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Garlic Parmesan Chicken Soup Recipe

4.6 from 68 reviews

A comforting and creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Soup featuring tender chicken, sautéed vegetables, and a rich Parmesan-infused broth with pasta. This hearty soup combines savory garlic, Italian seasoning, and fresh parsley to create a delicious one-pot meal perfect for any day.

Ingredients

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Sauté Base

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced

Main Ingredients

  • 1 pound chicken breasts or thighs
  • 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 cup short pasta (ditalini or small shells)

Finishing Ingredients

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil and butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions, carrots, and a pinch of salt. Sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
  2. Add Chicken and Broth: Place the chicken breasts or thighs into the pot. Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and add Italian seasoning. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
  3. Shred Chicken: Remove the chicken pieces from the pot and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken back into the pot.
  4. Cook Pasta: Add your choice of short pasta (ditalini or small shells) to the simmering soup. Cook until the pasta is al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent it from sticking, usually about 8-10 minutes depending on pasta type.
  5. Add Cream and Parmesan: Turn off the heat and allow the soup to cool slightly for 2-3 minutes. Slowly stir in the heavy cream. Gradually add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese a handful at a time, stirring continuously until it fully melts into the soup, creating a creamy texture.
  6. Season and Garnish: Stir in chopped fresh parsley. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper as desired. Serve hot with extra Parmesan cheese sprinkled on top if preferred.

Notes

  • Use low-sodium chicken broth to better control the salt content in the soup.
  • Any short pasta like orzo or small elbow macaroni can be substituted if ditalini or small shells are not available.
  • For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half in place of heavy cream.
  • Leftover soup keeps well refrigerated for up to 3 days and also freezes well.
  • Shredding the chicken ensures tender bites and evenly distributed protein throughout the soup.

Keywords: Garlic Parmesan Chicken Soup, Creamy Chicken Soup, Italian Chicken Soup, Comfort Food Soup, Chicken Pasta Soup