If you are looking for a cozy, comforting dish that brings all the flavors of a classic Italian favorite into a warm, satisfying bowl, this Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe checks all the boxes. Packed with tender chicken, rich tomato goodness, and cheesy indulgence, this soup transforms the beloved Chicken Parmesan into a hearty meal that’s perfect for busy days or chilly evenings. Imagine the ease of tossing everything in the slow cooker, then welcoming the fragrant aroma as it simmers to perfection. This soup is not only soul-soothing but also incredibly simple to make, turning weeknight dinners into a delicious celebration of Italian-American comfort food.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this soup lies in a handful of classic, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together effortlessly to create layers of flavor and texture. Each element plays a key role—from the savory chicken and vibrant tomatoes to the melty cheeses that elevate every spoonful.
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts: The protein star of the dish, ensuring every bite is tender and satisfying.
- 1 medium onion, diced: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor when cooked down slowly.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the soup with its signature Italian aroma and a delicious savory kick.
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes: Brings rich tomato flavor and vibrant color to the soup base.
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce: Adds smoothness and intensifies the tomato essence.
- 4 cups chicken broth: Creates a flavorful, comforting liquid foundation to tie everything together.
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs that transport you straight to the Italian countryside.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil: Complements the Italian seasoning with subtle, sweet notes.
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Provides a gentle heat for those who like a little kick.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a mild, fresh spiciness.
- 8 ounces rotini pasta (or any short pasta): Offers delightful texture and a familiar base like traditional Chicken Parmesan.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully, creating gooey, cheesy happiness.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds tangy, nutty richness to every spoonful.
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped: Brightens the dish with fresh green notes.
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish: A fragrant, elegant touch that completes the soup presentation.
How to Make Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker Base
Start by placing the boneless skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of your slow cooker. This ensures the chicken stays juicy while absorbing all the wonderful flavors from the other ingredients. Next, add the diced onion and minced garlic right on top—they’ll soften and meld into a fragrant foundation during cooking. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce, then add the chicken broth to loosen things up and provide that comforting soup consistency.
Step 2: Season to Perfection
Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, dried basil, and if you want a little spice, add the crushed red pepper flakes. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Give everything a gentle stir just to distribute the seasonings without shredding the chicken yet. Now set your slow cooker on low for 6–7 hours, or high for 3–4 hours, allowing the chicken to cook thoroughly and soak up all those delicious, zesty flavors.
Step 3: Shred the Chicken
Once the cooking time is up, carefully remove the chicken breasts onto a cutting board or plate. With two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces—that tender shredded chicken is what makes this soup so special. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker, stirring it evenly into the tomato broth base to combine all those savory elements beautifully.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
Add the rotini pasta directly into the slow cooker, stirring gently. Cook on high for 20–25 minutes until the pasta is tender but not mushy. If you prefer, you can cook your pasta separately for a firmer bite and mix it in just before serving to keep the noodles perfectly al dente.
Step 5: Cheese It Up
Just before serving, stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan, and chopped fresh parsley. The cheeses melt right into the hot soup, giving every spoonful that irresistibly creamy finish. Ladle the soup into bowls and top with fresh basil leaves for a final burst of color and flavor.
How to Serve Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves are the star garnish here, adding an aromatic punch and visual appeal. Sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top if you want to indulge even further. A drizzle of good-quality olive oil can also elevate the flavor profile and add a lovely silky texture.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs beautifully with crusty garlic bread or a warm, buttery baguette to soak up every last drop of the cheesy tomato broth. A crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the soup.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup in hollowed-out baguette bowls or mini bread bowls to wow your guests and make the meal feel extra special. You can also sprinkle some toasted pine nuts on top for an unexpected crunch and nutty flavor that complements the Italian-inspired ingredients perfectly.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe tastes just as wonderful the next day. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop, making your second serving even more delicious.
Freezing
If you want to save some for a later date, this soup freezes very well. Let it cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat the soup gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and uneven heating. If the soup thickens too much, add a splash of chicken broth or water to bring it back to your desired consistency. Avoid boiling to keep the chicken tender and the cheese creamy.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add a bit more richness and stay juicy throughout the slow cooking process. Just make sure to shred them well before returning to the soup.
What pasta works best in this soup?
Short pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or shells work wonderfully because they hold the sauce well and provide great texture. Just be careful not to overcook the pasta in the slow cooker.
Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, you can substitute the chicken with hearty vegetables like mushrooms or eggplant and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You’ll still get a flavorful and satisfying meal.
Can I add cream to make it richer?
Yes, a splash of heavy cream stirred in at the end of cooking makes this soup extra creamy and luxurious. It’s a lovely addition if you want to up the indulgence factor.
How spicy is this soup?
The crushed red pepper flakes are optional and can be adjusted or omitted depending on your heat preference. Without them, the soup has a mild, comforting warmth that’s perfect for all palates.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about a warm bowl of soup that tastes like a classic favorite reinvented with ease and depth. This Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe invites you to enjoy the best of both worlds—the indulgent flavors of Chicken Parmesan with the cozy comfort of a slow cooker soup. It’s perfect for sharing with family or saving for an effortless solo dinner. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will quickly become one of your go-to meals to warm your heart and fill your kitchen with irresistible aromas.
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Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours (low) or 3 hours (high)
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes (low) or 3 hours 15 minutes (high)
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup, Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup is a hearty and comforting Italian-American dish that combines tender shredded chicken, flavorful tomatoes, Italian herbs, and rotini pasta all simmered to perfection in a slow cooker. Finished with melted mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, and basil garnish, this soup delivers all the beloved flavors of classic Chicken Parmesan in a warm, satisfying bowl perfect for cozy meals.
Ingredients
Soup Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Pasta and Cheese
- 8 ounces rotini pasta (or any short pasta)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, dried basil, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir gently to combine the ingredients.
- Slow Cook the Soup: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and tender.
- Shred the Chicken: Remove the cooked chicken breasts from the slow cooker. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker and stir well to incorporate.
- Cook the Pasta: Add the rotini pasta directly into the slow cooker. Increase the heat to high and cook for an additional 20–25 minutes or until the pasta is tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add the Cheeses and Herbs: Just before serving, stir in the shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped fresh parsley into the soup to melt and combine flavors evenly.
- Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish each serving with fresh basil leaves for a burst of color and fresh aroma. Enjoy immediately.
Notes
- For a creamier soup, add a splash of heavy cream at the end of cooking before serving.
- If you prefer al dente pasta texture, cook the pasta separately according to package instructions and stir it into the soup just before serving.
- Adjust crushed red pepper flakes according to your desired spice level or omit for a milder taste.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.
