Garlic Parmesan Chicken Soup Recipe

Introduction

This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Soup is a creamy, comforting dish packed with tender chicken, savory garlic, and rich Parmesan cheese. It’s simple to make yet full of flavor, perfect for cozy nights or when you need a satisfying meal in a bowl.

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 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 soup to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to cook through completely.
4. Step 4: Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese about 1/4 cup at a time, stirring constantly until melted and the soup is creamy. If desired, stir in fresh spinach or kale and cook for 1-2 minutes until wilted.
5. Step 5: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. Ladle into bowls, garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, and serve hot.

Tips & Variations

• Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese from a block for smoother melting and better texture.
• Add Parmesan gradually while stirring constantly on low heat to prevent clumping.
• Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream to make a lighter version of the soup.
• Add fresh spinach or kale for added nutrition and a pop of color; this is optional.

Storage

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the cheese from separating. This soup does not freeze well due to the cream and cheese content.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this soup?

Yes, but be sure to thaw the chicken completely before cooking to ensure even cooking and safety.

Is there a non-dairy alternative for the cream and cheese?

You can try using coconut milk or a plant-based cream substitute and nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor, but the texture and taste will differ from the original recipe.

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Soup Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 132 reviews

• Author: Zoe
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Low Salt

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Description

This creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish made with tender bite-sized chicken, aromatic garlic, fresh herbs, and rich Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a cozy meal, this soup combines the heartiness of chicken broth and cream with fresh greens like spinach or kale for added nutrition and vibrant color.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

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

Dairy

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

Optional Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh spinach or kale
• Fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

1. Sauté Onion and Garlic: 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, making sure not to let it burn.
2. Cook 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 begins to turn golden.
3. Add Broth and Herbs: Pour in the chicken broth, then add the dried thyme and dried basil. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes to fully cook the chicken and allow the flavors to meld.
4. Incorporate Cream and Parmesan: Lower the heat to low and slowly stir in the heavy cream. Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese about 1/4 cup at a time, stirring constantly to help it melt smoothly and achieve a creamy soup texture.
5. Add Greens: If using, stir in fresh spinach or kale and cook for 1-2 minutes until wilted, adding a fresh burst of color and nutrition.
6. Season and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Ladle the hot soup into bowls, garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, and serve immediately.

Notes

• Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese from a block for better melting and smoother texture instead of pre-grated Parmesan.
• Add Parmesan gradually while stirring on low heat to prevent clumping.
• Half-and-half can be used as a lighter substitute for heavy cream for a lower-fat version.
• Fresh spinach or kale is optional but adds nutrition and vibrant color.
• Requires a large pot or Dutch oven with a 4-6 quart capacity for even cooking.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Soup
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Garlic Parmesan Chicken Soup, creamy chicken soup, easy chicken soup recipe, comfort soup, homemade chicken soup