If you’re craving something warm, comforting, and bursting with flavor, you have to try this Chicken Parmesan Soup with Mozzarella Croutons Recipe. It’s like all the best parts of chicken parmesan packed into a cozy bowl of soup! Trust me, once you make this, it’ll become your go-to for chilly nights or anytime you want a bowl of pure deliciousness.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich, Comforting Flavors: It combines tender chicken, savory broth, and tangy tomato with Italian herbs that truly satisfy.
Mozzarella Croutons Add Fun Texture: The melty, golden cheese-topped croutons on top take this from everyday soup to something very special.
Perfect Weeknight Dinner: It’s easy enough to whip up on a busy evening, but still feels like a treat.
Family Favorite: My whole crew goes crazy for this dish, especially once those cheesy croutons come out of the oven!

Two white bowls filled with a soup that has spiral pasta, chunks of cooked chicken, and a toasted square piece of melted cheese on top. The soup is a light brown broth with small pieces of tomato and sprinkled black pepper, along with fresh green basil leaves floating on the surface. One bowl has a silver spoon inside, and next to the bowls is a carton of chicken broth. The bowls sit on a white marbled surface with some loose basil leaves scattered around. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe blends pantry staples with fresh ingredients that complement each other beautifully. When you shop, try to find good quality chicken broth and fresh mozzarella—trust me, it makes all the difference.

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I like using fresh chicken breasts for juicy, tender chunks in the soup.
Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken and the soup—it pulls all the flavors together.
Garlic Powder & Dried Basil: Adds subtle Italian flair without overpowering the other ingredients.
Swanson Chicken Broth: Using a flavorful broth helps build depth in the soup base—homemade is even better if you have it.
Olive Oil: For cooking the onions and crispying up the croutons—go for extra virgin for richer taste.
Sweet Onion: Adds natural sweetness and balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
Garlic Cloves: Minced fresh garlic is a game-changer, so don’t skimp on this one.
Tomato Paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor for that classic parmesan taste.
Diced Fire Roasted Tomatoes: Adds smoky depth and a rustic texture.
Pasta: I prefer rotini or farfalle; they hold the broth well and blend nicely with the soup.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is best—it melts beautifully into the soup and adds a sharp, nutty flavor.
Fresh Basil Leaves: For a bright finish and aroma that really lifts the entire dish.
Bread Cubes: Use crusty bread cut into cubes—the base for the cheesy croutons that make this soup unforgettable.
Mozzarella Cheese: Sliced fresh mozzarella melts perfectly on the croutons, creating that stretchy, cheesy topping you’ll love.

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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 how this soup easily adapts to whatever you have on hand or your dietary needs. Feel free to make it your own — that’s part of the fun!

Vegetarian Version: Swap the chicken broth with vegetable broth and use a plant-based mozzarella for a delicious meatless spin.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking the onions if you want a little heat.
Different Pasta Shapes: Try orzo or small shells for a slightly different texture and fun variation.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and bread cubes to keep it safe without losing flavor.

How to Make Chicken Parmesan Soup with Mozzarella Croutons Recipe

Step 1: Roast the Chicken to Perfection

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Place the chicken breasts on a baking sheet and season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried basil. A little olive oil drizzle helps keep the chicken juicy and enhances browning. Bake for about 20 minutes until cooked through—aim for an internal temperature near 160°F so it stays tender and moist. Once it cools, cut the chicken into bite-sized cubes. This roasted chicken is packed with flavor and sets the stage for our soup.

Step 2: Prepare the Mozzarella Croutons

While the oven’s still hot, toss your bread cubes with olive oil on a baking sheet. Pop them in for 8 to 10 minutes until they start to turn golden and crisp. Then, remove the pan and layer each crouton with a slice of mozzarella cheese. Back into the oven they go for 2 to 3 minutes—watch them melt until bubbly and irresistible. Pro tip: if you’re short on time, you can toast the bread cubes earlier and just reheat with mozzarella right before serving!

Step 3: Build Your Flavorful Soup Base

Over medium heat in a large stock pot, warm olive oil and add diced onions, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and dried basil. Stir occasionally until the onions soften—about 5 to 6 minutes. Then stir in the tomato paste and cook it down for another 5 minutes. This step intensifies the tomato’s flavor, and the kitchen starts smelling amazing!

Step 4: Add Chicken, Tomatoes, Broth, and Pasta

Now it’s time to bring it all together. Add your roasted chicken cubes, fire-roasted diced tomatoes, and chicken broth to the pot. Bring the soup to a boil, then lower to a simmer. Stir in your pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes depending on the shape and size of pasta you use. The pasta soaks up the delicious flavors, making each bite comforting and hearty.

Step 5: Finish with Parmesan and Season Well

Once your pasta is tender, stir in the freshly grated parmesan cheese. This adds a creamy, salty richness that rounds out the soup’s flavor perfectly. Taste your soup and adjust salt and pepper as needed. This is where you make it just right for your palate.

Step 6: Serve with Mozzarella Croutons and Fresh Basil

Ladle the soup into bowls and top generously with those melty mozzarella croutons we made earlier. Sprinkle on some extra parmesan and a few fresh basil leaves. Serve hot and enjoy all the layers of flavor and textures coming together. I love this moment when the cheese oozes just right and the aroma fills the kitchen.

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Pro Tips for Making Chicken Parmesan Soup with Mozzarella Croutons Recipe

Roast Chicken Ahead: When I have extra time, I roast a couple of chicken breasts ahead to save time on soup day—it flavors the broth wonderfully, too.
Don’t Skip Toasting Bread: Toasting the bread cubes before adding mozzarella prevents sogginess and creates that perfect crouton texture.
Use Fresh Parmesan: A little grating fresh from the block shines through way more than pre-grated cheese.
Pasta Timing: Add pasta towards the end and don’t overcook it, so it retains a nice bite and doesn’t soak up all the broth.

How to Serve Chicken Parmesan Soup with Mozzarella Croutons Recipe

A white bowl filled with a rich red tomato soup, showing spiral pasta and chunks of light brown chicken in the broth. On top, there is a single toasted piece of bread with melted white cheese, slightly browned. Green fresh basil leaves are scattered on the surface, adding contrast with their vibrant color. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, accompanied by a few loose basil leaves and a carton of chicken broth at the top right corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually garnish this soup with a handful of fresh basil leaves and a final sprinkle of parmesan right before serving. It adds color and that fresh herbal punch I love. Plus, if you like, a drizzle of good quality olive oil makes it extra silky.

Side Dishes

Since the soup has bread cubes built in, I keep sides simple. A crisp green salad or steamed veggies with a squeeze of lemon complements everything nicely. If I want more carbs, garlic bread always pairs beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For entertaining, I like serving this soup in wide, shallow bowls with a mozzarella crouton perched on the rim—looks fancy but is super easy. You can also make mini servings in soup shooters as an appetizer for guests to enjoy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover soup keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I usually keep the mozzarella croutons separate and toast some fresh ones before reheating the soup so that the croutons stay crispy and melty fresh.

Freezing

I have frozen this soup successfully without adding the mozzarella croutons, since cheese-topped bread doesn’t freeze well. Freeze the soup in meal-size portions and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally so the soup heats evenly without drying out. Add fresh parmesan or basil before serving and top with new mozzarella croutons for the best experience.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of baking my own?

Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut. Just shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces and add it at the same step in the recipe. It saves time and still tastes fantastic.
What type of bread works best for mozzarella croutons?

I recommend crusty bread like a baguette or sourdough. It toasts up nicely, holds the cheese well, and adds a satisfying crunch that contrasts perfectly with the soup’s broth and pasta.
Is there a way to make this soup dairy-free?

Yes! Swap the parmesan and mozzarella for dairy-free alternatives or nutritional yeast. Keep in mind that the cheesy flavor won’t be quite the same, but you’ll still get tons of savory goodness from the other ingredients.
Can I prepare the soup in a slow cooker?

Definitely! Brown the chicken and sauté the onions and garlic first, then add everything except the pasta and cheese to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours, then add the pasta and cheese near the end so they don’t overcook.
How long do mozzarella croutons stay fresh?

They’re best eaten immediately, but you can keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for a few hours. If you need to store, toast fresh bread and add mozzarella just before serving to get that melty texture every time.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Parmesan Soup with Mozzarella Croutons Recipe has become a favorite in my kitchen because it combines everything I love—rich Italian flavors, satisfying textures, and the warm feeling of comfort food. I’m always excited when I make it because my family digs right in, reaching for seconds and asking for leftovers. I hope you enjoy it just as much and find yourself making it your own cozy classic too!