Name: Comforting Garlic Parmesan Chicken Soup Recipe in 45 Min
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 medium onion, chopped; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces; 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)

Jump to Recipe

There’s just something about a chilly day that screams “SOUP!” You know what I mean? I used to think chicken soup was just…chicken soup. But then I stumbled on this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Soup Recipe, and wow! Total game-changer. It’s like the cozy classic got a serious upgrade. We’re talking creamy, dreamy, garlicky goodness that’s ready in about 45 minutes. Seriously, from prep to table in under an hour? Yes, please!

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This isn’t your grandma’s chicken soup (though, let’s be honest, Grandma’s soup is always amazing!). This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Soup Recipe brings that comforting, familiar feeling but kicks it up a notch with rich Parmesan and plenty of garlic. It’s become a staple in my kitchen because it’s so darn easy and everyone – even my picky eaters – loves it!

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Soup Recipe

Okay, seriously, you NEED this soup in your life. Why? Let me tell you! It’s got everything going for it. I mean, who doesn’t love a good soup, right? But this one? It’s next level!

Creamy and Comforting

That creamy texture? It’s like a warm hug in a bowl. Seriously, the heavy cream and Parmesan just melt together to make the most luscious, comforting soup you’ve ever tasted!

Packed with Flavor

Garlic and Parmesan, people! Need I say more? The garlic gives it this amazing savory kick, and the Parmesan adds that salty, cheesy goodness. It’s a flavor explosion!

Quick and Easy to Make

Busy weeknights? No problem! This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Soup Recipe is ready in under an hour. Minimal prep, minimal cleanup, maximum flavor. Winning!

Family-Friendly

Even my pickiest eaters gobble this up. Seriously, it’s a miracle! It’s a total crowd-pleaser, perfect for those nights when you just need something everyone will love.

Easily Customizable

Want to add some veggies? Go for it! Feel like spicing things up? Throw in some red pepper flakes! This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Soup Recipe is super versatile, so you can make it your own!

Ingredients for Your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Soup Recipe

Alright, let’s gather our goodies! Here’s what you’ll need for this amazing Garlic Parmesan Chicken Soup Recipe. Trust me, having everything prepped makes it SO much easier. So, grab:

2 tablespoons olive oil (the good stuff!)
1 medium onion, chopped (not too big, not too small!)
4 cloves garlic, minced (I LOVE garlic, so I sometimes add an extra clove…shhh!)
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces (makes it easier to eat!)
4 cups chicken broth (low sodium is my go-to)
1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half if you’re feeling virtuous!)
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish (freshly grated is best, trust me!)
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried basil
Salt and pepper to taste (don’t be shy!)
Fresh parsley for garnish, chopped (makes it look fancy!)
2 cups fresh spinach or kale, optional (for a little extra green goodness!)

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Soup Recipe: Step-by-Step Instructions

Okay, let’s get cooking! This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Soup Recipe is seriously easy, I promise! Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a bowl of creamy, dreamy soup in no time. Don’t worry if you mess up – soup is pretty forgiving!

Sauté the Aromatics

First, grab a big pot – a Dutch oven is great if you have one! Heat up that olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering (careful, it splatters!), toss in the chopped onion. Cook it for about 5 minutes, until it’s softened and see-through. You want it nice and tender, not burnt! Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute or two, until it smells AMAZING. Seriously, that garlic smell is the best part!

Cook the Chicken

Now, add those bite-sized chicken pieces to the pot. Season them with salt and pepper – don’t be shy! Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring every so often, until the chicken is no longer pink on the outside. It doesn’t have to be cooked all the way through at this point, because it’ll finish cooking in the soup.

Simmer the Soup

Pour in the chicken broth, and then add the dried thyme and dried basil. Give it a good stir to get everything mixed together. Bring the soup to a boil, then turn the heat down to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes. This lets all those flavors meld together and the chicken cook through completely. This is where the magic happens, people!

Add Cream and Parmesan

Okay, now for the good stuff! Reduce the heat to low (again!) and stir in the heavy cream. Then, slowly add the grated Parmesan cheese, about 1/4 cup at a time, stirring constantly until it’s all melted and the soup is nice and creamy. Trust me, you don’t want to dump it all in at once, or it might get clumpy. We want smooth and dreamy!

Finish and Serve

If you’re using spinach or kale, stir it in now and cook for a minute or two, until it’s wilted. Taste the soup and add more salt and pepper if you think it needs it. Everyone’s taste is different, so make it your own! Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, and serve hot. Yum!

Tips for the Best Garlic Parmesan Chicken Soup Recipe

Want to take your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Soup Recipe from good to AMAZING? I’ve got a few little tricks up my sleeve that I’m happy to share. These are the things I’ve learned over many, many batches of this soup. Let’s make it perfect!

Fresh Parmesan is Key

Seriously, ditch the pre-shredded stuff! Freshly grated Parmesan melts so much better and has a way richer flavor. It’s worth the extra couple of minutes, I promise! Plus, you can snack on a little while you’re grating… just sayin’.

Don’t Overcook the Chicken

Nobody likes tough, rubbery chicken! Make sure you’re cooking the chicken until it’s *just* cooked through. Remember, it’ll continue to cook a bit in the simmering soup, so don’t overdo it in the beginning.

Adjust Seasoning to Your Liking

Taste, taste, TASTE! Seriously, seasoning is everything. Add salt and pepper a little at a time, tasting as you go, until it’s just right for you. Don’t be afraid to experiment – a little extra garlic powder or a pinch of red pepper flakes can really make it sing!

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Soup Recipe Variations

Okay, so you’ve made the basic Garlic Parmesan Chicken Soup Recipe and you’re obsessed (I know, me too!). But what if you want to mix things up a little? No problem! This soup is super versatile, so feel free to get creative! Here are a few ideas to get you started. Don’t be afraid to experiment – it’s soup, not rocket science!

Add Different Herbs

Tired of thyme and basil? No worries! Try adding a little rosemary for a woodsy flavor, or maybe some oregano for a more Italian vibe. Italian seasoning is always a good choice too! Just a teaspoon or two will do the trick.

Spice It Up

Feeling a little feisty? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick! A dash of hot sauce works too, but be careful – a little goes a long way! My favorite is a tiny bit of cayenne pepper.

Add More Vegetables

Want to sneak in some extra veggies? Go for it! Carrots, celery, and zucchini all work great in this soup. Just chop them up and add them to the pot when you add the chicken broth. Easy peasy!

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Serving Suggestions for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Soup Recipe

Okay, so you’ve got this amazing Garlic Parmesan Chicken Soup Recipe ready to go. But what do you serve with it? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! This soup is pretty hearty on its own, but a little something on the side never hurts, right?

My go-to is always some crusty bread for dipping – seriously, so good! A simple side salad is also a great choice if you want something a little lighter. Or, for the ultimate comfort food experience, grilled cheese sandwiches are where it’s at! Trust me on this one!

Storing and Reheating Your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Soup Recipe

So, you’ve got leftovers? Lucky you! This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Soup Recipe is just as good (maybe even better!) the next day. Just let it cool down a bit, then pop it in an airtight container and store it in the fridge. It’ll keep for about 3-4 days.

When you’re ready to reheat, you can either warm it up on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or zap it in the microwave. Just be sure to cover it so it doesn’t splatter everywhere! Easy peasy!

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Soup Recipe FAQs

Got questions about this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Soup Recipe? I get it! Soup can be tricky sometimes. So, I’ve rounded up some of the most common questions I get asked, and I’m here to set the record straight!

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

Okay, so you *can* use milk if you’re trying to cut back on calories, but honestly? It won’t be the same. The soup will be way less creamy and rich. I’d recommend using half-and-half if you want a lighter option that still has some creaminess. But for the *real* Garlic Parmesan Chicken Soup Recipe experience, go for the heavy cream! You deserve it!

Can I freeze this soup?

Ugh, freezing creamy soups is always a gamble. The answer is, it’s not really recommended. The cream tends to separate when it thaws, and the texture can get kinda weird. You *can* try it, but just be prepared for it to not be quite as amazing as it was fresh. If you do freeze it, thaw it slowly in the fridge overnight.

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a lifesaver on busy weeknights! Just shred the chicken and add it to the soup at the very end, after you’ve added the cream and Parmesan. That way, it’ll warm through without getting overcooked and dry. It’s a great shortcut for this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Soup Recipe!

How can I thicken the soup?

If you like your soup extra thick, no problem! Just mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water to make a slurry. Then, stir the slurry into the soup while it’s simmering. Cook for a minute or two, until the soup thickens up to your liking. Easy peasy!

Nutritional Information for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Soup Recipe

Alright, let’s talk numbers! Just a heads-up: nutrition info can vary *a lot* depending on the brands and ingredients you use, so this is just an estimate, okay? Don’t come at me if your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Soup Recipe has slightly different stats!

Enjoyed This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Soup Recipe?

So, did you love this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Soup Recipe as much as I do? Let me know in the comments! And don’t forget to give it a rating – it helps other soup-lovers find this gem!