If you are craving something rich, comforting, and wonderfully flavorful, the Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe is an absolute must-try. This hearty soup blends tender chicken, luscious cheeses, and perfectly cooked pasta in a savory tomato broth, all slow-cooked to meld those classic Italian flavors into a creamy, soul-warming dish. Whether it’s a chilly evening or you simply want a fuss-free meal that feels special, this recipe delivers maximum comfort with a simplicity that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a handful of pantry staples and fresh essentials is all it takes to create this incredible soup. Each ingredient plays a unique role, whether it’s building the base flavor, adding creaminess, or enhancing texture and color to round out this cozy meal perfectly.
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: The star protein that becomes tender and flavorful after slow cooking.
- 4 cups chicken broth: Provides the savory liquid foundation that enriches every spoonful.
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained: Adds bright tomato notes and a hint of acidity to balance the creaminess.
- 1 medium onion, diced: Infuses the soup with subtle sweetness and depth of flavor.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: A must for that classic Italian aroma and savory kick.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates the luscious, velvety texture that makes this soup indulgent.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Brings sharp, nutty character and richness.
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded: Adds creamy meltiness and complements the Parmesan.
- 1 tsp dried basil: Infuses fragrant herbal notes reminiscent of Italian cuisine.
- 1 tsp dried oregano: Boosts the aromatic profile with a savory Mediterranean touch.
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder: Enhances the garlic flavor subtly and evenly.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings to bring all flavors into perfect harmony.
- 2 cups uncooked pasta (rotini, penne, or elbow): Adds comforting heartiness and delightful texture.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish): Adds a fresh, vibrant pop of color and mild herbal brightness.
How to Make Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Load Ingredients
Start by placing your chicken breasts or thighs in the bottom of the Crock Pot. Next, pour in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes with their juices, diced onion, minced garlic, dried basil, oregano, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Give everything a gentle stir to combine the ingredients just so, setting the stage for the flavors to marry beautifully during cooking.
Step 2: Set and Slow Cook
Cover your Crock Pot and set it to cook on low for 6 to 7 hours. If you’re short on time, the high setting for 3 to 4 hours works too. The goal here is to ensure the chicken becomes tender enough to shred easily while the broth absorbs all those wonderful herbs and spices.
Step 3: Shred the Chicken
Once the cooking time is up, carefully remove the chicken and shred it into bite-sized pieces with two forks. Return the shredded chicken back into the pot, mixing it into the flavored broth to create a hearty base for the creamy components.
Step 4: Add Cream, Cheese, and Pasta
This is where the magic happens. Stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan, shredded mozzarella, and uncooked pasta. Cover and let the soup continue to cook on low for 30 to 40 minutes so the pasta can cook perfectly and the cheeses melt into a silky, dreamy finish.
Step 5: Final Seasoning and Serve
Taste your soup and adjust the seasoning with extra salt and pepper if needed. Ladle it generously into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if you like, adding a burst of green freshness before diving in.
How to Serve Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a classic choice, cutting through the richness with a hint of brightness. For an extra touch, sprinkle more Parmesan just before serving, or drizzle a little olive oil for an elegant finish. A few red pepper flakes can bring a lively kick if you enjoy a bit of heat.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread or garlic knots to sop up every last drop. A simple green salad with vinaigrette complements the creamy richness by adding a crisp, refreshing bite. If you want to keep it light yet satisfying, roasted vegetables also make a lovely side.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the soup in rustic bread bowls for a fun and hearty presentation. You can also layer it with fresh basil leaves or a dollop of pesto for an Italian-inspired twist. Another idea is to top it with crispy bacon bits or toasted pine nuts to add texture and a flavor punch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This soup keeps wonderfully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool it completely before transferring into airtight containers. Because the pasta continues to absorb liquid over time, you might find the soup thickened; adding a splash of broth or water when reheating brings it back to the perfect consistency.
Freezing
Though creamy soups can be tricky to freeze, this recipe freezes well if you undercook the pasta initially or store the soup and pasta separately. Freeze in airtight, freezer-safe containers, ideally without the cream and cheese added. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and then stir in cream, cheeses, and cooked pasta before warming through.
Reheating
Reheat thoroughly on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Add a little chicken broth or water if the soup has thickened too much. The flavors meld even further as it warms, making leftovers just as delightful as the first serving.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are even more flavorful and stay tender throughout the long cooking process, making your soup extra juicy and delicious.
What type of pasta works best in the soup?
Small pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or elbow macaroni are ideal because they cook evenly in the Crock Pot and provide the perfect bite without overpowering the soup.
Is it necessary to add both Parmesan and mozzarella cheese?
Yes, combining Parmesan and mozzarella gives you the wonderful blend of sharpness and melty creaminess that defines the soul of this soup.
How can I make this dish lower in calories?
You can substitute heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk and use reduced-fat cheeses. Skipping the pasta or reducing its quantity also lightens the dish while keeping the great flavor.
Can I prepare this soup on the stove instead of a Crock Pot?
Definitely! You can simmer the chicken and broth mixture in a large pot until the chicken is cooked, then shred it and continue as usual. Just keep an eye on the pasta cooking time so it doesn’t overcook.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about cozying up with a bowl of the Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm embrace during any season, bursting with comforting flavors yet effortless to prepare. So why not give it a try? Your taste buds will thank you, and you might just find it becoming your new favorite weeknight dinner!
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Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 hours
- Total Time: 7 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup offers a rich and comforting twist on the classic Italian favorite. Tender chicken breasts simmered with tomatoes, herbs, and garlic combine with creamy heavy cream and melted cheeses, all simmered to perfection with pasta in a slow cooker. It’s an effortless one-pot meal that’s hearty, cheesy, and perfect for chilly days or easy family dinners.
Ingredients
Chicken and Broth
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 4 cups chicken broth
Vegetables and Seasonings
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Dairy and Cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
Pasta
- 2 cups uncooked pasta (small shapes like rotini, penne, or elbow)
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Add Ingredients to the Crock Pot: Place the chicken breasts or thighs in the bottom of your Crock Pot, then add the chicken broth, diced tomatoes with their juice, diced onion, minced garlic, dried basil, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Cook Chicken: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked through and tender enough to shred.
- Shred the Chicken: Remove the cooked chicken from the Crock Pot and shred it finely using two forks. Return the shredded chicken back into the pot to mingle with the soup base.
- Add Cream, Cheese, and Pasta: Stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, shredded mozzarella, and uncooked pasta. Mix thoroughly so the pasta is evenly distributed and covered by the creamy mixture. Cover and cook on low for an additional 30-40 minutes until the pasta is tender and the cheese is melted and incorporated.
- Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt and pepper as needed. Ladle the creamy chicken Parmesan soup into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot for a deliciously comforting meal.
Notes
- Use small pasta shapes to ensure they cook evenly in the slow cooker.
- If preferred, convert frozen chicken to fresh or thaw fully before cooking for best results.
- To reduce fat, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but note it may reduce creaminess.
- For a thicker soup, reduce chicken broth slightly or add an extra 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese.
- Make sure to add pasta towards the end of cooking to avoid it becoming mushy.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
