Garlic Parmesan Chicken Soup Recipe
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Soup is a creamy, comforting bowl of savory goodness featuring tender chicken pieces simmered in a rich blend of chicken broth, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Enhanced with aromatic garlic, herbs, and optionally fresh greens like spinach or kale, this soup is perfect for a cozy meal any day of the year.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
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 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
- 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 the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, making sure not to burn the garlic.
- Cook Chicken: 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 turning golden.
- Add Broth and Herbs: Pour in the chicken broth, then add the dried thyme and dried basil. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for 10-15 minutes to fully cook the chicken and meld the flavors.
- Add Cream and Parmesan: Lower the heat to ensure it’s on low. Stir in the heavy cream slowly. Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese about 1/4 cup at a time, stirring continuously until the cheese melts and the soup becomes creamy.
- Incorporate Greens (Optional): If using, stir in fresh spinach or kale and cook for 1-2 minutes until wilted to add a healthy green element to the soup.
- Final Seasoning and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Ladle into bowls and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. Serve hot for a comforting meal.
Notes
- You can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream for a lighter option.
- Fresh herbs can be used instead of dried thyme and basil if you prefer a brighter flavor.
- For a thicker soup, add a tablespoon of flour when cooking the onions and garlic before adding broth.
- To make the soup dairy-free, replace heavy cream and Parmesan with coconut milk and nutritional yeast.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
Keywords: Garlic Parmesan Chicken Soup, creamy chicken soup, easy chicken soup, comfort food, chicken soup with spinach, Parmesan soup
