Chicken Parmesan Meatball Soup – A Cozy, Cheesy Comfort Dish!

This Chicken Parmesan Meatball Soup is the perfect blend of savory, cheesy, and hearty flavors in one comforting bowl. Imagine juicy chicken meatballs, simmered in a rich tomato broth, topped with melty mozzarella cheese, and served with crispy garlic bread or pasta—it’s everything you love about Chicken Parmesan in soup form!

Ready in under 40 minutes, this dish is kid-friendly, meal-prep friendly, and can be made low-carb or gluten-free. Whether you’re craving a cozy weeknight dinner or something to warm you up on a chilly day, this soup delivers all the comfort without the hassle of frying!

Ingredients

For the Chicken Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground chicken (or turkey)
• ½ cup breadcrumbs (or almond flour for a low-carb option)
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for browning)

For the Soup:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• ½ teaspoon sugar (balances acidity, optional)
• ½ cup heavy cream (optional, for a creamy version)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
• ¼ cup fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

For Serving (Optional):

• Cooked pasta (penne, rigatoni, or orzo)
• Garlic bread or breadsticks
• Extra Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Meatballs

1. In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Mix until just combined.
2. Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs (about 20-24 total).
3. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add meatballs and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until browned. Remove and set aside. (They will finish cooking in the soup.)

Step 2: Make the Soup Base

4. In the same pot, add 1 tablespoon olive oil and sauté onions until soft (about 3-4 minutes).
5. Add garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes, stirring for 30 seconds until fragrant.
6. Stir in crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, tomato paste, and sugar. Bring to a gentle simmer.

Step 3: Simmer the Meatballs

7. Return the browned meatballs to the pot and let simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
8. If using, add heavy cream for a creamy version and stir well.

Step 4: Add Cheese & Serve

9. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the soup and cover with a lid for 2-3 minutes to melt the cheese.
10. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and extra Parmesan.
11. Serve hot with garlic bread or pasta for a complete meal!

Notes

• Want extra crispy meatballs? Air-fry them at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes instead of pan-frying.
• Prefer a thicker soup? Add ½ cup cooked orzo or ditalini pasta directly to the soup.
• Make it low-carb by skipping the breadcrumbs and pasta, and using almond flour in the meatballs.

Details

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4-6 servings
• Category: Soup, Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian-American
• Diet: Can be made gluten-free, low-carb
• Keywords: chicken meatball soup, parmesan soup, cozy soup recipe

Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Mixing bowls
• Wooden spoon
• Ladle

Helpful Tips for the Best Chicken Parmesan Meatball Soup

1. Use Ground Turkey or Beef for a Flavor Twist

• Swap ground chicken for turkey for a slightly richer taste.
• Want a classic taste? Use ground beef, but adjust seasonings accordingly.

2. Don’t Overmix the Meatballs

• Overmixing makes meatballs dense and tough. Mix just until combined for light, tender meatballs.

3. Brown the Meatballs for More Flavor

• Browning the meatballs locks in juices and gives them a crispy, golden crust. This step adds depth to the soup.

4. Adjust the Thickness of the Soup

• Want a thicker soup? Let it simmer longer or stir in cooked pasta or orzo.
• Prefer a lighter broth? Add ½ cup extra chicken broth before serving.

5. Make it Spicy or Milder

• Love heat? Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
• Want a milder soup? Reduce the garlic and Italian seasoning slightly.

6. Add Cheese for Extra Indulgence

• For extra cheesiness, broil mozzarella on top for a crispy, golden finish.
• Stir in ricotta cheese before serving for a creamy, rich texture.

7. Serve with the Right Sides

• Garlic bread, breadsticks, or crostini for dipping.
• Pasta (penne, orzo, or rigatoni) stirred in for a heartier meal.
• Zoodles (zucchini noodles) for a low-carb option.

8. Make it Ahead for Meal Prep

• Meatballs and broth taste even better the next day as the flavors meld.
• Store soup in portions for easy reheating during busy weeknights.

9. Store & Freeze Properly

• Refrigerate for up to 4 days in an airtight container.
• Freeze for up to 3 months, storing meatballs and broth separately for best texture.

10. Reheat Without Losing Texture

• Stovetop: Simmer gently over medium-low heat to avoid overcooking.
• Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.

Conservation and Storage for Chicken Parmesan Meatball Soup

To keep your Chicken Parmesan Meatball Soup fresh and delicious, follow these storage and reheating tips!

Short-Term Storage (Refrigerator – Up to 4 Days)

✔ Cool Before Storing: Allow the soup to cool to room temperature before placing it in a container to prevent condensation.
✔ Use an Airtight Container: Store in a sealed container to lock in freshness and prevent absorbing fridge odors.
✔ Keep Refrigerated: Store in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Avoid leaving soup at room temperature for more than 2 hours, as it can spoil quickly.

Reheating Instructions

Best Method – Stovetop (Recommended)
Reheat soup over medium-low heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Quick Method – Microwave
Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until warm.

If the soup has thickened, add a little extra broth or water to loosen it while reheating.

Freezing Instructions (Up to 3 Months – Best for Meal Prep!)

Freeze Meatballs and Soup Separately (Best Texture)

1. Let the meatballs and broth cool separately before freezing.
2. Place meatballs in a freezer-safe bag and remove excess air.
3. Pour soup broth into a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag.
4. Label with the date and store for up to 3 months.

Freeze Soup as a Whole Meal (Slight Texture Change)

• If freezing everything together, the texture of the meatballs and cheese may soften slightly but will still taste great!

Thawing & Reheating Frozen Soup

• Thaw Overnight in the Fridge: Move the frozen soup and meatballs to the fridge the night before serving.
• Reheat on Stovetop: Simmer over medium heat until warm, adding extra broth if needed.
• Reheat from Frozen (No Thawing Needed!):
  • Air fry frozen meatballs at 350°F for 5-7 minutes or reheat directly in the soup.
  • Heat frozen soup on low heat, stirring occasionally.

Avoid microwaving from frozen—this may lead to uneven heating.

Best Practices for Fresh-Tasting Soup

✔ Store in airtight containers to prevent freezer burn.
✔ Freeze in portions for easy single servings.
✔ Add fresh cheese after reheating for the best texture.

Substitutions and Variations for Chicken Parmesan Meatball Soup

This Chicken Parmesan Meatball Soup is super versatile! Whether you want a healthier version, a different protein, or a fun twist, here are some easy substitutions and variations to customize your soup.

Substitutions

1. Meat Substitutes

• Ground Turkey – A leaner, slightly lighter alternative to chicken.
• Ground Beef – For a richer, more classic Italian meatball flavor.
• Ground Pork – Adds extra juiciness and depth.
• Plant-Based Meat – Use Impossible™ or Beyond Meat™ for a vegetarian version.

2. Breadcrumb Alternatives (Gluten-Free/Low-Carb Options)

• Almond Flour – Perfect for a low-carb or keto-friendly soup.
• Crushed Pork Rinds – Adds crunch and flavor (great for keto).
• Oats or Cooked Quinoa – A healthier, fiber-rich alternative.

3. Cheese Substitutes

• Pecorino Romano – A sharper, saltier cheese alternative to Parmesan.
• Nutritional Yeast – A dairy-free substitute for a cheesy flavor.
• Dairy-Free Mozzarella (Vegan Option) – Keeps it plant-based.

4. Broth Alternatives

• Vegetable Broth – For a lighter, vegetarian version.
• Beef Broth – Adds a richer, deeper flavor.
• Bone Broth – Adds extra protein and nutrients.

Fun Variations

1. Creamy Chicken Parmesan Meatball Soup

• Stir in ½ cup heavy cream or half-and-half for a rich, velvety texture.
• Add a dollop of ricotta cheese before serving for extra creaminess.

2. Spicy Arrabbiata-Style Soup

• Add 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes for heat.
• Stir in ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce for extra spice.

3. Low-Carb & Keto-Friendly Version

• Skip the breadcrumbs and pasta.
• Use almond flour in the meatballs.
• Replace pasta with zucchini noodles (zoodles) or spaghetti squash.

4. Extra Veggie-Packed Soup

• Add chopped spinach, zucchini, carrots, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
• Stir in cauliflower rice to thicken the soup naturally.

5. Italian Wedding Soup-Style Version

• Use mini meatballs (½-inch size) for a classic Italian Wedding Soup feel.
• Add 1 cup small pasta like orzo or acini de pepe.
• Stir in chopped escarole or spinach.

6. Baked Chicken Parm Meatball Soup

• Transfer cooked soup to an oven-safe dish, top with extra mozzarella and Parmesan, and broil for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and bubbly!

Dietary Modifications

✔ Dairy-Free Version – Use dairy-free cheese or omit the cheese entirely.
✔ Gluten-Free – Use GF breadcrumbs or almond flour, and swap regular pasta for GF pasta.
✔ Keto & Low-Carb – Skip pasta, use almond flour for meatballs, and add zucchini noodles or riced cauliflower instead.
✔ Vegetarian Option – Swap chicken meatballs for plant-based meatballs and use vegetable broth.

Storage Instructions for Chicken Parmesan Meatball Soup

To keep your Chicken Parmesan Meatball Soup fresh and delicious, follow these storage and reheating tips!

Short-Term Storage (Refrigerator – Up to 4 Days)

✔ Cool Before Storing – Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to containers.
✔ Use an Airtight Container – Store in sealed containers to keep flavors fresh and prevent odors from the fridge.
✔ Keep Refrigerated – Store in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Avoid leaving soup at room temperature for more than 2 hours, as bacteria can grow quickly.

Reheating Instructions

Best Method – Stovetop (Recommended)
Reheat over medium-low heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.

• If the soup has thickened, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it.

Quick Method – Microwave
Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until hot.

Avoid overheating, as it can make the meatballs tough.

Freezing Instructions (Up to 3 Months – Best for Meal Prep!)

Option 1: Freeze Meatballs and Soup Separately (Best Texture!)

1. Let the meatballs and soup cool separately before freezing.
2. Place meatballs in a freezer-safe bag, removing excess air.
3. Pour soup broth into a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag.
4. Label with the date and store for up to 3 months.

Option 2: Freeze Soup as a Whole Meal (Slight Texture Change)

• If freezing everything together, the texture of the meatballs and cheese may soften slightly, but the flavor will still be great!

Thawing & Reheating Frozen Soup

• Thaw Overnight in the Fridge: Move the frozen soup to the fridge the night before serving.
• Reheat on Stovetop: Simmer over medium heat until warmed through.
• Reheat from Frozen (No Thawing Needed!):
  • Heat frozen soup on low heat, stirring occasionally.
  • Air fry frozen meatballs at 350°F for 5-7 minutes before adding them to the soup.

Avoid microwaving from frozen, as it may heat unevenly.

Best Practices for Fresh-Tasting Soup

✔ Store in airtight containers to prevent freezer burn.
✔ Freeze in portions for easy single servings.
✔ Add fresh cheese after reheating for the best texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes! Cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours, adding cheese before serving.

2. Can I use store-bought meatballs?

Absolutely! Just add pre-cooked meatballs directly to the soup and simmer for 10 minutes.

3. Can I make this creamy?

Yes! Stir in ½ cup heavy cream or ½ cup ricotta before serving.

Conclusion

This Chicken Parmesan Meatball Soup is the ultimate cozy comfort food! With juicy meatballs, rich tomato broth, and melty cheese, it’s a bowl of pure Italian-inspired warmth.

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