Imagine curling up with a bowl of warm, cheesy Chicken Parmesan Soup on a chilly evening. The kind of comfort food that not only fills your belly but also warms your soul. This delightful soup combines all the flavors you love in classic Chicken Parmesan, with a cozy twist that makes it perfect for any day of the week. It’s rich, hearty, and utterly satisfying, proving that soups can be as indulgent as your favorite pasta dishes.

Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a dish to impress your friends, this Chicken Parmesan Soup (Cheesy!) is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Let’s dive into why you’ll keep making it, what you’ll need, and how to whip up this delicious bowl of goodness.

Why You’ll Keep Making It

This Chicken Parmesan Soup is not just another recipe to add to your collection; it’s one you’ll revisit time and again for several reasons:

Flavor Explosion: Combining the savory taste of chicken, rich tomatoes, and a blend of cheeses creates a soup bursting with flavor.
Comforting Consistency: The pasta and shredded chicken give this soup a heartiness that makes it perfect for any occasion.
Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is approachable even for beginner cooks.
Meal Prep Friendly: It stores well, making it a great option for meal prepping for busy weeks.
Customizable: Feel free to add in your favorite veggies or swap out ingredients to suit your taste.

The Ingredient Lineup

Gathering the right ingredients is crucial for crafting the perfect Chicken Parmesan Soup (Cheesy!). Here’s what you’ll need:

1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 tbsp tomato paste
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
1 1/2 cups San Marzano diced tomatoes
6 cups chicken broth
Salt and pepper to taste
8 oz penne pasta
1 lb cooked rotisserie chicken, shredded
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil

Hardware & Gadgets

Before you start cooking, ensure you have the right tools on hand:

Large Pot: Essential for cooking the soup.
Wooden Spoon: Perfect for stirring the ingredients.
Knife and Cutting Board: For chopping the onion and garlic.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: To ensure accurate ingredient amounts.
Serving Bowls: For serving up that cheesy goodness!

Chicken Parmesan Soup (Cheesy!): From Prep to Plate

Now, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create your own delicious Chicken Parmesan Soup.

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large pot, heat the extra-virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

Stir in the tomato paste and crushed red pepper flakes, cooking for an additional 2 minutes. This will deepen the flavors and create a rich base for your soup.

Step 3: Add the Tomatoes and Broth

Pour in the San Marzano diced tomatoes along with their juices and the chicken broth. Stir well to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Bring to a Simmer

Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low and let it cook for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 5: Cook the Pasta

Add the penne pasta to the pot and cook according to the package instructions, typically around 8-10 minutes, until al dente.

Step 6: Mix in the Chicken and Cheese

Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the shredded rotisserie chicken, mozzarella cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well until the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Remove the pot from heat and stir in the chopped fresh basil. Serve hot, garnished with additional cheese and basil if desired.

Warm & Cool Weather Spins

This Chicken Parmesan Soup is versatile! Here are some ideas to modify it for different seasons:

Warm Weather Twist: Serve it chilled by blending the soup and chilling it in the fridge for a refreshing summer dish.
Adding Veggies: Toss in seasonal vegetables like zucchini or spinach for added nutrition.
Spicy Kick: Increase the crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick during the cooler months.
Creamy Variation: Stir in a splash of heavy cream for a richer, creamier soup.

What I Learned Testing

Through testing this recipe multiple times, I discovered a few key tips:

Using quality San Marzano tomatoes makes a significant difference in flavor.
Cooking the pasta directly in the soup absorbs more flavor and keeps it from being bland.
Adjusting the seasoning at the end is crucial; always taste before serving.
Fresh basil adds a burst of freshness that elevates the dish, don’t skip it!

Best Ways to Store

To keep your Chicken Parmesan Soup fresh and delicious, consider these storage tips:

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Allow the soup to cool completely, then freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if it’s too thick.

Reader Questions

Can I use fresh chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! You can cook and shred fresh chicken breasts or thighs. Just boil or bake the chicken, shred it, and add it to the soup.

What can I substitute for the penne pasta?

If you’re looking for alternatives, you can use any small pasta shape, such as elbow macaroni or even gluten-free pasta options.

How do I make this soup vegetarian?

You can substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit the shredded chicken. Add in more veggies to maintain heartiness!

Can I add more cheese?

Of course! If you love cheese, feel free to add more mozzarella or Parmesan to your liking. Just remember to adjust your seasonings accordingly.

Healthy-ish Favorites

Looking for more delicious recipes? Check out these healthy-ish favorites:

The Takeaway

Chicken Parmesan Soup (Cheesy!) is a delightful blend of comfort and flavor that can transform your meal into a heartwarming experience. Its creamy texture, combined with the robust flavors of chicken and cheese, makes it a favorite for both family dinners and cozy nights in. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, this recipe is sure to find a permanent place in your cooking rotation. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and let the aroma of this cheesy delight fill your kitchen!

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Chicken Parmesan Soup (Cheesy!)

This Chicken Parmesan Soup is a cozy delight! Warm, cheesy, and bursting with flavor, it's the ultimate comfort food for any occasion.

Prep Time15

Cook Time30

Total Time45

Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients

1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
1 large onion chopped
3 cloves garlic minced
3 tbsp tomato paste
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
1 1/2 cups San Marzano diced tomatoes
6 cups chicken broth
to taste Salt and pepper
8 oz penne pasta
1 lb cooked rotisserie chicken shredded
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan
2 tbsp chopped fresh basil

Instructions

In a large pot, heat the extra-virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
Stir in the tomato paste and crushed red pepper flakes, cooking for an additional 2 minutes to deepen the flavors.
Pour in the San Marzano diced tomatoes along with their juices and the chicken broth. Stir well to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low and let it cook for about 10 minutes.
Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions, around 8-10 minutes, until al dente.
Stir in the shredded rotisserie chicken, mozzarella cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy.
Remove from heat and stir in the chopped fresh basil. Serve hot, garnished with additional cheese and basil if desired.