Hearty Chicken Parmesan Pasta Soup Recipe

Creamy Chicken Parmesan Pasta Soup Recipe: Cozy Bowl Joy

Comfort flows through every spoonful of this hearty chicken Parmesan pasta soup that merges classic Italian flavors with creamy, soul-warming goodness.

Rich and indulgent textures dance across your palate with each delightful bite.

Tender chicken pieces nestle among perfectly cooked pasta, creating a harmonious blend of protein and carbohydrates.

Parmesan cheese adds a luxurious depth that turns this simple soup into a restaurant-worthy meal.

Herbs and seasonings weave their magic, infusing the broth with layers of complex, satisfying taste.

The recipe promises a quick and nourishing dinner solution that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds.

Dive into this delectable soup and let its warmth embrace your senses.

Ways to Plate Pasta Soup for Dinner

  • Cozy Family Dinner Night: Serve this hearty soup as the star of a comforting family meal, paired with warm garlic bread and a crisp green salad for a complete dining experience.
  • Elegant Appetizer Approach: Transform the soup into an elegant starter by serving smaller portions in cute espresso cups, topped with a delicate sprinkle of fresh herbs and mini cheese crisp.
  • Game Day Gathering Delight: Offer this soup as a warming main dish during sports watching parties, accompanied by additional breadcrumbs and extra cheese on the side for guests to customize their bowls.
  • Italian-Inspired Lunch Companion: Create a classic Italian-style lunch by serving the soup alongside a light caprese salad and crusty ciabatta bread, letting the flavors complement each other perfectly.

Pasta Soup Storage That Maintains Texture

  • Smart Storage Solutions: Transfer leftover soup to airtight containers, keeping liquid-to-solid ratio balanced for best taste preservation.
  • Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Cool soup completely before sealing, storing in sealed containers for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Separate pasta and soup if possible to maintain optimal texture.
  • Freezer-Friendly Approach: Freeze soup without pasta for maximum quality. Pack in freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Label with date and contents. Frozen soup remains delicious for 2-3 months.
  • Reheating Magic: Thaw refrigerated or frozen soup slowly in the refrigerator. Warm gently on stovetop, adding fresh pasta or a splash of chicken broth to restore creamy consistency. Stir frequently to prevent scorching and ensure even heating.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 564 kcal

Servings: 7

Creamy Chicken Parmesan Pasta Soup Ingredients

For Soup Base Vegetables:
  • Onion: Provides a sweet, aromatic foundation that builds deep flavor complexity for the soup.
  • Carrots: Adds natural sweetness and vibrant color while boosting nutritional value.
  • Celery: Contributes a subtle earthy undertone and crisp texture to the soup base.
For Protein and Liquid Components:
  • Chicken Fillets or Thighs: Tender meat that absorbs seasonings beautifully and adds hearty protein.
  • Chicken Broth: Creates a rich, savory liquid base that enhances overall soup depth.
  • Marinara Sauce: Introduces tangy tomato notes and classic Italian flavor profile.
For Seasoning and Creaminess:
  • Italian Seasoning: Blends herbs that deliver authentic Mediterranean taste.
  • Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Optional spicy kick for heat lovers.
  • Salt and Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing all ingredient flavors.
  • Heavy Cream: Transforms soup into luxuriously smooth, velvety texture.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Adds nutty, sharp flavor and helps thicken the soup.
For Pasta and Garnish:
  • Pasta: Provides satisfying carbohydrate element and textural contrast.
  • Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully and creates stretchy, creamy topping.
  • Panko Breadcrumbs: Delivers delightful crunch and golden-brown finish.
  • Fresh Basil or Parsley: Brightens dish with fresh, herbal notes.

Tools That Help You Nail a Pasta Soup Dish

  • Large Pot: Essential for cooking soup base and simmering chicken.
  • Medium Pot: Used for boiling and cooking pasta perfectly.
  • Two Forks: Needed for shredding cooked chicken easily.
  • Wooden Spoon: Great for stirring soup and mixing ingredients.
  • Cutting Board: Helps prepare vegetables and chop herbs.
  • Sharp Knife: Required for chopping onions, carrots, and celery.
  • Ladle: Perfect for serving soup into individual bowls.
  • Measuring Cups/Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient quantities.

Cooking Chicken Parmesan Soup with Ease

  • Soup Foundations

Sauté aromatic vegetables in a large pot until they become soft and fragrant, releasing their rich flavors into the cooking space.

  • Chicken Transformation

Nestle chicken pieces into the vegetable mixture, then pour in broth and marinara sauce. Let everything simmer gently, allowing the ingredients to meld and the chicken to become tender and easily shredded.

  • Creamy Comfort

Introduce heavy cream and Parmesan cheese to create a luxurious, velvety texture that transforms the soup into a comforting embrace of flavors.

  • Pasta Harmony

Fold the perfectly cooked pasta into the soup, ensuring each strand is lovingly coated with the rich, creamy broth.

  • Final Flourish

Serve the soup in warm bowls, crowned with melted mozzarella, crunchy toasted breadcrumbs, and a sprinkle of fresh herbs to elevate the dish with a burst of color and freshness.

Parmesan Flavor Tips for Deeper Taste

  • Creamy Comfort Tweaks: Soup Secrets Unveiled
  • Low-Sodium Swap: Replace regular chicken broth with low-sodium versions to control salt intake without sacrificing flavor.
  • Protein Power-Up: Substitute chicken with ground turkey or shredded rotisserie chicken for quick meal prep and different protein options.
  • Veggie Boost: Toss in extra vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or kale during the last 5 minutes of cooking for added nutrition and color.
  • Dairy-Free Magic: Use coconut cream or lactose-free alternatives instead of heavy cream to accommodate dietary restrictions while maintaining rich texture.
  • Spice Adventure: Experiment with different herb blends like herbes de Provence or add a dash of smoked paprika for unexpected flavor depth.
Print
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Hearty Chicken Parmesan Pasta Soup Recipe

Hearty Chicken Parmesan Pasta Soup Recipe


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4.6 from 21 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 7 1x

Description

Hearty chicken parmesan pasta soup blends Italian comfort with creamy, cheesy goodness. Robust flavors and simple ingredients come together for a satisfying meal that welcomes friends to the table.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (454 g) boneless, skinless chicken fillets or thighs
  • 4 cups (946 ml) chicken broth
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
  • 1 cup (240 ml) marinara sauce
  • 1.5 cups (360 ml) uncooked small pasta (such as ditalini, orzo, or elbow macaroni)
  • 1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 0.5 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsps (30 ml) olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 1 tsp (5 ml) Italian seasoning
  • 0.5 tsp (2.5 ml) crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 0.5 cup (60 g) panko breadcrumbs, toasted
  • Fresh basil or parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Pasta Preparation: Boil salted water and cook pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside for later integration.
  2. Aromatic Base: In a large pot, sauté onions, carrots, and celery in olive oil until softened, creating a flavor foundation for the soup.
  3. Flavor Enhancement: Add minced garlic and briefly toast to release its aromatic qualities, infusing the vegetable mixture with depth.
  4. Liquid and Protein Development: Introduce whole chicken fillets, chicken broth, and marinara sauce. Season with Italian herbs, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
  5. Chicken Cooking Process: Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Cook chicken until fully tender and easily shreddable.
  6. Meat Integration: Remove chicken, shred using two forks, and return to the simmering broth, ensuring even distribution of protein.
  7. Creamy Transformation: Incorporate heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, stirring consistently to create a rich, velvety texture.
  8. Final Assembly: Fold in reserved pasta, coating thoroughly with the creamy broth. Adjust seasonings to taste.
  9. Serving Presentation: Ladle into warm bowls, top with melted mozzarella and crispy panko breadcrumbs for added texture and visual appeal.
  10. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley, presenting a comforting and visually enticing soup ready for immediate enjoyment.

Notes

  • Pasta Perfection: Cook pasta al dente separately to prevent overcooking and maintain ideal texture when added to the soup later.
  • Chicken Shredding Technique: Let chicken cool slightly before shredding to make the process easier and prevent burning your fingers.
  • Cream Caution: Add cream at the end of cooking to prevent curdling and maintain a smooth, silky soup consistency.
  • Flavor Layering: Toast herbs and spices briefly to intensify their aromatics and create a more complex, depth-filled taste profile.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 7
  • Calories: 564
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 710 mg
  • Fat: 32 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 43 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 29 g
  • Cholesterol: 115 mg
Jessica Martin

Jessica Martin

Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

Recipe Development, Food Styling and Photography​, Seasonal and Local Ingredients​, Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine​, Culinary Education​

Education

Portland Community College

  • Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen management, and food safety. Gained hands-on experience in preparing diverse cuisines and understanding flavor profiles

Oregon Culinary Institute

  • Program: Baking and Pastry Certificate
  • Focus: Specialized education in baking fundamentals, pastry arts, and dessert presentation. Emphasized creativity and precision in crafting baked goods.​

Jessica Martin is a talented food writer and recipe creator who specializes in seasonal cooking and approachable home baking. 

Educated at Portland Community College with additional pastry training from Oregon Culinary Institute, Jessica’s culinary journey spans nearly a decade of creating and sharing flavorful recipes. 

Her deep appreciation for local ingredients shapes each of her recipes, making them both accessible and inspiring. At Beard and Bonnet, Jessica uses her cheerful, down-to-earth writing to help readers effortlessly bring new tastes and creative dishes into their daily routines.

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