Garnish with parsley and serve.
Nutrition
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Protein: 28g