Description
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Soup is a comforting blend of tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and a creamy, savory broth infused with roasted garlic and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for chilly evenings, this soup is a delicious hug in a bowl that the whole family will love!
Ingredients
Scale
- boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 6–8 cloves of fresh garlic, finely minced
- freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- good quality low-sodium chicken broth or stock
- diced yellow onion
- diced carrots
- diced celery
- splash of heavy cream
- Italian seasoning blend
- salt
- freshly ground black pepper
- red pepper flakes (optional)
- fresh spinach or kale (optional)
- small pasta like orzo or diced potatoes (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Your Chicken: If you're using raw chicken breasts, place them in a pot with enough water or chicken broth to cover. Bring to a simmer and cook until the chicken is cooked through, about 15-20 minutes. Remove the chicken, let it cool slightly, then shred it using two forks. Set aside. If using pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken, simply shred it and have it ready.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add your diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté gently for about 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables begin to soften and the onion becomes translucent.
- Add the Garlic: Stir in your minced garlic. Sauté for just 1-2 minutes until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to let it brown or burn.
- Deglaze and Simmer: Pour in your chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Add your shredded cooked chicken, Italian seasoning, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for at least 15-20 minutes.
- Introduce Creaminess and Cheese: Uncover the soup and stir in the heavy cream. Gradually stir in about three-quarters of your freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it’s fully melted and incorporated.
- Add Finishing Touches (Optional): If you’re adding fresh spinach or kale, stir it in now and cook for just a couple of minutes until wilted. If you're including small pasta or diced potatoes, add them earlier with the broth and chicken.
- Taste and Serve: Give the soup a final taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish generously with the remaining freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
Keywords: For a quicker option, use a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. Always opt for freshly grated Parmesan for the best texture and flavor. Be cautious not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter. For added heartiness, consider including small potatoes or pasta, and a squeeze of lemon juice before serving can enhance the flavors.