Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup

Introduction

There’s nothing quite as comforting as a warm bowl of soup, especially when it’s packed with all the flavors of your favorite comfort foods.

This Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup brings the delicious taste of chicken parmesan into a cozy, bowl-friendly format. With tender chicken, melty Parmesan, and a rich, creamy broth, it’s the perfect meal for a chilly evening or a lazy Sunday afternoon.

Key Ingredients

The magic of this soup lies in its balance of flavors and textures. The buttery base is built up with aromatic vegetables, while the flour helps to thicken the broth. The addition of turmeric and paprika adds depth, while the Parmesan cheese brings a nutty richness. The shredded chicken and pasta provide a satisfying heartiness, making this soup a complete meal in a bowl.

Ingredients List

Ingredient	Amount
Butter	3 tablespoon
Large onion, finely chopped	1
Celery, diced small	3 stalks
Garlic, finely minced	4 medium cloves
Flour	3 tablespoons
Chicken broth	8 cups (maybe more)
Carrots, peeled and sliced ½-inch thick	12 ounces
Bay leaves	2-3 medium
Turmeric	¼ teaspoon
Sweet paprika	½ teaspoon
Kosher salt	1 teaspoon
Ditalini pasta (uncooked)	1½ cups
Whole milk	2 cups
Grated Parmesan cheese (I like Parmesan Reggiano)	4 ounces
Shredded rotisserie chicken or leftover chicken (or turkey)	2½ cups
Fresh rosemary, finely chopped	2 teaspoons
Fresh parsley, finely chopped (more for garnish)	¼ cup

Helpful Tools

To make this soup, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools. A large stockpot or Dutch oven will be your best friend for creating the base of the soup.

A medium-large pot is necessary for cooking the pasta separately. You’ll also need a wooden spoon or silicone spatula for stirring, a sharp knife for chopping the vegetables, and a cutting board. If you have a microplane, it’s perfect for grating the Parmesan cheese.

Pro-Tips

1. 
   
   • Make sure to cook the flour with the butter and vegetables for at least a minute. This helps to cook out the raw flour taste and ensures a smooth, thickened soup.
   
   
   
   
   • Don’t skip the step of cooking the pasta separately. This helps to prevent the pasta from becoming mushy and absorbing too much of the broth.
   
   
   
   
   • Use a good-quality Parmesan cheese for the best flavor. Freshly grated Parmesan will melt better and provide a richer taste.
   
   
   
   
   • For an extra layer of flavor, try adding a splash of white wine to the vegetables before adding the flour.
   
   
   • If you’re looking for a breakfast twist, you might enjoy this Delicious Cream Cheese Stuffed French Toast recipe for a sweet start to your day.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup

Now that you have all your ingredients and tools ready, let’s dive into the steps to create this comforting soup.

1. 
   
   • Fill a medium-large pot three-quarters full with water. Add 1 teaspoon of salt and bring the water to a boil.
   
   
   
   
   • Add the pasta and cook for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is just barely tender.
   
   
   
   
   • Drain the pasta well and set it aside.
   
   
   
   
   • While the pasta is cooking, melt the butter in a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium-low heat.
   
   
   
   
   • Add the onion and celery and cook for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften.
   
   
   
   
   • Add the garlic and stir for another 30 seconds.
   
   
   
   
   • Sprinkle the flour over the onion mixture and cook for another minute, stirring constantly.
   
   
   
   
   • Add the chicken broth, carrots, bay leaf, turmeric, paprika, and salt. Stir well to incorporate any flour that’s stuck on the bottom of the pot.
   
   
   
   
   • Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to maintain a steady simmer (low boil).
   
   
   
   
   • Cook, uncovered, for 15-20 minutes, until the carrots are tender, stirring occasionally.
   
   
   
   
   • Add the milk and return to a simmer.
   
   
   
   
   • Reduce the heat to the lowest setting and add the Parmesan cheese. Stir to melt the cheese.
   
   
   
   
   • Add the chicken, cooked pasta, rosemary, and parsley. Stir to combine.
   
   
   
   
   • Taste and add salt as needed. This will depend on how salty your broth and Parmesan are.
   
   
   
   
   • If needed, add a bit more chicken broth to thin the soup.
   
   
   
   
   • Let the soup sit for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
   
   
   • Remove the bay leaf and serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh chopped parsley.

Note: Although the pasta is cooked separately in this recipe, it may still absorb some of the broth after being refrigerated. You can always add a little extra low-sodium chicken broth to thin the soup if needed.

Variations

This soup is quite versatile, and you can easily adapt it to suit your preferences or what you have on hand.

• 
  
  • Try using different types of pasta, such as small shells or elbows, for a fun variation.
  
  
  
  
  • Add some chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of tangy sweetness.
  
  
  • For a spicier kick, stir in some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.

FAQ

Here are some common questions about Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup.

Conclusion

Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup is a delightful dish that combines the best of comfort food with the ease of a one-pot meal. Whether you’re cooking for your family or just looking for a cozy dinner, this soup is sure to satisfy. Don’t forget to pair it with a fresh salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal.

For more delicious ideas, follow me on My Pinterest

Print