Description
This hearty Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup combines tender slow-cooked chicken, savory tomatoes, Italian herbs, and melty cheeses to deliver the classic flavors of chicken parmesan in a comforting soup form. Perfect for an easy weeknight meal, this recipe uses the slow cooker to develop rich flavors with minimal hands-on time.
Ingredients
Scale
Soup Base
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Pasta and Cheese
- 1 cup uncooked small pasta (ditalini or elbow macaroni)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Finishing Touches
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half (optional)
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Place chicken, diced onion, minced garlic, crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, dried basil, dried oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper in the slow cooker to create a flavorful base.
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender, allowing flavors to meld.
- Shred Chicken: Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the soup to integrate the protein evenly.
- Cook Pasta: Stir in the uncooked small pasta and cook on high for 15–20 minutes until the pasta is al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add Cheeses and Cream: Mix in the grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella cheeses until melted and well combined. If desired, stir in the heavy cream or half-and-half for extra richness.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh basil or parsley along with extra cheese or croutons if preferred for added texture and flavor.
Notes
- Use chicken breasts for leaner soup or thighs for a juicier texture.
- The crushed red pepper flakes add a mild kick, omit if you prefer milder flavors.
- Pasta can be substituted with gluten-free varieties if needed.
- Heavy cream is optional but provides a creamier texture; you can also use half-and-half.
- To avoid overcooking pasta, keep an eye on it during the last step and adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat gently to avoid breaking down the pasta.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: Chicken Parmesan Soup, Crockpot Soup, Slow Cooker Recipe, Comfort Food, Italian Soup, Cheese Soup
