Amazing Cozy Chicken Parmesan Pasta Soup
A Creamy Delight in a Bowl
Once upon a time, in a charming kitchen filled with love and laughter, a girl found her passion for cooking under the warm guidance of her family. Each day, vibrant memories were created, from stirring pots filled with rich flavors to the encouraging laughter shared over simmering meals. Today, as she continues this journey from her home in Orlando, she invites you to embrace this Cozy Chicken Parmesan Pasta Soup. This dish is an ode to those culinary lessons, combining the heartwarming aroma of classic Italian flavors with the comforting embrace of a homemade soup, perfect for sharing with close friends and family.
Quick Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Servings: 6
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Best Season: Fall and Winter
What Makes This Dish Shine
Rich and Comforting Flavors: The combination of creamy basil milk, tender chicken, and savory spices creates a warm hug for your taste buds. Each spoonful is like a cozy blanket, making it perfect for chilly evenings.
Easy Preparation: This Cozy Chicken Parmesan Pasta Soup is beginner-friendly, requiring minimal advance skills. Just follow the simple steps, and soon enough, you’ll have a hearty meal on the table in no time.
Versatile Ingredients: You can adjust the ingredients based on what you have at home or even cater to specific dietary preferences. Feel free to substitute or add seasonal vegetables to make it your own!
Perfect for Sharing: Gather your loved ones around the table, and let this dish serve as the centerpiece of warmth and connection. It’s the kind of soup that fosters shared stories, laughter, and joyful memories.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 large onion (finely chopped)
- 3 stalks celery (diced small)
- 4 cloves garlic (finely minced)
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 8 cups chicken broth (plus more as needed)
- 12 ounces carrots (peeled and sliced)
- 2-3 bay leaves
- ¼ teaspoon turmeric
- ½ teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1½ cups uncooked ditalini pasta
- 2 cups whole milk
- 4 ounces grated Parmesan cheese
- 2½ cups shredded cooked chicken
- 2 teaspoons fresh rosemary (finely chopped)
- ¼ cup fresh parsley (finely chopped)
Ingredient Insights
- Butter: Use unsalted for better control over salt levels in your dish.
- Onion and Celery: Fresh vegetables provide the base flavor. Choose firm, vibrant produce for the best results.
- Ditalini Pasta: This small pasta shape is perfect for soup, but you can use any small pasta if preferred.
- Fresh Herbs: Fresh rosemary and parsley elevate the flavor profile and add a burst of freshness.
Cooking Steps to Create Culinary Magic
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ditalini pasta for about 8 minutes until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- In a large pot over medium-low heat, melt the butter. Add the finely chopped onion and diced celery, cooking together for about three minutes until softened.
- Stir in the minced garlic, continuing to cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed vegetables, mixing thoroughly to combine.
- Gradually pour in the chicken broth, ensuring there are no lumps. Add sliced carrots, bay leaves, turmeric, sweet paprika, and kosher salt. Bring to a gentle boil and simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes, or until carrots are tender.
- Stir in the milk and let it gently simmer for a couple of minutes.
- Lower the heat and add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.
- Mix in the shredded cooked chicken, cooked pasta, chopped rosemary, and parsley. Adjust salt and add more broth if needed for consistency.
- Allow the soup to rest for 15 minutes before serving, and be sure to remove the bay leaves.
Pro Pointers for Best Results
- Flavor Depth: For a deeper flavor, consider adding a splash of lemon juice before serving to brighten up the soup.
- Timing: Perfectly cooked pasta should finish in the soup without becoming mushy, so monitor the cooking times closely.
- Consistency Control: If the soup thickens too much while resting, gradually stir in more broth during reheating.
Variations to Try
- Vegan Version: Substitute chicken with chickpeas or lentils and use plant-based milk along with veggie broth for a delicious vegan take on this soup.
- Spicy Kick: Incorporate red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a spicy twist, perfect for those who enjoy a bit of heat.
- Creamy Mushroom Blend: Add sautéed mushrooms for additional earthiness and umami flavor, enriching the overall dish.
- Regional Twist: Consider adding ingredients like diced tomatoes for a southern Italian twist or peas for a little pop of color and flavor.
Perfect Pairings
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty garlic bread or a simple arugula salad tossed with olive oil and lemon. For drinks, consider serving a refreshing lemonade or a chilled glass of iced tea to balance the comforting warmth of the soup.
Make-Ahead & Freezer Tips
You can easily prep this soup in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze it in freezer-safe containers for up to three months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth for the perfect consistency.
Serving This Dish Beautifully
When serving, ladle the soup into bowls and top each with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or extra Parmesan cheese. Serve with a side of crusty bread to soak up every delicious drop, ensuring a cozy, inviting atmosphere at your table.
Kitchen Secrets to Keep in Mind
- Sautéing Vegetables: Take your time to sauté the onions and celery enough to develop their flavor. A little patience goes a long way in enhancing the overall taste.
- Quality Ingredients: Using high-quality chicken broth and fresh herbs can significantly elevate the flavor of your soup.
- Adjust to Taste: Don’t hesitate to adjust seasonings based on personal preference. Cooking is all about making a dish your own!
Storage and Reheating Techniques
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. To reheat, use the microwave for single servings, or gently warm on the stovetop over medium heat, adding small amounts of water or broth to maintain texture and prevent sticking.
Questions Often Asked
Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken instead?
Yes! It’s a great way to save time and adds a delicious flavor to the soup.What kind of pasta works best?
Ditalini is ideal, but you can also use macaroni or any small pasta shape you love.How can I thicken the soup?
If you prefer a thicker consistency, you can add a slurry of cornstarch mixed with cold water.Can I make this soup in advance?
Absolutely! It stores well in the fridge and even freezes nicely.What should I do if it’s too salty?
Add a splash of water or a bit of cream to help balance the saltiness.Is this recipe gluten-free?
You can easily make it gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta and flour.What’s the best way to freeze it?
Freeze in portion-sized airtight containers for convenient reheating later.
Nutrition Info
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 480
- Protein: 30g
- Carbs: 48g
- Fat: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 4g
Nutrition facts are estimates and may vary based on ingredients and portion sizes.
Warm Reflection
As you embrace this comforting recipe, let it become a part of your family traditions. Cooking is more than just combining ingredients; it’s about infusing love and memories into each bite. Enjoy this Cozy Chicken Parmesan Pasta Soup with those you cherish, and allow it to bring warmth to your table and joy to your heart.
Ending on a Delicious Note
We believe that food should always welcome joy, connection, and a sprinkle of love. Dive into this Cozy Chicken Parmesan Pasta Soup and share it with those who matter most. Inspire others by pinning this recipe and spreading the joy of cooking your comfort dish. So gather around, enjoy every spoonful, and create your own happy memories in the kitchen!
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Cozy Chicken Parmesan Pasta Soup
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A heartwarming soup combining creamy basil milk, tender chicken, and savory spices, perfect for chilly evenings.
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 large onion (finely chopped)
- 3 stalks celery (diced small)
- 4 cloves garlic (finely minced)
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 8 cups chicken broth (plus more as needed)
- 12 ounces carrots (peeled and sliced)
- 2–3 bay leaves
- ¼ teaspoon turmeric
- ½ teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1½ cups uncooked ditalini pasta
- 2 cups whole milk
- 4 ounces grated Parmesan cheese
- 2½ cups shredded cooked chicken
- 2 teaspoons fresh rosemary (finely chopped)
- ¼ cup fresh parsley (finely chopped)
Instructions
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ditalini pasta for about 8 minutes until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- In a large pot over medium-low heat, melt the butter. Add the finely chopped onion and diced celery, cooking together for about three minutes until softened.
- Stir in the minced garlic, continuing to cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed vegetables, mixing thoroughly to combine.
- Gradually pour in the chicken broth, ensuring there are no lumps. Add sliced carrots, bay leaves, turmeric, sweet paprika, and kosher salt. Bring to a gentle boil and simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes, or until carrots are tender.
- Stir in the milk and let it gently simmer for a couple of minutes.
- Lower the heat and add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.
- Mix in the shredded cooked chicken, cooked pasta, chopped rosemary, and parsley. Adjust salt and add more broth if needed for consistency.
- Allow the soup to rest for 15 minutes before serving, and be sure to remove the bay leaves.
Notes
For a deeper flavor, consider adding a splash of lemon juice before serving. Monitor cooking times closely to prevent the pasta from becoming mushy.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
