Garlic Parmesan Chicken Soup Recipe
This creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish made with tender chicken, aromatic garlic, fragrant herbs, and a rich blend of cream and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a cozy meal, this soup combines fresh spinach or kale for a nutritious touch, all simmered to perfection in a single pot.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Lactose
Ingredients
Scale
Sauce and Base
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 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
Protein
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces (about 1-inch cubes)
Vegetables
- 2 cups fresh spinach or kale (optional)
Garnish
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté the aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 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.
- Cook the chicken: Add bite-sized chicken pieces to the pot. Season with salt and pepper and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is no longer pink on the outside and starting to turn golden.
- Add broth and herbs: Pour in chicken broth, then add dried thyme and dried basil. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes to allow flavors to meld and ensure the chicken is fully cooked.
- Incorporate cream and cheese: Lower heat to low and stir in heavy cream. Gradually add grated Parmesan cheese about 1/4 cup at a time, stirring constantly until melted and the soup turns creamy. This smoothes the texture and deepens the flavor.
- Add greens (optional): If using fresh spinach or kale, stir it into the soup and cook for 1-2 minutes until wilted, adding a fresh, nutritious note.
- Season and serve: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Ladle into bowls and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. Serve hot for a comforting meal.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
- You can use frozen kale or spinach, but fresh is preferred for the best texture.
- To make it gluten-free, ensure your chicken broth is gluten-free certified.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- Adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes can provide a subtle spicy kick if desired.
Keywords: Garlic Parmesan Chicken Soup, creamy chicken soup, comforting soup, chicken and spinach soup, stovetop chicken soup
