This Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup is a comforting and hearty dish that combines tender chicken, rich tomatoes, and creamy cheeses. With minimal effort, you can create a delightful soup that is perfect for family meals or gatherings.
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Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup
This soup is the ultimate comfort food that balances delicious flavors and satisfying textures. It’s easy to prepare, allowing you to set it and forget it until mealtime. The combination of spices, creamy cheeses, and tender chicken creates a dish that is both rich and hearty.
Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup
Ingredients
Method
- Finely dice the onion and mince the garlic. Cut chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes.
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat and sear the cubed chicken for 2-3 minutes per side until lightly golden. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté the diced onion for 5-7 minutes until soft and translucent, then add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- (Skip searing chicken and sautéing if short on time; add raw chicken and aromatics directly to slow cooker in the next step.)
- Transfer the sautéed onions and garlic (if used) to the slow cooker insert.
- Add the seared chicken (or raw chicken) and pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and chicken broth.
- Stir in the Italian seasoning, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper, and give everything a good stir to combine.
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on the LOW setting for 6-8 hours, or on the HIGH setting for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is incredibly tender and easily shreddable.
- Resist the urge to lift the lid frequently.
- Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken pieces from the slow cooker and place them in a bowl.
- Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces, then return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
- Turn the slow cooker setting to HIGH (if not already) or ‘Warm.’ Pour in the heavy cream (or half-and-half) and stir gently until fully incorporated.
- Add the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese, and stir well until both cheeses have completely melted into the soup, creating a rich, velvety texture.
- Taste the soup and adjust seasoning as needed. Add the small pasta directly into the slow cooker and stir to ensure it is fully submerged.
- Continue to cook on HIGH for about 15-20 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente, stirring occasionally.
- For make-ahead or leftovers, consider cooking pasta separately and adding it to individual bowls to prevent it from getting mushy or absorbing too much liquid.
- Ladle generous portions into bowls.
- Garnish each bowl with a sprinkle of fresh basil leaves and an extra dusting of freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
- Serve immediately with crusty bread or garlic bread for dipping.
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Plus, it’s a great way to get your family to enjoy their veggies in a flavorful and inviting way.
How to Make Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 0.5 tsp dried basil
- 0.5 tsp dried oregano
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.25 tsp pepper
- 1 cup small pasta (ditalini, fusilli, elbows, or rotini)
- 0.5 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil (optional, for searing chicken and sautéing aromatics)
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
- Extra grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Prepare Ingredients
Finely dice the onion and mince the garlic. Cut chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes. If desired for enhanced flavor, in a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the cubed chicken for 2-3 minutes per side until lightly golden. Remove and set aside. In the same skillet, sauté the diced onion for 5-7 minutes until soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. (Skip searing chicken and sautéing if short on time; add raw chicken and aromatics directly to slow cooker in the next step).Combine in Slow Cooker
Transfer the sautéed onions and garlic (if used) to the slow cooker insert. Add the seared chicken (or raw chicken). Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and chicken broth. Stir in the Italian seasoning, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good stir to combine.Slow Cook
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on the LOW setting for 6-8 hours, or on the HIGH setting for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is incredibly tender and easily shreddable. Resist the urge to lift the lid frequently.Shred Chicken
Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken pieces from the slow cooker and place them in a bowl. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces, then return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.Add Cream and Cheeses
Turn the slow cooker setting to HIGH (if not already) or “Warm.” Pour in the heavy cream (or half-and-half) and stir gently until fully incorporated. Add the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir well until both cheeses have completely melted into the soup, creating a rich, velvety texture.Cook Pasta
Taste the soup and adjust seasoning as needed. Add the small pasta directly into the slow cooker and stir to ensure it is fully submerged. Continue to cook on HIGH for about 15-20 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente, stirring occasionally. Note: For make-ahead or leftovers, consider cooking pasta separately and adding it to individual bowls to prevent it from getting mushy or absorbing too much liquid.Serve and Garnish
Ladle generous portions into bowls. Garnish each bowl with a sprinkle of fresh basil leaves and an extra dusting of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately with crusty bread or garlic bread for dipping.
How to Serve Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup
Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup is best served hot. To enjoy it fully, pair it with warm, crusty bread or garlic bread to soak up the delicious broth. For a little extra flavor, you can add crushed red pepper flakes for a kick or a drizzle of olive oil on top.
How to Store Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When ready to reheat, warm it on the stove over medium heat until heated through. If the soup thickens after refrigeration, add a little chicken broth or water while reheating to achieve the desired consistency.
Tips to Make Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup Perfect
- Skip the Searing: If you’re short on time, feel free to add uncooked chicken straight to the slow cooker along with the other ingredients.
- Cheese Variety: Experiment with different cheeses. Provolone and fontina can add a unique twist to the flavor.
- Pasta Cooking: If you like your pasta more al dente, add it closer to the end of the cooking time. Alternatively, cook it separately to prevent it from absorbing too much broth.
Flavor Variations
- Add Vegetables: Consider adding veggies like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes to spice things up.
- Herbs: Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley can enhance the flavor profile and add freshness.
Pro Tips for Success
- Invest in Good Cheese: Quality cheese makes all the difference in flavor. Opt for freshly grated cheeses instead of pre-shredded for better melting.
- Monitor Cooking Time: Each slow cooker can cook at different rates, so monitor the chicken tenderness to avoid overcooking.
- Garnish Smartly: Fresh basil added just before serving gives a fresh finish. Grated cheese can melt into the soup beautifully if added at the right moment.
FAQs About Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup
Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, you can freeze Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup. Let it cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It can be stored for up to 3 months in the freezer. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute heavy cream with whole milk or half-and-half. For a dairy-free version, try using coconut milk or almond milk, keeping in mind this may alter the flavor slightly.
What kind of pasta works best?
Small pasta shapes like ditalini, fusilli, or elbows work well in this soup. They fit nicely in each spoonful. Alternatively, you can use gluten-free pasta if needed.
Final Thoughts
Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup is a nourishing and satisfying meal that combines the flavors of classic chicken parmesan in a hearty soup form. Whether enjoying it for a cozy family dinner or serving it at a gathering, this easy recipe is sure to delight. With a few simple ingredients and your slow cooker, you can create a warm, comforting dish that everyone will love.