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Garlic Parmesan Chicken Soup Recipe

4.9 from 76 reviews

A rich and comforting Garlic Parmesan Chicken Soup combining tender chicken, aromatic garlic, and creamy Parmesan cheese with fresh herbs and optional greens for a hearty meal.

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 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Dairy and Cheese

  • 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for garnish)

Optional Ingredients

  • 2 cups fresh spinach or kale
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Sauté Onion and Garlic: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook for 5 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
  2. Cook Chicken: Add bite-sized chicken pieces to the pot. Season with salt and pepper and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is no longer pink and starting to brown.
  3. Simmer Soup Base: Pour in the chicken broth and add dried thyme and dried basil. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Simmer for 10-15 minutes to fully cook the chicken and meld the flavors.
  4. Add 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 the cheese is fully melted and the soup is creamy.
  5. Add Greens (Optional): If using, stir in fresh spinach or kale and cook for 1-2 minutes until wilted.
  6. 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.

Notes

  • Using half-and-half instead of heavy cream will lighten the soup but will make it less creamy.
  • Fresh greens such as spinach or kale add nutrition and color but can be omitted for a simpler soup.
  • For thicker soup, reduce chicken broth by simmering longer or add a small amount of cornstarch slurry.
  • Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and reheat gently on the stovetop to prevent curdling.

Keywords: Garlic Parmesan Chicken Soup, creamy chicken soup, easy chicken soup, hearty soup, comforting soup recipe