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If you’re craving a comforting bowl of Italian-inspired goodness that requires minimal effort and delivers maximum flavor, then you absolutely have to try this wonderful Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe. Rich, creamy, and brimming with tender chicken, tomatoey broth, and cheesy delights, this soup is a heartwarming hug in a bowl. It beautifully combines all the elements of classic Chicken Parmesan in a way that’s perfect for busy days or cozy dinners, making it an instant favorite that you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but each plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavors, textures, and colors, ensuring your Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe becomes a cherished staple.
- 3 boneless chicken breasts: The star protein that will become tender and juicy as it cooks low and slow.
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic: Adds a wonderful aromatic depth that brings rustic warmth to the soup.
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes: Provides a rich, tangy base with a satisfying texture.
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce: Smooths out the soup’s consistency and intensifies the tomato flavor.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavors to life.
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds a subtle, spicy kick to balance the richness.
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs that evokes the essence of Italy in every spoonful.
- 4 cups chicken broth: Creates the deliciously savory liquid base that carries all the ingredients together.
- 1 cup freshly shaved Parmesan cheese: Boosts the soup’s creaminess and signature cheesy flavor.
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream: Adds luscious creaminess and smooth texture to the broth.
- 8 oz rotini pasta (uncooked): Perfect pasta shape that holds the sauce beautifully and adds satisfying bite.
- ½ cup bread crumbs: Toasted to golden perfection for a delightful crunchy topping.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Used to toast the bread crumbs, imparting a rich, nutty flavor.
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts wonderfully atop the soup for that classic Chicken Parmesan finish.
How to Make Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe
Step 1: Combine Ingredients in the Crockpot
Start by placing the boneless chicken breasts, minced garlic, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and chicken broth into your crockpot. Give everything a good stir to blend the flavors and lay the solid foundation for your soup’s rich, comforting taste.
Step 2: Slow Cook to Perfection
Pop the lid on and let your crockpot work its magic. Cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. This slow cooking tenderizes the chicken so it practically melts in your mouth, while allowing all the seasonings to infuse deeply into the broth.
Step 3: Shred the Chicken
When your kitchen is filled with a mouthwatering aroma and the chicken is cooked through, shred the meat directly inside the crockpot using two forks. This step gives you tender, bite-sized pieces perfectly dispersed throughout your soup.
Step 4: Add Cheese, Cream & Pasta
Next, stir in the freshly shaved Parmesan cheese, heavy whipping cream, and uncooked rotini pasta. Cover the crockpot again and cook on low for 30 minutes or high for 15 minutes. The pasta will cook right in the broth, soaking up all the delicious flavors while thickening the soup beautifully.
Step 5: Make Crispy Bread Crumb Topping
While the pasta finishes cooking, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat and sauté the bread crumbs until they turn golden and crispy, about 3-4 minutes. This crunchy topping adds irresistible texture and a toasty flavor that perfectly complements the smooth soup.
Step 6: Serve with Cheese and Crunch
Ladle the hot soup into bowls, then sprinkle each serving generously with shredded mozzarella cheese and a heaping pinch of those crispy bread crumbs. The cheese will melt luxuriously into the warm soup, creating that iconic Chicken Parmesan experience in every mouthful.
How to Serve Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a final flourish always makes a dish feel extra special. Consider fresh basil leaves or a light drizzle of good-quality olive oil on top to brighten the flavors and add a burst of color that makes this soup as beautiful as it is tasty.
Side Dishes
Crusty garlic bread or a crisp Caesar salad complement this soup perfectly. The crunchy texture of the bread pairs wonderfully with the creamy soup, while the salad offers a refreshing contrast that balances the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a family dinner or even a casual dinner party, serve this soup in rustic bowls or mini bread bowls to elevate the experience. Topping each bowl with fresh herbs, extra cheese, or a sprinkle of chili flakes can personalize it and bring warmth to the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe stores beautifully. Just transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making each reheated bowl even better.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freeze the soup without the pasta in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and add freshly cooked pasta before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your soup gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring often. If the soup is too thick, add a little chicken broth or water to reach your preferred consistency. Add fresh pasta or cheese as needed to refresh textures and flavors.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, frozen chicken breasts can be used but cooking time may need to be extended to ensure they are fully cooked and tender. Always check the internal temperature to confirm.
Is it possible to make this soup without cream?
Absolutely! You can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or a coconut milk alternative for a lighter or dairy-free option, though the soup will be less rich.
What can I use instead of rotini pasta?
Small pasta shapes like orzo, ditalini, or mini shells work just as well because they hold the thick broth nicely. Avoid larger pasta as it may overwhelm the soup’s balance.
Can I prepare this recipe in an Instant Pot?
Yes, you can adapt it for an Instant Pot by using the sauté function for the initial step, then pressure cooking for about 15 minutes followed by a quick release. Add pasta after and cook on sauté mode until tender.
How can I make this recipe lower in sodium?
Use low-sodium chicken broth and tomato products, and reduce or omit added salt. You can also boost flavor with fresh herbs and spices to compensate.
Final Thoughts
Cooking this Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe is like inviting a warm embrace into your kitchen. Its rich, creamy broth, tender chicken, and golden cheese topping come together effortlessly and deliver incredible comfort in every spoonful. I truly can’t recommend it enough—grab your crockpot and get ready to delight your family and friends with a new favorite you’ll all cherish.
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Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours 30 minutes (including pasta cooking time)
- Total Time: 6 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This comforting Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup combines tender shredded chicken, flavorful tomatoes, creamy cheese, and perfectly cooked pasta in a rich broth. Slow-cooked to meld the Italian seasonings and topped with crispy sautéed breadcrumbs and melted mozzarella, this soup offers a hearty and satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Soup Ingredients
- 3 boneless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup freshly shaved Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 8 oz rotini pasta (uncooked)
Topping Ingredients
- ½ cup bread crumbs
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Base: Add the chicken breasts, minced garlic, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and chicken broth to the crockpot. Stir everything together to combine the flavors well.
- Slow Cook the Chicken: Cover the crockpot and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked through and very tender.
- Shred the Chicken: Remove the lid and use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the crockpot, distributing the meat evenly throughout the soup.
- Add Cheese and Pasta: Stir in the freshly shaved Parmesan cheese, heavy whipping cream, and uncooked rotini pasta. Cover the crockpot again and cook on low for an additional 30 minutes or on high for 15 minutes until the pasta is tender but still firm.
- Sauté the Breadcrumbs: While the pasta cooks, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the bread crumbs and cook, stirring frequently, for about 3-4 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and top each serving generously with shredded mozzarella cheese and a sprinkle of the crispy sautéed bread crumbs for added texture and flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute rotini pasta with other small pasta shapes like elbow macaroni or shells.
- If preferred, use low-fat cream to reduce the richness, but it may affect the creaminess of the soup.
- For a lower sodium option, use low-sodium chicken broth and adjust salt accordingly.
- Ensure the pasta is not overcooked by checking after 20 minutes if cooking on low, as crockpot temperatures vary.
- The crispy bread crumbs add a delicious textural contrast; do not skip or replace with raw breadcrumbs.
