Description
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Soup is a creamy, comforting dish featuring tender bite-sized chicken pieces simmered in a flavorful broth enriched with Parmesan cheese and garlic. Enhanced with fresh herbs and optional leafy greens like spinach or kale, it’s a perfect warming meal that’s easy to prepare on the stovetop.
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 chopped onion and sauté for 5 minutes until softened and translucent. Then stir in minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, making sure not to burn it.
- 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 to turn golden.
- Simmer with Broth and Herbs: Pour in the chicken broth and add dried thyme and dried basil. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Let it simmer for 10-15 minutes so the flavors meld and the chicken cooks through completely.
- Add Cream and Parmesan: Lower the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese in increments of about 1/4 cup, stirring constantly to ensure it melts smoothly and the soup becomes creamy without clumping.
- Incorporate Greens (Optional): If using, stir in fresh spinach or kale and cook until wilted, about 1-2 minutes.
- Season and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. Serve hot.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese from a block rather than pre-grated for smoother melting and better texture.
- Add Parmesan gradually on low heat and stir constantly to prevent clumping.
- Half-and-half can be used instead of heavy cream for a lighter soup.
- Fresh spinach or kale adds nutrition and color but is optional.
- Equipment needed: Large pot or Dutch oven (4-6 quart capacity).
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Garlic Parmesan Chicken Soup, creamy chicken soup, easy chicken soup, comfort food, stovetop soup
