Cozy Chicken Parmesan Noodle Soup

Directions for Making Cozy Chicken Parmesan Noodle Soup

1. Sauté the Chicken: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken breast, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add a bit more olive oil if needed, and sauté the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery until softened, about 5–7 minutes.
3. Add the Tomatoes and Broth: Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and chicken broth. Add Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste.
4. Simmer the Soup: Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15–20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
5. Add the Pasta: Stir in the pasta and cook until tender, about 8–10 minutes. Add more broth if needed to keep the soup at your desired consistency.
6. Add the Chicken and Parmesan: Return the cooked chicken to the pot and stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and incorporated.
7. Serve and Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh basil or parsley, and add a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese if desired.

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Tips for Making the Best Chicken Parmesan Noodle Soup

1. Use Freshly Grated Parmesan

Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts better and adds a bolder flavor than pre-grated varieties. It’s worth the extra effort to grate it yourself for this soup.

2. Adjust the Consistency

If you prefer a thicker soup, reduce the broth slightly or let it simmer uncovered for a bit longer. For a thinner soup, simply add a bit more broth as it cooks.

3. Choose Your Favorite Pasta

Short pasta shapes like rotini or penne work well, but feel free to use any small pasta you have on hand. Just be mindful of the cooking time, as different pasta shapes cook at different rates.

4. Garnish Generously

Fresh herbs like basil or parsley, a sprinkle of Parmesan, and even a drizzle of olive oil can elevate the presentation and flavor of the soup.

Recipe Swaps and Variations

• Make it Creamier: For an extra creamy version, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a spoonful of cream cheese before serving.
• Vegetarian Option: Skip the chicken and use vegetable broth, adding more vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach.
• Add More Cheese: For a true Chicken Parmesan flavor, top each bowl with shredded mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan right before serving.

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How to Store Leftover Soup

This soup is perfect for leftovers:

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: For longer storage, allow the soup to cool completely, then freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Note that pasta may soften upon reheating, so consider cooking the pasta separately if you plan to freeze.
• Reheating Tips: Reheat on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave. Add a little extra broth if the soup has thickened too much.