Garlic Parmesan Chicken Soup Recipe

Introduction

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Soup is a creamy, comforting dish perfect for chilly days or when you need a cozy meal. Packed with tender chicken, savory garlic, and cheesy Parmesan, it’s both flavorful and easy to prepare. This soup makes a satisfying lunch or dinner that the whole family will enjoy.

A white bowl filled with creamy chicken soup with visible chunks of light brown cooked chicken in the center, sprinkled with chopped green herbs and finely grated white cheese on top. The soup base is a pale cream color with small green herb pieces mixed in, creating a soft textured look. A toasted slice of golden brown bread with a crisp, slightly charred edge rests on the rim of the bowl. A metal spoon is partially dipped into the soup on the right side. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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, being careful not to burn it.
  2. Step 2: Add the 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. Step 3: Pour in the chicken broth and add dried thyme and dried basil. Bring to a boil, then 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 and stir in the heavy cream. Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese about 1/4 cup at a time, stirring constantly until the cheese melts and the soup becomes creamy.
  5. Step 5: If desired, stir in fresh spinach or kale and cook until wilted, about 1-2 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
  6. Step 6: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. Serve hot.

Tips & Variations

  • Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter soup without sacrificing creaminess.
  • Add cooked pasta or rice to make the soup more filling.
  • Swap dried herbs for fresh thyme and basil if you have them on hand for a brighter flavor.
  • For extra garlic flavor, roast the garlic before adding it to the soup.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat to prevent curdling. This soup can also be frozen for up to 2 months, but it’s best to add cream and cheese after thawing to maintain texture and flavor.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with creamy chicken soup showing three main layers: the base is a light yellow creamy broth with a smooth texture, the middle has shredded pieces of cooked chicken mixed with finely chopped green herbs, and the top is garnished with fresh parsley leaves and thin shreds of white cheese along with a sprinkle of black pepper. A golden-brown toasted slice of bread sits on the edge of the bowl, slightly dipping into the soup. A silver spoon is partially submerged on the right side of the bowl, all placed on a white marbled surface with a neutral cloth underneath. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work well and add more moisture and flavor. Just adjust cooking time if needed until fully cooked.

Is this soup suitable for low-carb diets?

Yes, this soup is naturally low-carb, especially if you skip optional additions like pasta or rice. It’s rich in protein and healthy fats.

Print

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Soup Recipe

A comforting and creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Soup featuring tender chicken pieces simmered in a flavorful broth enriched with Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs, perfect for a cozy meal any day.

  • Author: nova
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale

Main 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 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Dairy Ingredients

  • 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

Instructions

  1. Sauté onion and garlic: 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, ensuring it doesn’t burn.
  2. Cook chicken pieces: 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, then add dried thyme and dried basil. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes to meld flavors and cook the chicken thoroughly.
  4. Incorporate cream and cheese: Lower the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Gradually add grated Parmesan cheese about 1/4 cup at a time, stirring constantly until the cheese melts and the soup reaches a creamy consistency.
  5. Add greens and finish: If using, stir in fresh spinach or kale and cook for 1-2 minutes until wilted. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
  6. Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls, garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, and serve immediately for a warm, comforting meal.

Notes

  • For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
  • Fresh spinach or kale can be omitted or substituted with your favorite leafy greens.
  • Add crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and smoother melting.
  • Leftover soup can be refrigerated for up to 3 days; reheat gently to prevent cream from curdling.

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

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can’t wait to see what you’ve made!

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating