If you’re craving that classic Italian comfort food flavor all wrapped up in a cozy bowl of soup, then you absolutely must try this Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe. It brings together tender chicken, rich parmesan, tangy tomatoes, and a creamy broth that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. With the convenience of the slow cooker doing all the heavy lifting, this soup becomes your go-to weeknight meal that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, but it’s almost effortless.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for straightforward, everyday ingredients that each add a special something to the soup. From the hearty chicken and savory broth to the cheese that melts into creamy goodness, every component contributes to the perfect balance of flavor and texture.
- 1 lb chicken breast: Use boneless for easy shredding and a tender, juicy texture.
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz): Adds vibrant color and a slightly tangy base for the broth.
- 4 cups chicken broth: The flavorful foundation that ties all ingredients together.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Brings luscious creaminess to the soup, making it rich and comforting.
- 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated: Packed with umami, it melts into the soup to elevate every spoonful.
- 1 onion, diced: Provides aromatic sweetness that develops as it cooks low and slow.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a warm, pungent depth that makes the soup truly irresistible.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs to give that unmistakable Italian flair.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Simple but essential seasoning to balance all flavors perfectly.
- Fresh basil for garnish: Brightens the finished soup with a pop of fresh herbal aroma and color.
How to Make Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe
Step 1: Start with the chicken
Place your chicken breasts directly into the crockpot. This slow cooking method will make the chicken incredibly tender, so it practically falls apart at the touch of a fork.
Step 2: Add the flavorful base
Pour in the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, diced onion, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning. These ingredients create a robust, well-rounded flavor that feels rich without needing any extra fuss.
Step 3: Season it
Sprinkle salt and pepper over the mix. Remember, seasoning early on allows the flavors to meld together beautifully as the soup cooks.
Step 4: Time to let it cook low and slow
Cover your crockpot and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours (or if you’re short on time, high for 3 to 4 hours). This step fully infuses the broth and softens the chicken to the perfect texture.
Step 5: Shred the chicken
Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the crockpot, shred it using two forks, and then return it to the soup. This adds hearty protein bites to every spoonful.
Step 6: Cream it up
Stir in the heavy cream and grated parmesan cheese. These dairy elements turn the broth silky smooth and give that signature cheesy richness you crave in a Chicken Parmesan dish.
Step 7: Final simmer
Cook the soup on low for an additional 30 minutes. This allows the cream and cheese to meld seamlessly with all the savory ingredients.
Step 8: Ready to serve
Serve your Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup piping hot, topped with fresh basil leaves for a wonderful burst of herbal fragrance and a stunning presentation.
How to Serve Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil is my favorite way to garnish this soup. It adds a touch of vibrant green that contrasts beautifully with the creamy broth. You can also sprinkle extra parmesan or add some crushed red pepper flakes to bring out a little heat.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs brilliantly with crusty garlic bread or a warm, buttery dinner roll. Their crunchy exterior and soft insides are perfect for dipping and soaking up every last drop of that cheesy broth.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup in hollowed-out mini bread bowls or sprinkle toasted breadcrumbs mixed with parmesan on top for an added crunch. Adding a drizzle of good olive oil just before serving can also enhance the soup’s richness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your soup, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, allowing you to enjoy this comforting meal again quickly.
Freezing
If you want to save the soup for later, freeze it in portioned containers. Keep in mind that the texture of the cream might change slightly after freezing, but a quick stir and gentle reheating will bring back much of the original creamy magic.
Reheating
Reheat your soup gently on the stove over low heat, stirring often to prevent scorching. You can add a splash of broth or cream if it has thickened too much after storage, ensuring it stays silky smooth.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs will add a bit more richness and stay juicy, which can be a delicious alternative. Just be sure to shred them carefully after cooking.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Absolutely. All the listed ingredients are gluten-free, making this soup a safe and tasty choice for those avoiding gluten.
Can I make this recipe on the stovetop instead of a crockpot?
You can, but the slow cooker really enhances the flavors and tenderness. If using the stove, simmer gently for about an hour to replicate the slow-cooked depth.
What can I add to make the soup spicier?
Add crushed red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or a dash of hot sauce to the broth before cooking to give your Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe an extra kick.
Is it possible to make this soup dairy-free?
Yes, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream and use a dairy-free parmesan alternative to keep it creamy and flavorful without dairy.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe is truly a game-changer for anyone who loves Italian flavors but wants an easy, hands-off meal. It’s warm, comforting, and perfect for any day you need a little extra coziness. Give it a whirl your family and friends will thank you, and you might just find it becoming your new favorite go-to recipe.
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Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This hearty Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup combines tender chicken breasts cooked low and slow with rich diced tomatoes, creamy parmesan, and a blend of Italian seasonings. Perfect for a comforting meal, it’s finished with fresh basil and creamy parmesan for a delicious twist on classic chicken parmesan flavors in soup form.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the crockpot: Place the chicken breasts in the crockpot, laying them evenly at the base to start the soup.
- Add aromatics and liquids: Add the diced tomatoes (with juices), chicken broth, diced onion, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning on top of the chicken.
- Season: Sprinkle salt and pepper over the mixture to taste for balanced seasoning.
- Cook: Set the crockpot to low and cook for 6-8 hours, or alternatively high for 3-4 hours, allowing flavors to meld and chicken to become tender.
- Shred chicken: Remove the cooked chicken breasts, shred them finely using two forks, 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 for richness.
- Finish cooking: Continue cooking on low for an additional 30 minutes to blend the cream and cheese flavors fully.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving hot.
Notes
- You can use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to speed up the process; add it at step 5.
- For a thicker soup, reduce the chicken broth by half or add a tablespoon of cornstarch slurry before finishing.
- For a lower-fat version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut milk.
- Serve with crusty bread or over cooked pasta for a more substantial meal.
- Make sure to shred the chicken finely to ensure it integrates well with the soup texture.
