Garlic Parmesan Chicken Soup Recipe

Introduction

This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Soup is a creamy, comforting meal perfect for chilly days or whenever you crave something hearty and flavorful. Tender chicken pieces simmered in a rich broth with garlic, Parmesan, and fresh greens make this soup truly satisfying and easy to prepare.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for garnish)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish
• 2 cups fresh spinach or kale (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 5 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
2. Step 2: Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the pot. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is no longer pink on the outside and starts to turn golden.
3. Step 3: Pour in the chicken broth, then add dried thyme and dried basil. Bring the mixture to a boil, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 10-15 minutes to let the flavors meld and the chicken cook through completely.
4. Step 4: Lower the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese about ¼ cup at a time, stirring constantly until melted and the soup turns creamy.
5. Step 5: If using, stir in fresh spinach or kale and cook until wilted, about 1-2 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
6. Step 6: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. Serve hot and enjoy.

Tips & Variations

• Use freshly grated Parmesan from a block rather than pre-grated cheese for the best melting texture and flavor.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle spicy kick.
• Swap the spinach or kale with Swiss chard or arugula for a different green.
• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, though the soup will be less rich.

Storage

Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or cream if the soup thickens too much during storage.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use bone-in chicken instead of boneless?

Yes, but you’ll need to cook the chicken longer and remove the bones before adding the cream and cheese to keep the soup smooth.

Is it possible to make this soup dairy-free?

Absolutely. Use coconut milk or a dairy-free cream substitute instead of heavy cream, and replace Parmesan with a dairy-free cheese alternative or nutritional yeast for flavor.

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Soup Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 64 reviews

This comforting Garlic Parmesan Chicken Soup is a creamy, savory delight perfect for chilly days. Tender chicken pieces simmered in a fragrant broth with garlic, herbs, and fresh spinach create a hearty and flavorful bowl, enriched with Parmesan cheese and cream for a velvety texture. A delicious and easy-to-make soup that combines protein and greens in a luscious, warming meal.

• Author: Dana
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Soup
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Salt

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Soup Base

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced

Chicken and Broth

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces (about 1-inch cubes)
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Creamy Component

• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for garnish)

Greens and Garnish

• 2 cups fresh spinach or kale (optional)
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Saute the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
2. Cook the Chicken: Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the pot. Season with salt and pepper and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is no longer pink on the outside and starts to turn golden.
3. Add Broth and Herbs: Pour in the chicken broth along with dried thyme and dried basil. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Let it simmer gently for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and cook the chicken through completely.
4. Create the Creamy Texture: Lower the heat to low, then stir in the heavy cream. Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese about 1/4 cup at a time, stirring constantly until the cheese is fully melted and the soup becomes creamy.
5. Add Greens (Optional): If using fresh spinach or kale, stir them into the soup until wilted, which should take about 1-2 minutes.
6. Season and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, and serve hot for a comforting meal.

Notes

• Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese from a block for smoother melting and better texture compared to pre-grated varieties.
• You can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream to reduce richness slightly.
• Adding fresh greens like spinach or kale adds nutrients and color, but can be omitted if preferred.
• For an extra kick, consider a pinch of red pepper flakes during the garlic sauté step.

Keywords: Garlic Parmesan Chicken Soup, creamy chicken soup, easy chicken soup recipe, comforting soup, Parmesan cheese soup, stovetop chicken soup