If you’re searching for a cozy, comforting meal that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, look no further than this Crockpot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe. It marries the rich flavors of classic chicken parmesan with the ease of slow cooker magic, resulting in a luscious, hearty soup that’s creamy, cheesy, and perfectly herbed. Whether you’re feeding a family or craving a satisfying solo dinner, this recipe blends tender chicken, savory broth, and al dente pasta into an unforgettable bowl that will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is the key to making this soup truly shine. Each item plays an important role, from building a robust flavor base to enhancing texture and adding that irresistible creamy finish.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein that becomes tender and juicy as it slow cooks.
- Small onion, diced: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Garlic cloves, minced: Provides a fragrant aroma and savory punch.
- 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes: Brings acidity and richness essential to the parmesan essence.
- Chicken broth: Forms the flavorful liquid base that ties everything together.
- Dried basil, oregano, and thyme: Classic Italian herbs that infuse the soup with earthy, aromatic notes.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and enhance all the flavors.
- Heavy cream: Creates the delightfully creamy texture that makes this soup indulgent yet smooth.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: The cheesy kicker that amplifies the parmesan experience.
- Pasta (penne or rotini): Adds heartiness and satisfying bite.
- Fresh basil or parsley (optional): Bright green garnish to finish with freshness and color.
How to Make Crockpot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe
Step 1: Load Up Your Crockpot
Start by placing the chicken breasts in your slow cooker, then add diced onion, minced garlic, crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, and your dried herbs. Season with salt and black pepper. This simple layer of ingredients is the foundation where all those cozy Italian flavors begin to meld together over hours of slow cooking.
Step 2: Slow Cook for Tender Perfection
Cover your crockpot and set it to low for 6 to 8 hours, or high for 3 to 4 hours. This slow simmer softens the chicken until it’s tender enough to shred, infusing the broth with rich flavor while the herbs release their wonderful aromas. This is where patience truly pays off.
Step 3: Shred the Chicken
When the chicken is cooked through, carefully remove it from the crockpot. Use two forks to shred the meat into bite-sized pieces, then return it to the pot. Shredding now makes each spoonful pack a punch of protein and makes the soup easier to enjoy.
Step 4: Add Cream and Cheese
Stir in the heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. This step transforms the soup from tomato-rich broth to a velvety, creamy masterpiece. The cheese melts beautifully, lending that signature depth you expect from chicken parmesan.
Step 5: Cook the Pasta and Combine
While your soup finishes cooking, prepare the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and then stir the pasta into the crockpot. This adds the perfect toothsome texture and makes the soup wonderfully filling.
Step 6: Final Warm Through
Let the soup gently cook on low for another 10 to 15 minutes to marry all the flavors and warm the pasta completely. This ensures every bite is piping hot and perfectly seasoned.
Step 7: Serve with Fresh Herbs
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh basil or parsley if you like a pop of color and herby brightness. Now it’s ready to enjoy and impress everyone at your table!
How to Serve Crockpot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley is not just for looks—it adds a lovely herbal freshness that cuts through the richness and brightens every spoonful. You can also add a few extra shavings of Parmesan on top for an extra cheesy touch.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty garlic bread or a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette. These sides complement the heartiness and creaminess of the soup without overpowering its delicate Italian flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun presentation, serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls or alongside mini grilled cheese sandwiches made with mozzarella and tomato for an interactive twist. You can also top it with a drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a subtle kick.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Crockpot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, and the flavors often deepen overnight.
Freezing
This soup freezes well, but for best results, freeze it before adding the pasta and cream. Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and add fresh cream and cooked pasta when reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent curdling. If frozen with pasta, be mindful the pasta might become softer after freezing, so adding freshly cooked pasta is a great way to keep the texture just right.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add a richer, more succulent flavor and tend to stay juicier when slow cooked. Just be sure to shred them well once cooked.
What pasta works best in this soup?
Penne, rotini, or any small, sturdy pasta shapes are ideal because they hold up well in the soup’s creamy broth without getting mushy too quickly.
Is there a way to make this soup dairy-free?
You can substitute heavy cream with canned coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative, and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese to keep the creamy texture and cheesy flavor.
Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?
Yes! Use the sauté function to brown the garlic and onion first, then add all ingredients and cook on high pressure for about 12 minutes, followed by a natural release before shredding the chicken.
How can I make this soup spicier?
Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes when adding the herbs or top each serving with a drizzle of hot chili oil for a spicy kick that balances the creamy soup beautifully.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try this Crockpot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe, it will earn a permanent spot in your meal rotation. It’s the perfect marriage of convenience and flavor that makes weeknight dinners feel special and soothing. So gather your ingredients, set that crockpot, and get ready to savor a bowl full of love and Italian-inspired comfort!
Print
Crockpot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high) plus 25 minutes additional
- Total Time: 6 hours 40 minutes (low) or 3 hours 40 minutes (high)
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Crockpot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup is a comforting and hearty dish that combines tender chicken, aromatic herbs, Parmesan cheese, and pasta in a rich, creamy tomato broth. Perfect for a cozy meal with minimal effort, it’s cooked slow and low in the crockpot to develop deep flavors, then finished with creamy cheese and pasta for a satisfying bowl.
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: 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. Make sure everything is evenly distributed.
- Cook Low and Slow: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and tender enough to shred easily.
- Shred Chicken: About 30 minutes before serving, carefully remove the chicken breasts from the crockpot. Shred them using two forks until finely pulled apart, then return the shredded chicken to the crockpot.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese thoroughly into the soup, creating a rich and creamy texture.
- Cook Pasta Separately: Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta well before adding it to the crockpot.
- Combine Pasta and Heat Through: Add the drained pasta to the crockpot and stir to combine evenly. Let the soup cook for an additional 10-15 minutes on low heat to meld flavors and heat through the pasta.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired for a fresh, herbal finish.
Notes
- You can substitute the pasta with gluten-free or low-carb versions for dietary preferences.
- For a thicker soup, use less chicken broth or let the soup cook uncovered for the final 15 minutes.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat gently on the stove.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick if you like.
- The soup can be made dairy-free by substituting the heavy cream with coconut milk and omitting the Parmesan or using a dairy-free alternative.
