Description
This Chicken Parmesan Soup with Mozzarella Croutons is a creamy, comforting dish combining tender chicken, rich tomato broth, and crispy plant-based mozzarella croutons. Perfect for cozy nights, it offers a harmonious blend of textures and Italian-inspired flavors that make every spoonful a warm, indulgent experience.
Ingredients
Scale
Soup Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts, tender and lean
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning (natural)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh basil, chopped, for garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Mozzarella Croutons
- 1 cup plant-based mozzarella (plant-based), cubed
- 2 slices smoked turkey bacon, chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare the Base: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, diced carrots, and diced celery. Cook until the vegetables are softened and fragrant, building a flavorful foundation for the soup.
- Cook the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with Italian seasoning (natural) and salt. Add them to the pot and sear on both sides until lightly golden to lock in juiciness and herb aroma.
- Add Tomatoes and Broth: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth, stirring well. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and let simmer to blend the flavors deeply.
- Incorporate Natural Gelling Agent: Stir in the natural gelling agent while whisking continuously to achieve a creamy texture without clumps, enhancing the soup’s silkiness.
- Make the Mozzarella Croutons: While the soup simmers, toss cubed plant-based mozzarella with olive oil and chopped smoked turkey bacon. Toast in a hot pan until the cubes are crispy and golden, creating a crunchy, melty topping.
- Final Touches: Remove chicken breasts from the soup, shred with forks, and return to the pot. Add freshly chopped basil and parsley, adjust seasoning to taste, and stir gently before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh basil and parsley at the end to preserve vibrant flavor.
- Do not skip searing chicken to deepen flavor.
- Prepare mozzarella croutons just before serving for maximum crispiness.
- Adjust the amount of natural gelling agent to control soup thickness.
- Simmer the soup slowly to enhance the melded flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: Chicken Parmesan Soup, Mozzarella Croutons, Creamy Soup, Comfort Food, Plant-based Cheese, Gluten Free Soup