If you’re craving the comfort of Chicken Parmesan but want something cozy and warm in a bowl, I’ve got you covered with my Chicken Parmesan Soup with Mozzarella Croutons Recipe. It’s one of those meals that feels like a big, flavorful hug—think tender chicken, tangy tomato broth, cheesy pasta, and crusty, melty mozzarella croutons on top. This soup quickly became a favorite in my kitchen, and I’m excited to share it with you because it’s simple, satisfying, and absolutely delicious.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward and perfect for busy weeknights, but the results feel special.
Ultimate Comfort Food: It combines all the best elements of chicken parmesan in a cozy, heartwarming soup.
Mozzarella Croutons Magic: The crispy, melty cheese-topped croutons take the soup to a whole new level of yum.
Versatile and Customizable: You can tweak the ingredients and textures easily to suit your taste or what you have on hand.

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 without recipe, Chicken Parmesan Soup, cheesy chicken soup, hearty Italian soup, mozzarella croutons recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Chicken Parmesan Soup with Mozzarella Croutons Recipe are simple but powerful. Each one brings the classic chicken parmesan flavors into a warm, slurpable form that’s incredibly satisfying. When shopping, look for good-quality chicken breasts and fresh mozzarella to truly elevate the dish.

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 without recipe, Chicken Parmesan Soup, cheesy chicken soup, hearty Italian soup, mozzarella croutons recipe

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Using breast meat keeps the soup lean and tender; I like to bake them for juicy pieces.
Salt and pepper: Essential to season your chicken and soup properly—don’t be shy with the salt here.
Garlic powder and dried basil: These bring in that familiar Italian flavor that’s key to chicken parmesan.
Swanson Chicken Broth: I find this adds a rich, clean baseline that carries all flavors perfectly.
Olive oil: For sautéing and crisping—quality olive oil makes a big difference in flavor.
Sweet onion and garlic cloves: Aromatics that deepen the savory backbone of the soup.
Tomato paste and diced fire roasted tomatoes: They add robust tomato flavor and a slight smoky kick that’s delicious.
Pasta (rotini or farfalle): I like shapes that hold onto broth well; you can swap for your favorite small pasta.
Finely grated parmesan cheese: Parmesan melts beautifully into the soup, adding nutty, salty richness.
Fresh basil leaves: Fresh herbs brighten the soup and make it pop at the end.
Bread cubes: The base for your mozzarella croutons—choose a rustic bread for best texture.
Mozzarella cheese slices: Melts delightfully on top of the croutons, creating that gooey, cheesy finish you’ll love.

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

Over time, I’ve learned how fun it is to personalize this Chicken Parmesan Soup with Mozzarella Croutons Recipe. You can absolutely tweak it to your family’s preferences or dietary needs without losing any of that cozy flavor.

Gluten-Free Version: Swap regular pasta for gluten-free or use spiralized zucchini for a low-carb twist. The soup still tastes amazing!
Spicy Kick: I sometimes add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the onions to give it a subtle heat that wakes up the flavors.
Vegetable Boost: Adding chopped spinach or mushrooms during the simmering step gives it extra nutrition and texture.
Slow Cooker Method: I’ve made this in a slow cooker by baking the chicken separately and adding everything together for an all-day slow simmer.

How to Make Chicken Parmesan Soup with Mozzarella Croutons Recipe

Step 1: Perfectly Bake Your Chicken

Preheat your oven to 400°F. Place the chicken breasts on a baking sheet and sprinkle them evenly with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried basil. Drizzle a bit of olive oil over the top to keep things juicy and flavorful. Bake for about 20 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temp of 160°F (it’ll finish cooking as it rests). Once cooled, cut into bite-sized cubes. This method gives you tender, flavor-packed chicken without fuss.

Step 2: Make Your Mozzarella Croutons

While the oven’s hot, toss your bread cubes with a little olive oil on a baking sheet and bake for 8 to 10 minutes until they’re just starting to get golden and crisp. Then, top each cube with a slice of mozzarella cheese and pop the pan back in the oven for 2-3 minutes until the cheese bubbles and melts beautifully. Here’s a tip: if you want to prep ahead, you can toast the bread cubes earlier and just add the mozzarella right before serving.

Step 3: Build the Flavorful Soup Base

Heat a large pot over medium heat and add olive oil. Toss in the diced onion, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and dried basil. Cook, stirring often, for 5-6 minutes until the onions soften and turn translucent. Stir in the tomato paste and let it cook for another 5 minutes—it deepens that rich tomato flavor that’s so key here.

Step 4: Combine and Simmer

Add your cubed chicken, canned fire-roasted diced tomatoes (with juice), and the chicken broth to the pot. Bring everything to a boil, then lower to a simmer. Add the pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes (adjust depending on your pasta type). Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Once the pasta is al dente, stir in the parmesan cheese which will melt into the broth, giving the soup amazing flavor and creaminess.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

Ladle the soup into bowls and top each with a couple of those glorious mozzarella croutons. Sprinkle extra parmesan and fresh basil leaves over the top for a final fragrant, cheesy flourish. Serve it immediately so those croutons stay delightfully melty and slightly crispy on the edges.

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Pro Tips for Making Chicken Parmesan Soup with Mozzarella Croutons Recipe

Perfect Chicken Texture: Baking the chicken instead of boiling keeps it juicy and tender, avoiding that rubbery texture.
Mozzarella Croutons Timing: Toast the bread first, then add mozzarella only at the end to prevent sogginess and get that perfect melt.
Adjust Pasta Cooking: Since the pasta will soak in soup, cook it just to al dente to avoid mushiness after reheating.
Seasoning Balance: Always taste before serving; since broth and cheese add saltiness, adjust seasoning at the end to keep flavors balanced.

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 without recipe, Chicken Parmesan Soup, cheesy chicken soup, hearty Italian soup, mozzarella croutons recipe

Garnishes

I love finishing this soup with extra parmesan and fresh basil leaves—adds brightness and that fresh herbal aroma that makes every spoonful taste vibrant. If you’re feeling fancy, a drizzle of good olive oil or a sprinkle of cracked red pepper flakes is amazing too.

Side Dishes

Since this soup already has bread in its croutons, I usually keep sides light—like a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette or some roasted veggies. But if you want to go all out, a simple garlic bread or a side of roasted asparagus complements it beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, try serving this soup in hollowed-out mini bread bowls for that wow factor—it’s like an edible bowl that adds extra crunch and flavor. You can also arrange the mozzarella croutons artfully on top and garnish with extra fresh basil sprigs for a lovely presentation that impresses guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I keep the mozzarella croutons separate because their texture softens quickly—reheat them just before serving to maintain that crisp-cheesy magic.

Freezing

This Chicken Parmesan Soup with Mozzarella Croutons Recipe freezes well without the croutons. Freeze the soup in portions for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

Reheat your soup gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth or water if it seems too thick. For the best experience, wait to add mozzarella croutons until just before serving so they stay crispy and melty.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this Chicken Parmesan Soup with Mozzarella Croutons Recipe?

Absolutely! If you have leftover cooked chicken, just cube it and add it when you add the broth and tomatoes. This can save you time and still deliver great flavor, though baking fresh chicken adds a little extra moisture and texture I love.
What’s the best type of bread for mozzarella croutons?

I prefer a rustic or artisan bread like a baguette or sourdough because it has a nice sturdy texture that toasts beautifully without getting soggy fast. Avoid very soft sandwich breads as they can turn mushy quickly.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes! Replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth and skip the chicken, or swap in plant-based chicken alternatives. Adding more hearty veggies like mushrooms or beans helps boost the body and texture.
How do I prevent the pasta from getting mushy?

Cook the pasta just until al dente and avoid overcooking. If making ahead, consider undercooking the pasta slightly since it will continue softening when stored.
Can I prepare the mozzarella croutons in advance?

Definitely! Toast the bread cubes ahead of time and keep them in an airtight container. When ready to serve, add the mozzarella slices and warm quickly in the oven until melty. This saves you time on serving day.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Parmesan Soup with Mozzarella Croutons Recipe truly feels like a homemade hug. I’ve found that it’s perfect whether you’re feeling under the weather, need an easy weeknight dinner, or want to wow guests with comfort food that’s a little unexpected. Trust me—you’ll love how the cheesy, tomatoey, herby flavors come together so beautifully. Give it a try soon; I guarantee your family and friends will ask for seconds (and the recipe!).