Description

This Chicken Parmesan Soup turns the familiar flavors of chicken Parmesan into a warm, comforting bowl that’s ready in about 20 minutes. It combines tender shredded chicken, small pasta, savory tomato, and Italian herbs, finished with plenty of Parmesan and fresh basil. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, easy entertaining, or when you want a cozy, flavorful meal without a lot of fuss.

Ingredients for Chicken Parmesan Soup

Gather the ingredients below before you start. This recipe makes a hearty family-sized batch.

• 2 cups (190g) uncooked rotini pasta
• 3/4 cup (108g) sweet or yellow onion, diced (~1/2 of a medium onion)
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic (about 3–4 cloves)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 cans (14.5 ounces each) diced tomatoes, Italian-style
• 3 cups (705g) chicken stock
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon ground paprika
• Fine sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 cups (230g) shredded or chopped rotisserie chicken
• Toppings: red pepper flakes, freshly grated Parmesan, shredded mozzarella, 2–3 tablespoons chopped fresh basil, garlic bread for serving

Optional substitutions:

• Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version.
• Swap vegetable stock for chicken stock for a vegetarian take (use a meatless chicken substitute or extra vegetables if desired).

How to Make Chicken Parmesan Soup – Step by Step

Step 1: Cook the pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rotini according to package directions until al dente. Salt the pasta water generously (about 1 teaspoon per 4 cups of water). Drain the pasta, rinse briefly with cold water to stop the cooking and prevent sticking, then set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the onion and garlic

In a large soup pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 4–5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant—avoid browning the garlic.

Step 3: Add tomato paste and seasonings

Stir in the tomato paste and cook 1–2 minutes to deepen its flavor. Pour in the undrained diced tomatoes and the chicken stock. Add the dried parsley, dried oregano, Italian seasoning, paprika, and salt and pepper to taste. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer and let the flavors meld for a few minutes.

Step 4: Add the chicken

Stir in the shredded rotisserie chicken and heat through for 1–2 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning—add more salt, pepper, or a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.

Step 5: Serve and garnish

Ladle the soup into bowls and add a generous spoonful of cooked rotini to each. Top with freshly grated Parmesan, a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella if desired, and chopped fresh basil. Serve immediately with warm garlic bread for dipping.

Helpful Tips & Variations

• Grate Parmesan from a block for the best melting and flavor; pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents that affect texture.
• If you prefer a creamier soup, stir in a splash (1/4–1/2 cup) of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end and warm gently—don’t boil after adding cream.
• Letting the soup simmer an additional 10–15 minutes will deepen the tomato flavors; reduce the heat to low and cover partially while simmering.
• Any small pasta shape works—penne, small shells, or farfalle are good alternatives to rotini.
• To preserve pasta texture when freezing leftovers, store the soup without pasta and add freshly cooked pasta when reheating.

Cooking Tips for the Best Chicken Parmesan Soup

1. Use a good stock: A flavorful chicken stock is the foundation—homemade or a high-quality store-bought stock will give the best results.
2. Don’t overcook the pasta: Cook pasta to al dente because it will absorb liquid and soften further when added to the soup.
3. Adjust seasoning gradually: Taste as you go—tomato products and stocks vary in saltiness, so seasoning at the end ensures balance.

Serving Suggestions

This soup pairs beautifully with crusty garlic bread or a simple green salad like a Caesar or mixed greens with a lemon vinaigrette. For a light beverage pairing, sparkling water with lemon or a crisp white wine complements the tomato and cheese flavors.

Nutritional Information (approximate)

Each serving of Chicken Parmesan Soup provides approximately:

• Calories: 320
• Fat: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Protein: 22g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fiber: 4g

Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Storage and Leftovers

Allow the soup to cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze without the pasta for up to 2 months—reheat gently on the stovetop and add freshly cooked pasta when ready to serve. When reheating from frozen, thaw in the refrigerator overnight if possible, then warm over low heat, adding extra broth if needed to reach the desired consistency.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Yes. Blanch, peel, and dice about 4 large ripe tomatoes to replace two 14.5-ounce cans. Cook them a bit longer to break them down and develop their sweetness.

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes. Sauté the onion and garlic first, then add all ingredients except pasta and cheeses to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4–5 hours or on high for 2–3 hours. Add cooked pasta and cheese just before serving.

Can I freeze Chicken Parmesan Soup?

Yes. For best texture, freeze the soup without the pasta. Reheat and stir in freshly cooked pasta when serving.

What other pasta shapes can I use?

Small shapes like penne, shells, farfalle, or small elbows all work well.

Conclusion

This Chicken Parmesan Soup is an easy, comforting way to enjoy the classic flavors of chicken Parmesan in a bowl. It’s quick to prepare, family-friendly, and flexible—perfect for busy weeknights or when you want something cozy and satisfying. Try it as written or adapt it with your favorite pasta, added vegetables, or a splash of cream for richness. Happy cooking!