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