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This Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup is the easiest way to bring the comforting flavors of classic Chicken Parmesan to the table with minimal effort. By slow cooking everything together, the chicken turns meltingly tender while the tomato broth infuses with herbs and cheese. The best part is everything comes together in just one pot and tastes even better the next day.
I made this one chilly evening when everyone wanted something hearty but I did not want to stand by the stove. We all loved how the soup captured those familiar Italian flavors and now it is a regular in my house especially on busy weekdays.
Ingredients
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: These turn fork tender in the crockpot and shred easily for the best texture
- Crushed tomatoes: Choose a good quality brand for richer sweeter flavor
- Chicken broth: Use low sodium broth so you can season to taste
- Small onion diced: This sweetens and deepens the broth
- Garlic minced: Fresh garlic always gives the broth more depth of flavor
- Dried basil: Gives a familiar Italian aroma and flavor
- Dried oregano: A must have in classic Italian soup bases
- Red pepper flakes optional: Adds a gentle kick use more if you like it spicy
- Salt and black pepper: Always taste your broth and season accordingly
- Uncooked small pasta like ditalini or elbow: These cook right in the soup and soak up just enough flavor
- Heavy cream optional: This brings silkiness and richness to each bowl
- Shredded Parmesan cheese: For classic chicken parmesan flavor
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: For a melty topping that everyone loves
- Fresh basil for garnish: Choose bright fragrant bunches if possible
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Add Everything to the Slow Cooker:
- Place chicken breasts crushed tomatoes chicken broth onion garlic herbs and seasonings right into your crockpot Make sure the chicken is nestled under the liquid so it cooks evenly and stays juicy
- Slow Cook Until Tender:
- Cover and leave the soup to cook on low for six to seven hours or on high for three to four hours The chicken should feel very tender when gently pressed with a fork
- Shred and Return the Chicken:
- Lift the cooked chicken breasts out and use two forks to shred them into bite size pieces Slide the shredded chicken right back into the broth so it can soak up all the flavors
- Add the Pasta:
- Stir in the uncooked small pasta right into the soup Turn the setting to high and let it cook uncovered for fifteen to twenty minutes The pasta should turn tender but not mushy
- Cream and Cheese Finish:
- For a silkier broth gently stir in heavy cream if you are using and sprinkle in the shredded parmesan cheese Stir well and cook for five more minutes until everything is creamy and melted
- Serve with Melted Mozzarella:
- Ladle your soup into bowls Scatter shredded mozzarella and fresh basil on top The cheese melts slightly over the hot soup which adds to the comfort with every bite
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My favorite part is the parmesan cheese I always sprinkle on a little extra at the table The first time I served this at a family birthday it turned a simple dinner into something everyone celebrated and remembered
Storage Tips
This soup keeps well in the fridge for up to four days Store it in a tightly sealed container and reheat gently over the stove Add a splash more broth if the pasta soaks up too much liquid Unlike some pasta soups this one tastes even better on day two
Ingredient Swaps
If you want to cut carbs use zucchini noodles instead of pasta or skip the pasta to make a protein packed tomato chicken soup For dairy free use coconut cream instead of heavy cream or leave out the cheese For a gluten free twist make sure to use certified gluten free pasta
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Serving Suggestions
Serve this soup piping hot with garlic bread crusty Italian rolls or a crisp green salad Try topping with extra parmesan or a drizzle of good olive oil If you are serving kids offer a side of roasted veggies or mini mozzarella balls
A Bit of History
Chicken parmesan soup brings together Italian American comfort with the convenience of slow cookers It takes those classic elements—cheesy tomato sauce crispy chicken and pasta—and transforms them into a homestyle bowl of soup Slow cookers became popular in busy households and this recipe is exactly the kind of dish families love to discover
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I substitute the pasta with something else?
Yes, for a lower-carb option, zucchini noodles can replace the pasta or you can omit it altogether to keep the texture lighter.
- → How do I shred the chicken easily?
Once cooked, use two forks to pull the chicken apart into tender shreds, then stir it back into the broth to absorb more flavor.
- → Can I make this without the cream?
Absolutely, the soup remains deliciously rich from the Parmesan and tomato base, so the cream is optional for extra creaminess.
- → What type of cheese works best for topping?
Mozzarella adds a melty, mild topping that pairs nicely with the Parmesan in the soup, offering a comforting texture and flavor contrast.
- → How can I prevent the soup from becoming too thick?
If it thickens more than desired, simply stir in additional chicken broth before serving to loosen the consistency.