If you’re craving comfort with a little Italian twist, I’ve got something you’re going to adore. This Chicken Parmesan Soup with Mozzarella Croutons Recipe is an absolute game-changer in my kitchen — a cozy bowl packed with hearty chicken, delicious herbs, tender pasta, and those melty mozzarella-topped croutons that steal the show every single time. Trust me, once you try this, it’s going to become your go-to for chilly nights or when you need a big flavorful hug in a bowl.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Comfort Food with a Twist: It’s like your favorite chicken parm, but in a warm, slurpable soup form.
Mozzarella Croutons: These add a gooey, cheesy crunch that’s totally addictive.
Simple Ingredients: You probably have almost everything on hand, making it an easy weeknight winner.
Family Favorite: My crew goes nuts for this—perfect for picky eaters who love pasta and cheese.

The dish shows a close-up of a layered pasta meal in a white bowl on a white marbled surface. The top layer is a thick square of melted cheese, golden and bubbly with light brown spots. Underneath the cheese, there's a crispy toasted layer with a light golden color. Surrounding this is a rich red tomato sauce with visible bits of herbs and spices. Scattered around are spiral pasta pieces, pale yellow with a slightly soft texture. Bright green fresh basil leaves add a pop of color near the center. The overall look is warm, cheesy, and richly textured. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Chicken Parmesan Soup with Mozzarella Croutons, Italian chicken soup, cheesy chicken noodle soup, comfort food recipes, hearty Italian soup

Ingredients You’ll Need

For this Chicken Parmesan Soup with Mozzarella Croutons Recipe, I like to use fresh, simple ingredients that layer flavor without fuss. Trust me, the fire-roasted tomatoes bring a subtle smoky sweetness that really elevates the broth.

Flat lay of boneless skinless chicken breasts with natural texture and pale pink color, a sweet whole onion with unpeeled papery skin, three whole garlic cloves with white cloves and papery husks, a small white ceramic bowl filled with bright red tomato paste, a small white ceramic bowl of golden olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl of coarse salt crystals, a small white ceramic bowl of ground black pepper, a small white ceramic bowl of dried basil leaves, a small white ceramic bowl of fire roasted diced tomatoes showing tomato chunks with charred bits, uncooked farfalle pasta with characteristic bowtie shapes and smooth pale yellow surface, fresh whole basil leaves with vibrant green color, finely grated pale yellow parmesan cheese in a small white ceramic bowl, several evenly cut bread cubes with natural crust and soft crumb in a simple white ceramic bowl, several thin slices of fresh white mozzarella cheese stacked neatly, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Chicken Parmesan Soup with Mozzarella Croutons, Italian chicken soup, cheesy chicken noodle soup, comfort food recipes, hearty Italian soup

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Look for even-sized pieces so they cook uniformly, and bake them just until juicy.
Salt, pepper, garlic powder, dried basil: These seasonings pack all the classic Italian notes—don’t skip them!
Swanson Chicken Broth: A rich, flavorful base that forms the heart of the soup.
Olive oil: For roasting and sauteing, it adds a nice depth without overpowering.
Sweet onion: Diced finely for that gentle sweetness melting into the broth.
Garlic cloves: Minced fresh garlic always beats jarred—adds that punch of warmth and aroma.
Tomato paste: This gives a concentrated tomato flavor and thickens the soup a bit.
Diced fire roasted tomatoes: Adds texture and a smoky zing enhances the overall flavor.
Pasta (rotini or farfalle): Pick little shapes that hold onto broth well—you’ll want to scoop up every last drop!
Finely grated Parmesan cheese: Stirred in to give that classic salty, nutty pop inside the soup.
Fresh basil leaves: For topping—adds fresh, herbal brightness to each bite.
Bread cubes: Cubed and toasted right on the baking sheet for a little crunch base.
Sliced mozzarella cheese: Melted over the croutons for that ooey-gooey finish that makes this soup unforgettable.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love making this Chicken Parmesan Soup with Mozzarella Croutons Recipe my own depending on what I have in the fridge or dietary needs—feel free to tweak it to your taste!

Vegetarian version: I swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and add hearty mushrooms or eggplant chunks—they soak up that rich flavor beautifully.
Spicy kick: Toss in a pinch of red chili flakes when sautéing the onions and garlic to give the soup a subtle heat that wakes up your senses.
Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free pasta and gluten-free bread cubes for croutons—still delicious with little effort.
Extra veggies: Sometimes I sneak in finely chopped spinach or zucchini for added nutrition without changing the texture much.

How to Make Chicken Parmesan Soup with Mozzarella Croutons Recipe

Step 1: Roast the Chicken to Juicy Perfection

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lay your chicken breasts on a baking sheet and sprinkle them with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried basil for that classic Italian seasoning. A drizzle of olive oil helps keep the chicken moist while roasting. Pop them into the oven for about 20 minutes or until the internal temperature hits 160°F; you want them cooked but still juicy since they’ll finish cooking in the soup later. When cool, cut the chicken into bite-sized cubes. This roasting method gives you tender, flavorful chicken every single time — no drying out here!

Step 2: Toast and Cheese Up Your Croutons

While the chicken’s in the oven, take your bread cubes and spread them out on another baking sheet. Give them a good drizzle of olive oil and bake for 8 to 10 minutes until they start turning golden and crisp. Then, pull them out and place a slice of mozzarella on top of each cube. Pop them back in the oven for 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese melts beautifully. Pro tip: If you want to prep ahead, you can toast the bread cubes earlier, then just reheat them with mozzarella before serving. These croutons are the crowning glory of this Chicken Parmesan Soup with Mozzarella Croutons Recipe!

Step 3: Build the Soup Base

Heat a large stock pot over medium heat and add olive oil. Toss in your diced onion and minced garlic along with salt, pepper, and dried basil. Stir often as the onions soften and become translucent—about 5 to 6 minutes. Then stir in the tomato paste and cook it down for 5 minutes. This slow cooking step develops deep flavor that’s the secret to a rich soup.

Step 4: Simmer the Soup to Comfort Perfection

Next, add your roasted chicken cubes, diced fire-roasted tomatoes, and chicken broth. Bring everything up to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Toss in your pasta and cook according to the package instructions—usually 8 to 10 minutes—stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Near the end, stir in your Parmesan cheese, which adds that signature salty richness that makes you swoon. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Your kitchen is going to smell incredible at this point!

Step 5: Serve It Up and Enjoy!

Ladle the soup into bowls and top each with a few mozzarella croutons, extra Parmesan cheese, and fresh basil leaves for that pop of color and herbal brightness. Serve it piping hot and watch everyone’s faces light up. This soup is cozy, cheesy, and downright satisfying.

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Pro Tips for Making Chicken Parmesan Soup with Mozzarella Croutons Recipe

Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Baking it to 160°F keeps it juicy since it’ll cook more in the soup.
Mozzarella Crouton Magic: Use fresh mozzarella slices for the best melt—not shredded—so it melts evenly on each crouton.
Tomato Paste Boost: Don’t skip sauteing the tomato paste—it adds a beautiful depth you can’t get by just dumping it in raw.
Pasta Timing: Add pasta last and keep an eye so it’s perfectly al dente and not mushy.

How to Serve Chicken Parmesan Soup with Mozzarella Croutons Recipe

The image shows two white bowls filled with a rich soup on a white marbled surface. Each bowl has three main layers: the bottom layer is a reddish-brown broth, slightly thick with visible seasoning. The middle layer has yellow spiral pasta mixed with chunks of cooked light brown meat and small pieces of green basil leaves scattered on top. The top layer features a square piece of melted cheese with a light golden-brown crust. A silver spoon is placed inside the front bowl, resting on the edge. Nearby, there is a partially visible carton of chicken broth and two fresh basil leaves on the surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Chicken Parmesan Soup with Mozzarella Croutons, Italian chicken soup, cheesy chicken noodle soup, comfort food recipes, hearty Italian soup

Garnishes

I swear by fresh basil leaves for garnish—it adds such a lovely herbal freshness that cuts through the richness. I also sprinkle extra finely grated Parmesan cheese right on top for that salty finish. A drizzle of good olive oil at the end is something I sometimes do for a bit of silky flavor uplift.

Side Dishes

This soup is pretty filling on its own, but if you want to make a full meal, I like pairing it with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette or some garlic roasted veggies. Sometimes a crusty loaf of Italian bread works wonders for dunking.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, I like serving the soup in mini crocks and placing the mozzarella crouton on top just before serving so they stay perfectly melty and impressive. You could even assemble the croutons on small skewers as a fun garnish side and let guests add them themselves!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The pasta tends to soak up the broth, so I like to add a splash of broth or water when reheating to loosen it up again.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this soup before, but I recommend freezing it without the mozzarella croutons—they don’t freeze well. You can freeze the soup in portions and add freshly toasted croutons just before serving once thawed.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If it’s thickened too much, add a bit of broth or water. I always add fresh mozzarella croutons last minute after reheating for that fresh, melty goodness.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! If you have leftover roasted chicken or rotisserie chicken, simply shred or cube it and add it to the soup when you combine the broth and tomatoes. Just reduce the simmering time slightly since your chicken is already cooked.
What kind of bread works best for mozzarella croutons?

I prefer sturdy bread like a rustic Italian loaf, baguette, or sourdough—it holds up well to toasting and won’t get too soggy under the melted mozzarella. Avoid super soft sandwich bread for best results.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

You can! Brown the chicken and sauté the onions and garlic on the stove first, then add everything to the slow cooker except the pasta and cheese. Cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours. Add pasta about 30 minutes before serving to avoid mushiness, then stir in cheese just before serving.
Is this soup kid-friendly?

Definitely! The comforting flavors of chicken, pasta, and cheese are usually a hit with kids. You can keep it mild or add extra herbs for adult palates. Plus, the mozzarella croutons are always a crowd-pleaser.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Chicken Parmesan Soup with Mozzarella Croutons Recipe brings together all those cozy, comforting flavors with a cheesy punch that feels special but is so easy to pull off. When I first made it, I was stunned by how something so simple could taste so rich and layered. Now, it’s a recipe I keep coming back to time and again, whether it’s for a casual dinner or when I want to impress friends without stress. Give it a try—you’ll enjoy every spoonful as much as I do, I promise!