This Chicken Parm Soup is a comforting and cozy twist on the classic Italian dish. Made with tender chicken, rich tomato broth, melted mozzarella, and Parmesan, it delivers all the flavors of Chicken Parmesan in a warm and hearty soup. Plus, it comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a perfect quick and easy meal for any night of the week.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

1 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 Tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
1 (15-oz.) can diced or crushed tomatoes
6 cups Swanson Chicken Broth
8 oz. penne
3/4 lb. cooked chicken breast (about 2 breasts), shredded
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan
1 Tbsp freshly chopped parsley
Kosher salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Directions

In a large pot over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened (about 5 minutes).
Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in the tomato paste and red pepper flakes.
Pour in the diced or crushed tomatoes and chicken broth, then bring the mixture to a simmer.
Add the penne and cook until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes.
Stir in the shredded chicken, mozzarella, Parmesan, and parsley. Season generously with salt and pepper.
Let the cheese melt, then ladle the soup into bowls and serve warm.

Nutrients

Nutritional information was not provided in the original source, but typical values per serving may include:

Calories: ~400-500 kcal
Protein: ~35g
Carbohydrates: ~40g
Fat: ~15g
Sodium: ~800mg

The Comforting Flavors of Chicken Parmesan in Soup Form

Chicken Parmesan is a dish that combines crispy chicken, tangy marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese, and this soup captures those flavors in a warm and hearty format. The tomato broth serves as the base of the soup, infused with the savory richness of garlic, onion, and tomato paste. The addition of crushed red pepper flakes brings a subtle heat to the soup, providing depth and complexity without overpowering the other flavors.

The cooked chicken breast, shredded and added to the soup, provides a protein-packed base while absorbing all the delicious flavors of the broth. The creamy, gooey mozzarella cheese melts beautifully into the soup, adding a richness that is comforting and indulgent. The freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds a sharp, salty flavor that complements the mildness of the mozzarella, giving the soup its signature Chicken Parmesan taste.

With each spoonful, you’ll experience the heartwarming flavors of a traditional Chicken Parmesan dish but in a more convenient, soul-satisfying soup form. It’s the ultimate comfort food for those cold nights or when you’re simply craving something cheesy and delicious.

Why This Soup Is So Easy to Make

One of the standout features of Chicken Parm Soup is how simple and quick it is to prepare. This recipe can be made in under 30 minutes, making it the perfect option for busy weeknights when you don’t have the time for an elaborate dinner but still want something hearty and satisfying. The ingredients are easy to find, and the process requires only basic kitchen skills.

Starting with sautéing onions and garlic to build a flavorful base, the rest of the soup comes together quickly by adding tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, and penne pasta. While the pasta cooks, the chicken and cheese are added, giving the soup its heartiness and richness. The entire process is straightforward and allows you to have a warm, comforting meal ready in no time.

Because the soup comes together so quickly, it’s a great option for meal prepping. You can make a large batch and store it in the refrigerator for a few days, or freeze it for later use. The soup holds up well in the fridge, and the flavors continue to develop as it sits, making it even more delicious the next day.

The Importance of the Right Chicken

The chicken used in Chicken Parm Soup plays a crucial role in the overall flavor and texture of the dish. While traditional Chicken Parmesan calls for breaded, fried chicken cutlets, the soup version uses shredded cooked chicken for a more tender and flavorful bite. Shredding the cooked chicken allows it to soak up the flavors of the broth and cheese, making it more integrated with the other ingredients in the soup.

For this recipe, using cooked chicken breasts is the best choice. They are lean, flavorful, and easy to shred into bite-sized pieces. You can use leftover cooked chicken, rotisserie chicken, or quickly cook the chicken breasts in the skillet before shredding them. Regardless of how you cook the chicken, it adds a satisfying protein element to the soup and ensures that every spoonful is hearty and filling.

Penne Pasta: A Perfect Match for the Soup

Penne pasta is the ideal choice for Chicken Parm Soup because of its shape and texture. The tubes of penne pasta are large enough to provide a satisfying bite but small enough to absorb the rich tomato broth, creating a delicious combination of flavors in every spoonful. As the pasta cooks in the broth, it absorbs some of the liquid and flavors, making it the perfect vessel for the soup’s rich, cheesy base.

Additionally, penne pasta holds its shape well in the soup, providing a slight chewiness that complements the tender chicken and melty cheese. It’s the perfect balance of substance and texture, adding to the overall heartiness of the dish without overwhelming the other ingredients.

The Cheeses That Make the Soup Shine

One of the signature components of Chicken Parmesan is the gooey melted cheese, and this soup doesn’t skimp on the cheese! Mozzarella cheese is used to create that rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture that you love in traditional Chicken Parmesan. As the mozzarella melts into the hot soup, it creates a creamy and decadent base that blends beautifully with the tomato broth.

In addition to mozzarella, freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds a sharp, tangy flavor that enhances the soup’s richness. The Parmesan provides a salty, savory contrast to the mildness of the mozzarella and helps to round out the soup’s overall flavor. Both cheeses are key to giving this soup its authentic Chicken Parmesan taste, making it just as indulgent and comforting as the classic dish.

Customizing the Recipe to Your Tastes

Chicken Parm Soup is a versatile dish that can easily be customized to suit your tastes. If you prefer a spicier soup, you can increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to add some heat. For a more classic Chicken Parmesan flavor, you can also stir in a little extra tomato paste or add a touch of balsamic vinegar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.

If you prefer to make this soup lower-carb or gluten-free, you can easily substitute the penne pasta with a gluten-free pasta or a vegetable-based alternative, such as zucchini noodles. You could also experiment with different vegetables, such as adding spinach or bell peppers, to give the soup more texture and color. The beauty of this recipe is that it’s adaptable and can be tweaked to fit your dietary preferences or what you have available in your kitchen.

Perfect Pairings for Chicken Parm Soup

While this Chicken Parm Soup is hearty enough to be enjoyed on its own, it pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. A simple side salad with a tangy vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the rich and cheesy soup. If you want something more indulgent, serve the soup with a warm slice of garlic bread or a piece of crusty baguette to dip into the creamy broth.

For a complete Italian-inspired meal, consider pairing the soup with a side of roasted vegetables or a Caesar salad. The light crunch and freshness of these sides complement the richness of the soup, offering a balanced and satisfying meal.

Meal Prep and Storage Tips

Chicken Parm Soup is a fantastic option for meal prepping. After making a large batch, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors only get better as the soup sits, making it a great option for lunch the following day or a quick dinner later in the week.

If you’d like to store the soup for longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it on the stovetop. You may need to add a little extra chicken broth or water to loosen up the soup, but the rich, cheesy flavor will remain just as comforting as the first time you made it.

Conclusion

Chicken Parm Soup is a comforting, hearty twist on the classic Chicken Parmesan dish. Combining the flavors of tender chicken, rich tomato broth, and gooey melted mozzarella and Parmesan, this soup offers all the satisfaction of the beloved Italian dish but in a quick and easy soup form. With its rich flavor, hearty ingredients, and cheesy goodness, it’s a perfect meal for busy weeknights, cold evenings, or whenever you’re craving something warm and filling. Whether served with crusty bread, a side salad, or roasted vegetables, this soup is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation.