This Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup is a comforting and delicious dish that brings together tender chicken, creamy Parmesan-infused broth, and wholesome vegetables. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a make-ahead meal, this soup is easy to prepare and loaded with flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless preparation: Just toss everything in the crock pot and let it do the work for you.
- Comforting flavors: The creamy Parmesan and Italian seasoning create a rich, savory taste.
- Perfect for meal prep: It stores and reheats beautifully for quick meals during the week.
- Kid-friendly: A crowd-pleasing recipe even picky eaters will enjoy.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Chicken breasts
- Chicken broth
- Heavy cream
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Crushed tomatoes
- Onion, diced
- Garlic, minced
- Italian seasoning
- Fresh spinach
- Salt and pepper
- Pasta or small noodles (optional, for serving)
Directions
- Place the chicken breasts in the crock pot.
- Add chicken broth, crushed tomatoes, diced onion, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
- Remove the chicken breasts, shred them with two forks, and return the shredded chicken to the pot.
- Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and fresh spinach. Allow the spinach to wilt and the cheese to melt completely.
- Serve hot, optionally over cooked pasta or noodles.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6-8
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
Variations
- Vegetarian version: Replace chicken with white beans or chickpeas, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Dairy-free: Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan cheese.
- Add heat: Stir in red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a spicy twist.
- Herbaceous: Add fresh basil or parsley for an extra layer of flavor.
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free noodles or skip the pasta altogether.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or in the microwave in 1-minute intervals until heated through.
FAQs
How do I make this soup thicker?
You can thicken the soup by stirring in a slurry of cornstarch and water during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes! Add shredded rotisserie chicken during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Is this soup keto-friendly?
Yes, as long as you skip the pasta or noodles, this soup is keto-friendly.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Absolutely. Blanch and peel fresh tomatoes, then dice or puree them before adding.
What’s the best pasta to serve with this soup?
Small shapes like ditalini, orzo, or elbow macaroni work well.
Can I make this soup on the stovetop?
Yes, simmer the ingredients in a large pot for about 1 hour until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
How do I keep the cheese from clumping?
Add the Parmesan cheese gradually while stirring to ensure it melts evenly into the soup.
Can I substitute spinach with another green?
Yes, kale or Swiss chard are excellent substitutes for spinach.
What other toppings go well with this soup?
Try croutons, fresh basil, or an extra sprinkle of Parmesan.
How do I adjust the seasoning to taste?
Taste the soup before serving and add more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning as needed.
Conclusion
Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup is a comforting, versatile, and easy-to-make dish perfect for any occasion. With its creamy texture and rich flavors, this soup will quickly become a family favorite. Whether you prepare it for a weeknight meal or freeze it for later, you’ll love the simplicity and satisfaction it brings to your table.
PrintCrock Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soups, Slow Cooker
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Description
This creamy and comforting Chicken Parmesan Soup is the perfect slow cooker meal. Packed with tender chicken, rich tomato flavors, and cheesy goodness, it’s a cozy dinner that’s easy to prepare and loved by all.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can (14 oz / 400 g) crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups (1 liter) chicken broth
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
- 1 cup (100 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup (100 g) uncooked pasta (small shapes like ditalini or elbow)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the slow cooker:
- Add the chicken breasts, crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, onion, garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the Crock Pot. Stir to combine.
- Cook the soup base:
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
- Shred the chicken:
- Remove the chicken from the Crock Pot and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.
- Add the cream and pasta:
- Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and uncooked pasta. Cover and cook on high for an additional 20-30 minutes, or until the pasta is tender.
- Add the mozzarella:
- Stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese until melted and the soup is creamy.
- Serve:
- Ladle the soup into bowls, drizzle with olive oil, and garnish with fresh basil leaves. Serve warm with crusty bread or garlic toast.
Notes
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta.
- Adjust the consistency by adding more broth if the soup becomes too thick.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.