Get ready to experience the ultimate comfort food that will transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary adventure! This creamy Parmesan chicken and rice soup is not just another recipe – it's a warm, luxurious embrace in a bowl that combines the richness of Parmesan, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked Arborio rice. Perfect for chilly evenings or when you need a soul-warming meal that takes less than an hour to prepare, this soup will become your new go-to recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/2 cup Arborio rice
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onions, minced garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-6 minutes until vegetables are softened and onions become translucent.
- Add Arborio rice to the pot and stir, allowing the rice to toast slightly for 1-2 minutes, which will enhance its nutty flavor.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 15-18 minutes until rice is almost tender.
- Add shredded cooked chicken to the pot and stir to combine. Continue cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes.
- Slowly pour in heavy cream, stirring continuously to prevent separation. Simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Remove pot from heat and gradually stir in grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and incorporated.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the soup is too thick, add a little more chicken broth to reach desired consistency.
- Ladle soup into serving bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Serve hot with crusty bread if desired.
Tips
- Use Arborio rice for the creamiest texture - its high starch content helps create a luxurious, velvety soup.
- Toast the rice briefly before adding liquid to enhance its nutty flavor and prevent mushiness.
- Add heavy cream and Parmesan slowly to prevent curdling and ensure smooth incorporation.
- Use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken to save time without compromising flavor.
- Fresh parsley is key for a bright, fresh finish - don't skip the garnish!
- If the soup becomes too thick, always have extra chicken broth on hand to adjust consistency.
- For extra depth, consider adding a splash of white wine when sautéing vegetables.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 100mg
