Description

This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Soup is a rich and comforting dish combining tender chicken, fragrant garlic, and creamy Parmesan cheese in a flavorful broth. Perfect for chilly days, this easy-to-make soup features fresh herbs and optional greens like spinach or kale to add nutrition and color. Its creamy texture and savory flavors make it a delightful meal for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces (about 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

Optional Ingredients

2 cups fresh spinach or kale
Fresh parsley for garnish

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. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
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 on the outside and starts to turn golden.
Add broth and herbs: Pour in the chicken broth, then add dried thyme and dried basil. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes to allow flavors to meld and chicken to cook through completely.
Add cream and Parmesan: Reduce heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Gradually add grated Parmesan cheese about 1/4 cup at a time, stirring constantly until melted and the soup becomes creamy. To enhance texture, add the cheese slowly and stir well to prevent clumping.
Incorporate greens (optional): If using fresh spinach or kale, stir it in now and cook until wilted, approximately 1-2 minutes.
Adjust seasoning and serve: Taste the soup and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. Serve hot for best flavor.

Notes

Use freshly grated Parmesan from a block rather than pre-grated cheese for smoother melting and better texture.
Adding Parmesan cheese gradually and stirring constantly on low heat helps prevent cheese clumping in the soup.
Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream to create a lighter version of the soup.
Fresh spinach or kale adds both nutrition and vibrant color but can be omitted if preferred.
Required equipment includes a large pot or Dutch oven with 4-6 quart capacity for easy cooking.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Soup
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Keywords: Garlic Parmesan Chicken Soup, Creamy Chicken Soup, Hearty Chicken Soup, Parmesan Cheese Soup, Comfort Food, Easy Chicken Soup