Description
This Chicken Parmesan Soup is a cozy, flavorful, and satisfying dish combining tender chicken, a rich tomato broth, and melty plant-based cheese. Perfect for a healthy weeknight meal or impressing guests, it delivers the essence of classic chicken Parmesan in a comforting bowl ready in under an hour.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 2 boneless chicken breasts, sliced into bite-sized pieces
Broth Base
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes (natural)
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Italian herbs (natural) (blend of basil, oregano, thyme)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Vegetables and Greens
- 2 cups fresh spinach or kale
Dairy & Thickening
- 1/2 cup plant-based cheese (shredded, meltable mozzarella style)
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
Instructions
- Prepare the base: Sauté finely chopped onion and minced garlic in olive oil over medium heat until fragrant and translucent. This creates the aromatic foundation your soup needs to shine.
- Build the broth: Add crushed tomatoes (natural), vegetable broth, Italian herbs (natural), apple cider vinegar, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer to let the flavors meld beautifully.
- Cook the chicken: Add the sliced chicken breasts to the simmering broth. Allow them to poach gently until cooked through, keeping the meat tender and juicy.
- Incorporate greens and natural gelling agent: Add fresh spinach or kale and stir in a small amount of natural gelling agent to slightly thicken the broth, giving the soup a wonderful consistency that clings to every bite.
- Add plant-based cheese: Stir in your chosen plant-based cheese off the heat to melt through the soup, adding creamy, savory notes that mimic the classic Parmesan topping perfectly.
- Final seasoning: Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or a little more apple cider vinegar to balance the flavors, ensuring every spoonful is perfectly delicious.
Notes
- Use fresh herbs like basil or parsley to brighten the soup just before serving.
- Simmer gently to keep the chicken tender and prevent the broth from becoming cloudy.
- Add plant-based cheese slowly and off the heat to avoid separation and maintain creaminess.
- Enhance with a splash of vegetarian Worcestershire sauce to intensify savory notes.
- A touch of apple cider vinegar at the end awakens the dish and lifts the tomato flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Chicken Parmesan Soup, plant-based cheese, tomato broth, comforting soup, healthy soup, easy dinner
