If you’re craving a warm, comforting meal that’s bursting with rich Italian flavors and hearty goodness, you’re going to love this Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe. It’s the perfect blend of tender chicken, savory tomatoes, and cheesy perfection all slow-cooked to meld into a soothing, satisfying bowl of happiness. Whether you want a fuss-free dinner or a crowd-pleaser for chilly evenings, this recipe brings together the best of chicken parmesan in a cozy soup form that feels like a hug in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a few simple but essential ingredients sets the stage for the irresistible flavor and texture of this soup. Each element adds something special, from the juicy chicken and fragrant herbs to the comforting pasta and melty cheeses.
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Provides tender protein that soaks up all those delicious flavors.
- 1 small onion (chopped): Adds depth and a hint of sweetness to the broth.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the soup with signature Italian aroma and zest.
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes: Creates a rich, hearty base full of vibrant tomato flavor.
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juice): Offers texture and additional tomato freshness.
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth: Balances the tomato acidity with soothing warmth.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil: Brings bright, herbaceous notes that sing Italian tradition.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano: Adds earthy, peppery undertones to enrich the flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): A subtle kick for those who love a touch of heat.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to bring all ingredients into harmony.
- 1 cup dry pasta (small shells or rotini): Provides comforting chewiness and substance to the soup.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Infuses a nutty, salty richness right into the broth.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping): Melts beautifully over each serving for that classic chicken parmesan finish.
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish: Adds a fresh, bright touch and vibrant color to each bowl.
How to Make Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Ingredients
Start by placing the chicken, chopped onion, minced garlic, crushed and diced tomatoes, chicken broth, basil, oregano, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper right into your 6-quart slow cooker. Give everything a good stir so all those flavors start to mingle beautifully before the magic of slow cooking begins.
Step 2: Slow Cook to Perfection
Set your slow cooker to low and let this mixture simmer gently for 6 to 7 hours, or crank it up to high for about 3 to 4 hours if you’re pressed for time. This slow simmer transforms the chicken into tender, juicy pieces while the tomatoes and herbs deepen into a rich, comforting broth you’ll want to dive into.
Step 3: Shred the Chicken
Once the chicken is perfectly cooked and tender, remove it from the crockpot and shred it using two forks. This step ensures every bite is tender and easy to enjoy. Then, return the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker, stirring it evenly through the soup base.
Step 4: Add Pasta and Parmesan Cheese
Stir in your dry pasta and the grated Parmesan cheese. Cover the crockpot and let it cook on high for another 15 to 20 minutes, or until the pasta reaches that perfect, tender bite without falling apart. This step brings in that classic comforting pasta component that makes this soup extra hearty.
Step 5: Serve with Mozzarella and Fresh Herbs
Dish out steaming bowls of your Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe, then sprinkle generously with the shredded mozzarella cheese and fresh basil or parsley. The mozzarella melts over each serving, adding a luscious, ooey-gooey finish that’s simply irresistible.
How to Serve Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like basil or parsley are not just for looks; they brighten the dish and provide a fresh contrast to the rich tomato and cheese flavors. A generous sprinkle of shredded mozzarella cheese on top adds creamy indulgence and an inviting appearance.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs beautifully with a warm, crusty bread or garlic breadsticks that you can dip into the broth. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette can also balance the richness of the soup and add a refreshing crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this soup in mini bread bowls or sprinkle with toasted pine nuts for extra texture. You can even broil the bowls with mozzarella on top for a bubbly, golden crust that will wow your guests and elevate this humble soup to a showstopper.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe stores wonderfully in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making those leftovers even tastier. Just be sure to add any fresh garnishes right before serving to keep their vibrancy.
Freezing
This soup freezes well when cooled completely. Transfer to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving some room for expansion. It will keep for up to 3 months. For best texture, consider freezing before adding the pasta, then cook fresh pasta after thawing and reheating.
Reheating
To warm up leftovers, gently reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking or scorching. If the soup seems too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it up. Re-melt any mozzarella topping just before serving for that fresh-out-of-the-slow-cooker feel.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked chicken in this soup?
Absolutely! If you want to save time, simply add shredded pre-cooked chicken in the last hour of cooking. This will heat the chicken through without drying it out, and your Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe will still be full of hearty flavor.
What pasta works best in this recipe?
Small shapes like shells, rotini, or even ditalini work best because they cook evenly in the slow cooker and nestle nicely in each spoonful. Avoid long pasta like spaghetti, which can get mushy and clump together.
Can I make this soup low-carb or gluten-free?
Yes! Simply omit the pasta for a low-carb version and add extra veggies such as zucchini or spinach to bulk it up. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta options, and make sure your broth and canned tomatoes don’t contain any hidden gluten ingredients.
How spicy is this soup?
The recipe calls for optional crushed red pepper flakes, so feel free to adjust the heat level to your preference. Leaving them out will keep the soup mild and kid-friendly, while adding them gives a pleasing subtle warmth.
Is this soup suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! The Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe is a perfect make-ahead meal. It stores well and can be reheated easily during busy days, making it a delicious and convenient option to keep in your weekly rotation.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe is truly a winner for anyone who loves the comforting flavors of Italian cooking but wants something easy, warming, and satisfying. It’s a hassle-free way to enjoy all the best parts of chicken parmesan in a bowl, perfect for sharing or savoring solo on cozy nights. Trust me, once you try it, it’s going to become your go-to slow cooker meal that you’ll want on repeat. So grab your slow cooker, gather your ingredients, and get ready for a bowl of ultimate comfort!
Print
Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup is a hearty, comforting Italian-American dish made effortlessly in a slow cooker. Tender chicken simmers with aromatic onions, garlic, crushed and diced tomatoes, and Italian herbs, finished with pasta, Parmesan, and topped with melty mozzarella and fresh herbs for a cozy bowl of flavorful soup perfect for any day.
Ingredients
Chicken and Base
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, with juice
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Pasta and Cheese
- 1 cup dry pasta (such as small shells or rotini)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
Garnish
- Fresh basil or parsley
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Add the chicken, chopped onion, minced garlic, crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes with their juice, low-sodium chicken broth, dried basil, dried oregano, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper to your 6-quart slow cooker. Stir everything together to mix the flavors well.
- Cook the Soup: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6 to 7 hours or on high heat for 3 to 4 hours until the chicken is fully cooked and tender enough to shred easily.
- Shred the Chicken: Carefully remove the cooked chicken from the crockpot. Using two forks, shred the meat finely, then return it back to the slow cooker, mixing it evenly into the soup base.
- Add Pasta and Parmesan Cheese: Stir in the dry pasta along with the grated Parmesan cheese into the crockpot. Cover again and continue cooking on high heat for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, or until the pasta is tender but not mushy.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Top each serving with shredded mozzarella cheese and garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley for a burst of fresh flavor and appealing presentation.
Notes
- Use pre-cooked pasta if you are short on time, adding it right before serving to avoid overcooking.
- For a lower-carb option, omit the pasta and increase vegetables such as zucchini or spinach to the soup.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 or 4 days.
