Creamy Chicken Parmesan Pasta Soup Recipe
Discover the ultimate comfort food with this Creamy Chicken Parmesan Pasta Soup Recipe that’s rich, flavorful, and easy to make! This hearty, warming bowl combines tender chicken, cheesy Parmesan, and perfectly cooked pasta in a luscious creamy broth that feels like a hug in a bowl. Whether you’re craving something cozy for a chilly night or a satisfying family meal, this recipe delivers all the cheesy, savory goodness in every spoonful. Plus, it’s simple enough for weeknight dinners but elegant enough to impress guests!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultimate comfort food: Creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender chicken and pasta, it offers warmth and satisfaction in every bite.
- One-pot wonder: Easy preparation with minimal cleanup makes it perfect for busy nights.
- Flavor-packed: The blend of Parmesan cheese and Italian herbs creates a rich, savory broth that keeps you coming back for more.
- Customizable: It’s easy to add veggies or protein variations based on your taste or dietary needs.
- Family-friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike, making it a great crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Creamy Chicken Parmesan Pasta Soup Recipe relies on simple, quality ingredients that each add layers of flavor, texture, and color to your bowl. From the creamy base to the savory Parmesan, every component is essential for delivering that iconic taste.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Provides tender, lean protein that soaks up the flavors beautifully.
- Chicken broth: Serves as the savory foundation for the soup’s flavorful base.
- Heavy cream: Adds a luscious creaminess that enriches the broth perfectly.
- Parmesan cheese: Offers that signature nutty, salty Parmesan taste critical to the dish’s identity.
- Garlic and onions: Infuse aromatic depth and build a robust savory flavor.
- Pasta (small shapes like ditalini or elbow macaroni): Adds satisfying texture and soaks up all that creamy sauce.
- Italian seasoning: Brings warmth and herbaceous notes to the soup.
- Fresh basil or parsley: Provides a fresh burst of green color and vibrant flavor.
- Olive oil or butter: Used for sautéing and developing rich flavor bases.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings that balance all the flavors beautifully.
Variations for Creamy Chicken Parmesan Pasta Soup Recipe
One of the best things about this recipe is how flexible it is. Feel free to tailor it to your preferences or pantry staples—whether you want a lighter option or something with extra veggies or spice.
- Vegetable boost: Add spinach, mushrooms, or diced bell peppers for more color, texture, and nutrients.
- Spicy twist: Incorporate crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a subtle kick.
- Gluten-free option: Swap pasta for gluten-free noodles or use spiralized zucchini for a low-carb version.
- Cheese variations: Mix in mozzarella or asiago along with Parmesan for a richer cheese profile.
- Protein swaps: Use cooked sausage, turkey, or even shrimp to change things up without losing the comforting vibe.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Parmesan Pasta Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics and Cook Chicken
Start by heating olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add finely chopped onions and garlic, cooking until they’re fragrant and translucent. Push them to the side and add the chicken breasts, browning each side until golden and cooked through. Then remove the chicken and set aside to shred later.
Step 2: Build the Soup Base
In the same pot, pour in chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. This base will soak up all the delicious flavors and serve as the heart of your soup.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
Add your choice of pasta into the simmering broth and cook until al dente according to package directions, ensuring the noodles absorb that savory broth perfectly.
Step 4: Combine Cream, Cheese, and Chicken
Stir in the heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan cheese, whisking gently until melted and creamy. Fold in the shredded chicken to warm everything through, allowing all the flavors to marry beautifully.
Step 5: Finish with Fresh Herbs and Adjust Seasoning
Sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley on top and give the soup a final taste test to balance the seasoning as needed. Serve hot for the ultimate cozy meal.
Pro Tips for Making Creamy Chicken Parmesan Pasta Soup Recipe
- Use freshly grated Parmesan: It melts more smoothly and adds better flavor than pre-grated versions.
- Don’t overcook pasta: Cook just until al dente since it will continue to soften in the creamy soup.
- Shred chicken with forks: This creates tender, bite-sized pieces that blend seamlessly into the soup.
- Add herbs at the end: To keep their fresh bright flavor and vibrant color intact.
- Adjust creaminess: Start with less cream, then add more until you reach the perfect texture for your taste.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Parmesan Pasta Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Top your bowl with extra Parmesan shavings, a sprinkle of fresh basil, or a teaspoon of crunchy toasted breadcrumbs for added texture and flavor contrast.
Side Dishes
Pair with a crisp Caesar salad or warm garlic breadsticks to complement the rich soup and complete your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve in rustic bowls with a drizzle of olive oil and a side of lemon wedges for a bright, restaurant-style touch at home.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover soup in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, ensuring flavors meld nicely overnight.
Freezing
This soup freezes well—just skip adding fresh herbs and pasta until reheating to maintain texture, then stir in fresh herbs before serving.
Reheating
Warm leftovers gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream if the soup has thickened too much.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken in this recipe?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken can save time and adds delicious pre-seasoned flavor to the soup.
Is this recipe suitable for kids?
Yes, the creamy Parmesan flavor tends to be a hit with kids, and you can easily adjust spices to keep it mild.
How can I make it dairy-free?
Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative for a creamy, comforting dairy-free version.
What type of pasta works best?
Small shapes like ditalini, orzo, or elbow macaroni work wonderfully because they hold the broth well and are easy to eat with a spoon.
Can I add vegetables?
Yes! Add spinach, mushrooms, or carrots during the broth simmering stage for more nutrition and flavor variety.
Final Thoughts
You’re just a few steps away from enjoying a bowl of pure comfort with this Creamy Chicken Parmesan Pasta Soup Recipe. Its rich and cheesy goodness combines all the best parts of classic comfort food in an easy, satisfying meal perfect for any day. Go ahead and give this delicious recipe a try—you might just find a new family favorite!
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Creamy Chicken Parmesan Pasta Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free (with gluten-free pasta substitute)
Description
This Creamy Chicken Parmesan Pasta Soup Recipe is a comforting, rich, and flavorful one-pot dish featuring tender chicken, cheesy Parmesan, and small pasta in a luscious creamy broth. Perfect for cozy weeknight dinners or impressing guests, it blends Italian herbs, garlic, and onions with heavy cream and chicken broth to create a warm, satisfying meal everyone will love.
Ingredients
Protein & Dairy
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
Broth & Seasonings
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (adjust to taste)
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (about 1/4 cup)
Pasta
- 1 cup small pasta shapes (ditalini, elbow macaroni, or orzo)
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics and Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant and translucent. Push to the side and add the chicken breasts. Brown each side until golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside to shred later.
- Build the Soup Base: In the same pot, pour in chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to create a flavorful base.
- Cook the Pasta: Add your choice of small pasta to the simmering broth. Cook according to package directions until al dente, allowing the pasta to soak up the savory broth perfectly.
- Combine Cream, Cheese, and Chicken: Stir in the heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan cheese, whisking gently until the cheese melts and the broth becomes creamy. Fold in the shredded chicken, warming everything through and marrying the flavors.
- Finish with Fresh Herbs and Adjust Seasoning: Sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley on top. Give the soup a final taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot for the ultimate cozy meal.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and smooth melting.
- Cook pasta just until al dente to avoid over-softening during serving.
- Shred chicken with forks for tender, bite-sized pieces.
- Add fresh herbs at the end to keep their vibrant flavor and color.
- Adjust cream quantity to reach your preferred soup creaminess.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soups
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 750 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
Keywords: creamy chicken parmesan pasta soup, comfort food, one-pot soup, cheesy chicken soup, Italian soup, easy weeknight meal
