Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe
Warm, hearty, and bursting with Italian flavors, Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup is the ultimate comfort food! This recipe combines the ease of a slow cooker with the rich, cheesy goodness of chicken parmesan to create a soul-satisfying dish perfect for any night of the week.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Prep: Just toss the ingredients into your crockpot and let it do all the work.
- Delicious Comfort Food: A creamy, cheesy soup that’s perfect for chilly days.
- Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will love the familiar flavors of chicken parmesan in soup form.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)
- 1 cup uncooked pasta (e.g., ditalini or small shells)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish
Optional Toppings:
- Croutons for crunch
- Extra Parmesan or mozzarella cheese
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Crockpot
Spray your crockpot with non-stick cooking spray or line it with a crockpot liner for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Add Base Ingredients
Place the chicken breasts, diced onion, minced garlic, crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, dried basil, and red pepper flakes into the crockpot. Stir to combine.
Step 3: Cook on Low or High
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
Step 4: Shred the Chicken
Remove the chicken breasts, shred them using two forks, and return the shredded chicken to the crockpot.
Step 5: Add Pasta and Cream
Add the uncooked pasta and heavy cream. Stir well and cook on high for an additional 30 minutes to 1 hour, or until the pasta is tender.
Step 6: Stir in Parmesan
Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the shredded Parmesan cheese until it melts into the soup. Taste and adjust seasonings with salt and pepper as needed.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or basil. Add croutons or extra cheese for a finishing touch.
Pro Tips for the Best Chicken Parmesan Soup
- Choose the Right Pasta: Use small pasta shapes like ditalini or shells for even cooking and better texture. Avoid overcooking the pasta to keep it from turning mushy.
- Make It Creamier: For an extra creamy soup, add an additional 1/4 cup of heavy cream or a dollop of cream cheese before serving.
- Go Gluten-Free: Swap regular pasta with gluten-free pasta to suit dietary needs.
- Use a Parmesan Rind: If you have a Parmesan cheese rind, toss it into the soup while it cooks for added depth of flavor.
- Save Leftovers Smartly: Store leftover soup in the fridge for up to 3 days, but note that pasta may absorb the broth over time. Add a splash of chicken broth when reheating.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup with:
- A side of garlic bread or breadsticks for dipping.
- A fresh Caesar salad for a balanced meal.
- A glass of chilled white or sparkling water.
FAQs
Can I Use Rotisserie Chicken?
Absolutely! Add shredded rotisserie chicken in Step 4 and reduce the cooking time by 1-2 hours.
Can I Freeze This Soup?
Yes, but freeze it without the pasta. Add fresh pasta when reheating to prevent a mushy texture.
This Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup is a comforting, flavor-packed recipe that’s bound to become a family favorite. Try it today and bring a taste of Italy to your table—effortlessly!
