If you are on the hunt for a warm, comforting meal that feels like a big cozy hug in a bowl, then you absolutely have to try the Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe. This dish combines all the beloved flavors of classic chicken Parmesan but takes them to a whole new level by turning them into a rich, velvety soup that simmers gently in your slow cooker. Imagine tender chicken, savory broth infused with garlic and herbs, creamy Parmesan melting into every spoonful, and the perfect hint of pasta to round it all out. It’s comfort food perfection that’s so simple to prepare, and it makes for an incredibly satisfying dinner any night of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might be straightforward, but each one plays a crucial role in delivering the depth of flavor, creamy texture, and bright color that make this soup so irresistible. You won’t need a fancy pantry to pull this together, just some wholesome staples and fresh touches.
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts: The tender protein base that soaks up all those wonderful flavors during the slow cook.
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth: Provides a flavorful, light liquid base without overpowering saltiness.
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (undrained): Adds juicy sweetness and a slightly tangy dimension that brightens the soup.
- 1/2 cup diced onion: Builds foundational savory notes with a touch of natural sweetness.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Garlic is essential here, infusing warmth and depth to every bite.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil: Brings that signature Italian herb flavor that pairs perfectly with chicken Parmesan.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano: Adds earthiness and balances the other herbs beautifully.
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For those who like a gentle kick, this gives just enough heat without overpowering the dish.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Enhances and balances all the flavors.
- 1 cup shredded carrots: Sneaky veggie addition that adds natural sweetness and texture.
- 1 cup small pasta (like ditalini or elbow): Provides chewiness and helps turn the soup into a complete meal.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Makes the soup incredibly creamy and indulgent, elevating the dish to a silky finish.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: The star flavor that defines this soup; it melts in and rounds out the savory creaminess.
- 2 cups fresh spinach (roughly chopped): Adds freshness, vibrant color, and a boost of nutrients.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish): Brightens the soup with a pop of green and a subtle herbaceous note at the end.
How to Make Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe
Step 1: Add Ingredients to the Crock Pot
Start by layering the base flavors into your crock pot. Toss in the chicken breasts, chicken broth, diced tomatoes with their juices, diced onion, minced garlic, dried basil, oregano, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), salt, pepper, and shredded carrots. These ingredients will slowly meld together, infusing the chicken with that classic Italian heritage flavor while building a hearty soup base.
Step 2: Slow Cook the Soup
Cover your crock pot and let it cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. This slow simmer ensures the chicken becomes tender and juicy while the vegetables and herbs soften and release their flavors. The aroma filling your kitchen during this time is absolutely irresistible and promises a meal worth the wait.
Step 3: Shred the Chicken
Once the chicken is cooked through and tender, carefully remove it from the crock pot. Use two forks to shred the meat into bite-size, tender pieces—this will allow every spoonful to have perfectly distributed chicken goodness. Return the shredded chicken to the crock pot to continue absorbing all those savory flavors.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
After the chicken is back in the pot, add the small pasta and cook on high for another 20 to 30 minutes. Keep an eye on it to ensure the pasta reaches a tender, but not mushy, texture that harmonizes perfectly with the creamy broth.
Step 5: Add Cream, Cheese, and Spinach
Next comes the magic touch that transforms this soup from hearty to luxuriously creamy. Stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and fresh chopped spinach. Let the soup cook an additional 5 to 10 minutes until the cheese melts smoothly into the mix and the spinach softens just enough to add its bright green freshness.
Step 6: Final Seasoning
Give your soup a final taste. Adjust salt, pepper, or any seasonings if needed so that every bowl bursts with perfectly balanced flavor. This step makes sure your Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe hits all the right notes.
How to Serve Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly chopped parsley stirred on top just before serving adds a lovely herbaceous brightness and a splash of color that makes each bowl look as good as it tastes. You could also sprinkle a bit more grated Parmesan for an extra cheesy finish if you like that little pop of saltiness.
Side Dishes
This soup shines beautifully on its own, but pairing it with a crispy garlic breadstick or a warm crusty baguette is pure perfection. A simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette makes a light, refreshing companion that balances the richness of the soup.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this soup in bread bowls to ramp up the cozy, comforting vibe. You can also ladle it over freshly cooked risotto or serve alongside a platter of roasted veggies for a heartier Italian-inspired meal. No matter how you present it, the comforting creaminess and familiar flavors will steal the show.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors only deepen overnight, making it a fantastic next-day meal that tastes just as comforting as when freshly made.
Freezing
This soup freezes wonderfully. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It will keep well for up to 3 months. Since it has pasta, consider undercooking the pasta slightly before freezing or add fresh pasta after thawing for best texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring often to prevent sticking and ensure even warming. Add a splash of broth or water if it gets too thick, and freshen up the flavor with a sprinkle of Parmesan or fresh herbs before serving.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great option if you prefer meat that stays extra tender and juicy. Just make sure they’re boneless and skinless, and adjust your cooking time slightly if needed.
Is there a dairy-free version of this soup?
You can swap out the heavy cream and Parmesan for coconut milk and a dairy-free cheese alternative, although the flavor will vary somewhat. Nutritional yeast can also add a cheesy note for a dairy-free twist.
Can I make this soup in an Instant Pot instead of a crock pot?
Yes, you can adapt the recipe for an Instant Pot by using the sauté and pressure cook functions. Just cook the chicken and vegetables under pressure for about 12 minutes, then add pasta and cook until tender, stirring in cream and cheese at the end.
What pasta works best for this soup?
Small pasta shapes like ditalini, elbow macaroni, or small shells are perfect because they cook quickly and distribute evenly in the soup. Gluten-free pasta works well too if you prefer it!
Can I add other vegetables to this soup?
Definitely! Feel free to sneak in zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra veggies. Just chop them finely so they cook well during the slow cooking process and blend seamlessly with the other ingredients.
Final Thoughts
This Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe is truly a treasure in the world of comfort food. It manages to be hearty, flavorful, and creamy without any fuss, making it perfect for busy nights or relaxed weekend meals. Give it a try and watch how it quickly becomes a favorite for your family and friends—there’s just something incredible about a bowl of warm, cheesy soup filled with tender chicken and fresh herbs that feels like a little piece of homemade love.
Print
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
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup is a comforting, hearty dish combining tender chicken, savory broth, diced tomatoes, flavorful herbs, and creamy Parmesan cheese. Perfect for slow cooking to deepen flavors, it’s a warm Italian-American soup enriched with pasta, fresh spinach, and a hint of garlic, making it a delicious meal ideal for cozy dinners.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (undrained)
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded carrots
Pasta & Cream
- 1 cup small pasta (like ditalini or elbow)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Greens & Garnish
- 2 cups fresh spinach (roughly chopped)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Gather all ingredients, and dice the onion, mince the garlic, shred the carrots, and roughly chop the spinach and parsley. Set aside for easy addition to the crock pot.
- Add to Crock Pot: Place chicken breasts, low-sodium chicken broth, undrained diced tomatoes, diced onion, minced garlic, dried basil, dried oregano, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), salt, pepper, and shredded carrots into the crock pot. Stir gently to combine.
- Slow Cook the Soup: Cover the crock pot 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, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Shred Chicken: Remove the chicken breasts carefully, shred them using two forks, then return the shredded chicken back into the crock pot. Stir to mix evenly.
- Cook Pasta: Add the small pasta to the crock pot and cook on high for an additional 20 to 30 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese until the cheese melts and the soup becomes creamy and rich in texture.
- Wilt Spinach: Add the chopped fresh spinach and cook for another 5 to 10 minutes until the spinach wilts and incorporates into the soup.
- Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley for a fresh, vibrant finish.
Notes
- For a lower-carb version, omit the pasta or substitute it with cauliflower florets.
- You can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream to reduce the richness and calories.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet.
- Ensure to stir occasionally after adding pasta to avoid it sticking to the sides of the crock pot.
