Description
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Soup is a comforting and creamy dish perfect for chilly days. Made with tender chicken breast, aromatic garlic, fresh spinach or kale, and rich Parmesan cheese, this soup blends wholesome ingredients into a flavorful, satisfying 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 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
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- 2 cups fresh spinach or kale (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté 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 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, and add dried thyme and dried basil. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes to allow flavors to meld and ensure chicken cooks through completely.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Reduce heat to low. Stir in heavy cream. Gradually add grated Parmesan cheese about 1/4 cup at a time, stirring constantly until melted and soup is creamy.
- Add Greens (Optional) and Season: If using, stir in fresh spinach or kale until wilted, about 1-2 minutes. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve: Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. Serve hot.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan from a block instead of pre-grated for smoother melting and better texture.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half.
- You can substitute spinach with kale or omit greens if preferred.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- 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 recipe, stovetop soup, comforting soup
