Name: Chicken Parm Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; ½ large onion, finely diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced or pressed; ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes; 2 tablespoons (33g) tomato paste; 4 cups (2 14.5-ounce cans) chicken broth; 2 14-ounce cans crushed tomatoes; 4 ounces (about 1 ⅓ cup) penne or favorite pasta for soup; ½ teaspoon dried basil; ¼ heaping teaspoon dried oregano; 2 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded (white or dark meat); ½ cup (2oz) shredded Parmesan cheese; 1 cup (4oz) shredded mozzarella cheese, divided; Salt and pepper

I’m so excited to share this Chicken Parm Soup Recipe with you because it’s one of those soul-soothing dishes that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Imagine all the cozy flavors of classic chicken parmesan, but in a luscious, hearty soup that’s perfect for busy weeknights or anytime you want comfort food without the fuss. When I first tried this recipe, I was blown away by how easily it comes together and how much flavor you get in every spoonful. You’re going to love it as much as my family does!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Comfort Food at Its Best: This soup hits all the right notes with hearty chicken, rich tomato broth, and cheesy goodness.
Simple Ingredients: You likely have most of these in your pantry already, which makes it perfect for last-minute meals.
Family Friendly: Whether it’s a crowd or just a cozy dinner, this recipe pleases both kids and adults alike.
Versatile and Customizable: Easily adapt it with your favorite pasta or add-ins for a personal touch.

A round blue ceramic bowl filled with a baked dish showing a thick top layer of melted light orange cheese scattered with small green herb leaves. Below the cheese layer, there are visible bits of thick red tomato sauce and soft pasta pieces. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface with soft natural light highlighting the glossy texture of the bowl and the warm tones of the food. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Chicken Parm Soup Recipe comes from combining simple, familiar ingredients that transform into something special when simmered together. Using crushed tomatoes and tomato paste gives the broth that deep, rich flavor we all crave in a parm dish, while the cheeses melt just right for that gooey, dreamy finish.

Olive oil: Use good quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor in your sautéed onions and garlic.
Onion: Finely diced half an onion ensures it melts beautifully into the soup without overpowering.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is a must for that classic Italian aroma and depth.
Crushed red pepper flakes: Just a pinch adds a nice gentle heat without being too spicy—feel free to adjust!
Tomato paste: This concentrated tomato flavor is the secret to that rich, caramelized taste in the broth.
Chicken broth: Use a good quality broth or homemade for maximum flavor and richness.
Crushed tomatoes: They bring in body and a fresh tang that balances the richness of the cheeses.
Penne pasta: I like penne because its shape holds onto the broth well, but any pasta you prefer works great here.
Dried basil & oregano: A classic herb combo that brings out the Italian vibes.
Cooked chicken: Use leftover rotisserie chicken or poach some so it stays tender and juicy.
Parmesan cheese: Freshly shredded Parmesan folds right in for savory depth.
Mozzarella cheese: Divided for melting lushly on top just before serving, for that ooey-gooey finish.
Salt and pepper: To taste—simple but essential to bring all the flavors alive.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how versatile this Chicken Parm Soup Recipe is—once you nail the base, you can take it in so many directions depending on what you have or what you’re craving. Don’t be shy about making it your own!

Make it spicy: Add more crushed red pepper or a splash of hot sauce if you like a little heat flair—my spouse always requests this variation!
Use different pasta: Swap penne for shells, rotini, or even orzo to change the texture and presentation.
Try dark meat chicken: I usually use breast meat, but dark meat gives a juicier, richer bite that’s delicious here.
Vegetarian twist: Skip the chicken and add mushrooms or eggplant for that savory depth instead.

How to Make Chicken Parm Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Your Aromatics to Build Flavor

Begin by warming your olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. When the oil’s shimmering, toss in the finely diced onion and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally—you’re looking for the edges to soften and become just translucent. This slow start is key to coaxing out the natural sweetness of the onions. Then, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes and cook for just another minute until the garlic turns golden and fragrant—don’t rush this part or the garlic will burn and taste bitter!

Step 2: Add and Caramelize the Tomato Paste

Next, stir in the tomato paste and keep the heat medium. Watch closely and stir often for 1 to 2 minutes until the paste darkens slightly and clings to the bottom of the pot. I discovered this trick when trying this recipe the first time—it’s what really transforms the broth and adds that unforgettable depth you expect in a Chicken Parm Soup Recipe.

Step 3: Build the Broth with Tomatoes and Chicken Broth

Pour in your chicken broth and crushed tomatoes next, scraping up all those lovely browned bits from the bottom so none of that flavor goes to waste. Bring everything to a gentle simmer, then cover and let it bubble away for about 8 minutes. This simmering melds all those flavors beautifully—don’t skip this step!

Step 4: Cook the Pasta and Add Herbs

Now to the pasta! Add your penne plus dried basil and oregano to the simmering soup. Cover again and cook until the pasta is just tender (al dente), usually about 10 to 12 minutes. Keep an eye on it so your pasta doesn’t get mushy—that texture contrast really makes this soup stand out.

Step 5: Stir in Chicken and Cheese

Finally, fold in your cooked chicken and shredded Parmesan. Stir until the chicken warms through and the Parmesan melts into the broth, giving it a rich, cheesy boost. Season with salt and pepper to taste—this is the moment to make it just right for you.

Step 6: Serve with Mozzarella and Enjoy!

Ladle your soup into bowls and top each serving with a generous ¼ cup of shredded mozzarella. The warmth of the soup will melt this beautiful cheese into gooey perfection right before your eyes. Grab a spoon and enjoy every comforting bite!

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Pro Tips for Making Chicken Parm Soup Recipe

Don’t Skip Sautéing the Garlic Properly: Garlic burns fast, so add it after the onions have softened, and cook only just until fragrant to avoid bitterness.
Keep an Eye on Pasta Texture: Remember that pasta will continue to soak up soup as it sits, so cook it al dente to keep a pleasant bounce when served.
Use Freshly Shredded Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese has coatings that prevent smooth melting—shredding fresh gives you that ultra creamy finish.
Don’t Overdo the Heat: Simmer gently rather than boil hard to keep the broth smooth and prevent the chicken from drying out.

How to Serve Chicken Parm Soup Recipe

A close-up view of a bowl filled with cheesy tomato pasta, showing one layer of melted, stretchy white cheese mixed with a smooth orange-red tomato sauce. The pasta, light orange in color, is covered by the cheese and sauce, creating a thick, creamy texture. A woman's hand holds a gold fork lifting some pasta with cheese strands pulling up from the bowl. The bowl itself is white with a slight texture and sits on a white marbled surface, with green herbs sprinkled on top for a touch of fresh color. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle a little extra grated Parmesan right on top after the melted mozzarella and finish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped basil or parsley to add that bright pop of color and freshness. If you’re feeling indulgent, a drizzle of good olive oil or a few red pepper flakes add a nice kick at the table.

Side Dishes

Crusty garlic bread or warm focaccia are my go-to sides because they’re perfect for sopping up every last bit of that delicious broth. A simple mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette also pairs nicely to lighten things up.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I love serving this soup in mini bread bowls—you just hollow out a small round loaf and ladle the soup inside for a fun, edible presentation that impresses guests without extra effort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually let the soup cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container and refrigerating. It keeps really well for up to 3 days, and honestly, I think the flavors deepen even more after resting overnight.

Freezing

This soup freezes beautifully. I remove the mozzarella topping first, then freeze in portion-sized containers. When thawed and reheated, I add fresh mozzarella on top so it melts fresh and gooey.

Reheating

When reheating, I prefer warming gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth if the soup has thickened too much. Then top with fresh mozzarella and let it melt just before serving.

FAQs

Can I use leftover chicken for this Chicken Parm Soup Recipe?

Absolutely! Leftover cooked chicken is perfect and saves time. Just dice or shred it before adding to the soup during the last step to heat through, ensuring tender bites in every spoonful.
What’s the best pasta to use in Chicken Parm Soup Recipe?

Penne works great because it holds the broth nicely, but you can use any short pasta like rotini, shells, or even broken spaghetti. Just adjust cooking times to avoid mushy pasta.
Can I make this Chicken Parm Soup Recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Simply omit the chicken and add hearty veggies like mushrooms or eggplant. Using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth keeps it flavorful and vegetarian-friendly.
How long does the soup keep in the fridge?

Stored in an airtight container, this soup stays fresh for 3 to 4 days. Always reheat thoroughly before serving.
Is it okay to freeze Chicken Parm Soup Recipe?

Definitely! Just freeze without the mozzarella topping and add fresh cheese when reheating for best texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Parm Soup Recipe has become one of my absolute favorites because it’s both comforting and exciting—familiar flavors served in a fresh, cozy way. If you’re looking for a meal that’s easy, hearty, and full of that timeless Italian flair, you’ve got to give this a try. I promise it’ll feel like a little celebration every time you scoop a bowl. Now, go on—get that pot on the stove and enjoy the warmth!