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If you’re craving the comforting flavors of Italian comfort food but want something cozy and effortlessly made, this Crockpot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe is an absolute game-changer. Imagine tender chicken simmered alongside savory herbs, rich crushed tomatoes, and a luscious creamy Parmesan finish, all coming together with perfectly cooked pasta in one bowl. It’s warm, hearty, and packed with flavor, making it exactly what you need on a chilly evening or whenever you want a satisfying meal with minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Crockpot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each item adds layers of flavor, texture, and color that build the perfect bowl of soup, from tender chicken to aromatic herbs and cheesy creaminess.
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein that becomes wonderfully tender and juicy in the crockpot.
- 1 small onion, diced: Adds a sweet, savory foundation that melds beautifully with the garlic and herbs.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Brings that irresistible savory punch and depth common in Italian dishes.
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes: Provides a rich, vibrant tomato base that keeps the soup hearty and flavorful.
- 4 cups chicken broth: Essential for simmering and creating the soup’s perfect consistency.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil: Adds fragrant herbal notes that elevate the overall taste.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: A classic Italian seasoning that complements the tomato and chicken perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme: Lends a subtle earthiness that balances the brightness of the tomatoes.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors harmoniously.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Provides just the right touch of mild heat.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates the silky, indulgent texture that turns this soup into a creamy delight.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: The signature cheesy finish that makes it unmistakably Chicken Parmesan.
- 8 ounces pasta (such as penne or rotini): Adds heartiness and a satisfying bite to every spoonful.
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional): A fresh, green pop of color and flavor when serving.
How to Make Crockpot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Ingredients in the Crockpot
Start by placing the chicken breasts, diced onion, minced garlic, crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, dried basil, oregano, thyme, salt, and black pepper directly into your crockpot. This simple mix of ingredients will slowly develop into a rich, flavorful base as it cooks.
Step 2: Cook on Low or High
Cover the crockpot and let everything cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. The chicken will become tender and infuse the broth with its savory juices, creating a comforting foundation for the soup.
Step 3: Shred the Chicken
About 30 minutes before serving, carefully remove the chicken breasts using tongs. Shred the meat with two forks until nice and flaky, then return it to the crockpot. This step ensures the chicken is perfectly tender and well-distributed throughout the soup.
Step 4: Add Cream and Parmesan Cheese
Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese until the soup is beautifully creamy and cheese-laden. The Parmesan melts into the broth, enriching every spoonful with its salty, nutty flavor.
Step 5: Cook Pasta Separately and Combine
While the soup is simmering, cook your pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain it well, then add the pasta directly into the crockpot. Stir everything together to blend the warm pasta into the creamy, tomatoey broth.
Step 6: Final Warm Through
Allow the assembled soup to cook on low for another 10 to 15 minutes. This final step warms the pasta through and allows all the flavors to marry perfectly before serving.
How to Serve Crockpot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like basil or parsley add a delightful burst of color and a hint of brightness that complements the creamy, savory soup beautifully. Don’t be shy about generously sprinkling these on top just before serving.
Side Dishes
Serve this soup alongside warm, crusty bread or garlic breadsticks to soak up every last bit of the delicious broth. A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette is also a wonderful contrasting side that freshens the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls for a rustic, cozy presentation. You can also layer it with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of chili flakes for guests who like a bit of heat!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This soup keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. The flavors will deepen overnight, making it even more delicious the next day.
Freezing
Freezing is possible, but it’s best to freeze the soup before adding the pasta to avoid sogginess. Store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months, then thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftover soup gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup has thickened too much, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen it up and restore creaminess.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add even more richness and tenderness to the soup. Just adjust cooking time if needed until the chicken is fully cooked and easy to shred.
What type of pasta works best in this soup?
Short pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or shells work best because they hold up well in the soup without becoming mushy. Avoid long noodles that might break down too much.
Is there a way to make this soup lighter?
You can substitute half-and-half or whole milk for the heavy cream for a lighter version, though the soup won’t be quite as rich and creamy. Reducing the Parmesan cheese slightly can also help cut calories.
Can I prepare this Crockpot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe in advance?
Yes! You can assemble everything in the crockpot insert the night before and keep it in the fridge. Just cook it on low the next day, shred the chicken, and add the cream and cheese as directed.
What herbs can I substitute if I don’t have basil or oregano?
Italian seasoning blends or a combination of rosemary, marjoram, or thyme can work well as substitutions, keeping that aromatic Italian vibe in the soup.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe is one of those magical meals that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. It’s simple to prepare, perfect for busy days, and guaranteed to impress everyone gathered around your table. I hope you give it a try soon and find it becoming a new staple comfort food in your home just as it is in mine!
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Crockpot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours on low or 3 to 4 hours on high
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Crockpot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup is a comforting and rich dish that combines tender chicken breasts, crushed tomatoes, aromatic herbs, and a creamy Parmesan-infused broth. Perfect for an easy, hands-off meal, the soup is slow-cooked to develop deep flavors and finished with pasta for a satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 8 ounces pasta (such as penne or rotini)
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Add Ingredients to Crockpot: Place the chicken breasts, diced onion, minced garlic, crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, dried basil, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper into a large crockpot. This combination forms the flavorful base of your soup.
- Cook Chicken: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is fully cooked and tender, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Shred the Chicken: About 30 minutes before serving, carefully remove the chicken breasts and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot to infuse the soup with meaty texture.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese until the mixture is smooth and creamy, enriching the soup with a cheesy, luscious finish.
- Prepare Pasta: Cook the pasta separately according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well to prevent excess moisture from thinning the soup.
- Combine Pasta and Heat Through: Add the drained pasta to the crockpot and stir to combine. Let the soup cook for an additional 10-15 minutes on low heat to ensure everything is warmed through and well blended.
- Serve: Ladle the hot, creamy chicken Parmesan soup into bowls and garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired for a pop of color and fresh herbaceous flavor.
Notes
- For a thicker soup, reduce the amount of chicken broth slightly or add the pasta at the end to avoid over-softening.
- You can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version, though the soup will be less rich.
- Cook the pasta separately to prevent it from absorbing too much broth and becoming mushy.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently to avoid curdling the cream.
- Fresh herbs like basil or parsley add a bright finish but are optional.
