If you’ve ever wished for a comforting, hearty meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, then this Crockpot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe is about to become your new best friend. Combining tender chicken, rich Parmesan cheese, and velvety cream with the bright tomato base and aromatic herbs, this soup is a perfect marriage of classic Italian flavors and cozy comfort food. Whether you’re rushed during the week or hosting a casual dinner, it’s effortless to prepare and absolutely satisfying with every spoonful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet essential, delivering a balance of flavors and textures that make this soup so irresistible. Each component plays a role, from the juicy chicken breasts that provide protein and heartiness, to the fragrant herbs that brighten the savory tomato broth.
- Chicken breasts (1 1/2 pounds): Boneless and skinless for easy shredding and a tender bite.
- Onion (1 small, diced): Adds a subtle sweetness and foundational flavor.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Boosts the savory depth essential to Italian-style dishes.
- Crushed tomatoes (28 ounces): Creates the vibrant tomato base packed with natural tang and color.
- Chicken broth (4 cups): Provides the rich liquid that ties everything together.
- Dried basil (1 teaspoon): Infuses herbaceous warmth and classic Italian aroma.
- Dried oregano (1 teaspoon): Brings an earthy, slightly minty accent to the soup.
- Dried thyme (1/2 teaspoon): Offers a gentle woodsy note, rounding out the herb blend.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon) & black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): Adds luscious creaminess that makes the soup feel indulgent.
- Parmesan cheese (1 cup, grated): Delivers sharp, savory richness synonymous with Chicken Parmesan.
- Pasta (8 ounces): Penne or rotini work beautifully, bringing delightful texture and substance.
- Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish): Optional but recommended for a fresh, herby finish.
How to Make Crockpot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Base Ingredients
Start by layering your crockpot with the chicken breasts, diced onion, minced garlic, and crushed tomatoes. Pour in the chicken broth and sprinkle the dried basil, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper over the top. This base mixes beautifully to build the hearty, herb-infused flavor foundation for your soup.
Step 2: Slow Cook for Tenderness
Cover your crockpot and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The slow cooking process ensures the chicken becomes wonderfully tender and allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, creating a rich and flavorful broth.
Step 3: Shred the Chicken
About 30 minutes before serving, carefully remove the chicken breasts from the crockpot and shred them with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot, stirring it in to disperse the tender meat throughout the soup.
Step 4: Add the Cream and Parmesan
Next, stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. These ingredients will transform your broth into a velvety, creamy concoction that’s packed with the signature cheesy goodness you expect from a Chicken Parmesan dish.
Step 5: Cook the Pasta Separately
While your soup simmers, cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain it well to avoid extra water diluting your soup’s richness, then add the pasta directly into the crockpot, folding it gently into the creamy broth.
Step 6: Warm Everything Through
Allow the soup with the pasta to cook on low for an additional 10-15 minutes. This step brings all the components together perfectly and heats the soup through without overcooking the pasta.
Step 7: Ready to Serve
Your Crockpot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe is now ready to be ladled out and enjoyed. For the final touch, add a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley on top to enhance the aroma and appearance.
How to Serve Crockpot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley adds a pop of color and freshness that perfectly balances the creamy, cheesy richness of the soup. If you like, a few extra Parmesan shavings can also make for a stunning and flavorful garnish.
Side Dishes
This soup is a meal in itself, but serving it with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or warm crusty rolls makes it even more satisfying. A light mixed greens salad with a vinaigrette works wonderfully to cut through the creaminess.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, serve the soup in hollowed-out mini bread bowls or rustic ceramic mugs. You can also offer extra Parmesan and red pepper flakes on the side so everyone can customize their bowls just the way they like.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Crockpot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe will keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen over time, making it just as delicious, if not better, the next day.
Freezing
This soup freezes well before adding the pasta. Store the soup base in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge, reheat gently, then add freshly cooked pasta to maintain the perfect texture.
Reheating
Reheat your soup gently on the stovetop over low-medium heat, stirring often. Add extra cream or broth if it thickens too much. If the pasta absorbed too much liquid, a splash of broth will revive the ideal consistency.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken breasts in this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just add extra cooking time to ensure the chicken is fully cooked and tender before shredding.
What type of pasta works best?
Penne, rotini, or other short, sturdy pasta shapes are ideal as they hold up well in the soup without turning mushy.
Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free alternative, and use a vegan Parmesan-style cheese to keep the creamy texture and flavor.
Is it possible to make this soup on the stove instead of a crockpot?
Yes, though the slow cooker brings out the best flavor and texture. To make it on the stove, simmer everything in a large pot for about 45 minutes, then add cream, cheese, and pasta as described.
Can I add vegetables to this soup?
Definitely! Spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini can be great additions. Add them during the last 30 minutes of cooking to keep them tender but not overcooked.
Final Thoughts
There is something so wonderfully satisfying about the Crockpot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe that makes you want to dive right in and enjoy every cozy spoonful. It’s a perfect blend of creamy, cheesy, and herby comfort food that’s simple to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’s going to be on your menu rotation for good!
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Crockpot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours (Low) or 3.5 hours (High) plus 15 minutes final heating
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes (Low) or 3 hours 45 minutes (High)
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Crockpot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup combines tender chicken breasts, flavorful herbs, and a rich, cheesy broth for a comforting meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for any day. The slow cooking melds the flavors beautifully, while the addition of pasta makes it a hearty and satisfying soup.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 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
Finishing Ingredients
- 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
- Combine Ingredients in Crockpot: In a large crockpot, add chicken breasts, diced onion, minced garlic, crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, dried basil, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper.
- Slow Cook the Soup: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Shred Chicken: About 30 minutes before serving, remove the chicken from the crockpot, shred it finely using two forks, then return the shredded chicken to the crockpot.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, mixing thoroughly to create a creamy and cheesy base.
- Cook Pasta Separately: Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain well.
- Combine Pasta with Soup: Add the cooked pasta to the crockpot and stir well to combine all the ingredients.
- Heat Through: Allow the soup to cook on low for an additional 10-15 minutes to heat through and meld flavors effectively.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh basil or parsley if desired for a fresh, vibrant touch.
Notes
- For a thicker soup, reduce the amount of chicken broth slightly.
- You can use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Shredding the chicken thoroughly ensures an even distribution throughout the soup.
- Adjust seasoning to taste before serving, adding more salt or pepper if necessary.
- To reduce cooking time, use the high setting on the crockpot for 3-4 hours.
