Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup

Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup is a warm, comforting dish that combines the beloved flavors of classic Chicken Parmesan with the ease and convenience of a slow cooker. This hearty soup is loaded with tender shredded chicken, a rich tomato-based broth, pasta, and plenty of Parmesan cheese. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or cozy family dinners. Unlike traditional Chicken Parmesan, which requires breading and frying, this soup is a lighter, healthier alternative that doesn’t sacrifice flavor. With minimal hands-on effort and a long, slow simmer, this recipe is sure to become a household favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll love this recipe for its simplicity, versatility, and rich flavors. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, allowing you to set it and forget it. The result is a perfectly seasoned, hearty soup that’s packed with protein and nutrients. Plus, the recipe is easily customizable—swap the pasta for a gluten-free option, add extra veggies, or adjust the seasoning to suit your taste. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or prepping meals for the week, this Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup is a no-fail option that delivers big on comfort and flavor.

Preparation Time and Servings:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6–8 hours on low or 3–4 hours on high
• Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes (on low) or 3 hours 15 minutes (on high)
• Yield: 6 servings
• Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 2 cups)

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 320
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Protein: 32g
• Fat: 9g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 6g

Ingredients

For the soup:

• 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 4 cups chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup small pasta, such as ditalini, orzo, or elbow macaroni
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

For serving:

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for garnish)
• Fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)
• Crusty bread or garlic bread

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker Ingredients

1. Place the chicken breasts or thighs into the bottom of your slow cooker.
2. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, dried basil, oregano, parsley, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir gently to combine.

Step 2: Cook the Soup

1. Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.

Step 3: Shred the Chicken

1. Remove the cooked chicken from the slow cooker and transfer it to a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.

Step 4: Add the Pasta

1. Add the uncooked pasta to the slow cooker and stir it into the soup. Cover and cook on high for an additional 15–20 minutes, or until the pasta is tender. Be careful not to overcook the pasta, as it can become mushy.

Step 5: Stir in the Cheese

1. Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well until the cheese melts into the soup, creating a creamy, cheesy texture.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

1. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with extra grated Parmesan, fresh basil, and a drizzle of olive oil if desired. Serve with crusty bread or garlic bread on the side.

Ingredient Background

Chicken

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work well in this recipe. Thighs are slightly fattier and more forgiving, staying tender and moist even after extended cooking times, while breasts are leaner and shred beautifully.

Crushed Tomatoes

Crushed tomatoes create the base of the rich, flavorful broth. Opt for high-quality canned tomatoes for the best results. If you prefer a smoother texture, you can use tomato puree instead.

Parmesan Cheese

Parmesan cheese is essential for achieving the signature Chicken Parmesan flavor. Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best taste, as pre-grated cheese can have a grainy texture.

Pasta

Small pasta shapes like ditalini, orzo, or elbow macaroni work best in this soup because they cook quickly and evenly. For a gluten-free option, substitute with gluten-free pasta or rice.

Technique Tips

1. Layer ingredients carefully: Place the chicken at the bottom of the slow cooker so it cooks evenly and absorbs the most flavor.
2. Don’t overcook the pasta: Add the pasta toward the end of the cooking process to ensure it doesn’t become too soft.
3. Use freshly grated cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan and mozzarella melt better and provide a creamier texture compared to pre-shredded cheese.

Alternative Presentation Ideas

1. Bread Bowl: Serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls for a rustic, comforting presentation.
2. Deconstructed Soup: Serve the pasta on the side and pour the soup over it just before serving to maintain the pasta’s texture.
3. Cheese-Crusted Top: Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls, sprinkle additional mozzarella and Parmesan on top, and broil until bubbly and golden.

Additional Tips for Success

• Adjust seasoning at the end: Taste the soup after the cheese is added and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. The cheese adds saltiness, so it’s best to season lightly at first.
• Thicker soup: For a thicker consistency, add 1–2 tablespoons of tomato paste when adding the crushed tomatoes.
• Avoid overcrowding: Ensure there’s enough liquid to cover all the ingredients during cooking. If your slow cooker is smaller, halve the recipe to avoid overflowing.

Recipe Variations

1. Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup: Stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half at the end for an extra creamy texture.
2. Low-Carb Option: Skip the pasta and substitute with spiralized zucchini or cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative.
3. Spicy Chicken Parmesan Soup: Add more red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for extra heat.
4. Vegetarian Version: Replace the chicken with chickpeas or white beans and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Freezing and Storage

Freezing

• Before Adding Pasta: If you plan to freeze the soup, avoid adding the pasta. Freeze the soup base in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When reheating, cook the pasta separately and add it to the soup before serving.
• Reheating: Thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight and warm it on the stovetop or in the slow cooker.

Refrigeration

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or microwave until heated through.

Healthier Twist Ideas

1. Use whole-grain pasta: Swap regular pasta for whole-grain or legume-based pasta for added fiber and nutrients.
2. Add more vegetables: Incorporate diced zucchini, spinach, or bell peppers to boost the soup’s nutritional value.
3. Reduce cheese: Use a smaller amount of cheese, or opt for part-skim mozzarella and reduced-fat Parmesan.

Serving Suggestions for Events

1. Family Dinner: Pair the soup with a crisp green salad and garlic knots for a balanced and satisfying meal.
2. Casual Gathering: Serve the soup in large mugs with slices of toasted baguette for easy, informal dining.
3. Game Day: Offer a soup bar with toppings like croutons, extra cheese, and fresh herbs, allowing guests to customize their bowls.

Special Equipment

• Slow cooker (6-quart capacity recommended)
• Ladle for serving
• Cutting board and knives for prepping ingredients

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, frozen chicken can be used, but it will increase the cooking time. Ensure the chicken is fully cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

2. Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?

Yes! Use the sauté function to cook the onions and garlic, then add all ingredients except the pasta and cook on high pressure for 12 minutes. Quick release, shred the chicken, and cook the pasta on sauté mode.

3. What’s the best way to reheat the soup?

Reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup has thickened, add a splash of chicken broth or water to thin it out.

4. Can I make this soup dairy-free?

Yes, substitute the Parmesan and mozzarella with dairy-free cheese alternatives or nutritional yeast.

5. Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?

Yes, shredded rotisserie chicken can be added during the last 30 minutes of cooking, skipping the initial chicken cooking step.

6. What other pasta shapes can I use?

Any small pasta shape works well, such as rotini, farfalle, or small shells. Choose a shape that holds up well in soups.

7. Can I add other herbs?

Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or bay leaves can enhance the flavor of the soup. Just remove them before serving.

8. What if my soup is too thick?

Add more chicken broth or water to thin the soup to your desired consistency.

Conclusion
Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup is a comforting, flavorful dish that transforms the classic flavors of Chicken Parmesan into an easy, hearty soup. With its tender chicken, cheesy goodness, and customizable ingredients, it’s sure to please everyone at the table. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or hosting friends, this slow cooker recipe is the perfect combination of convenience and deliciousness. Give it a try—you’ll love every warm, cheesy bite!

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