Crock Pot Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe
When you crave the comforting flavors of chicken parmesan but want something a little different, this Crock Pot Chicken Parmesan Soup is the perfect solution.
It combines all the classic ingredients of the beloved Italian dish—chicken, tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, and spices—into a warm, hearty soup that’s easy to make and perfect for any night of the week. The slow cooker does most of the work, so you can enjoy a flavorful meal with minimal effort.
In this recipe, we’ll walk you through how to make this delicious soup step by step, share some tips for enhancing the flavor, and offer serving suggestions to make this dish truly special.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Crock Pot Chicken Parmesan Soup
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by preparing all your ingredients. Dice the onion, mince the garlic, and measure out your spices. This makes the process smoother once you start cooking.
Step 2: Layer the Ingredients in the Crock Pot
In your Crock Pot, layer the ingredients in the following order: Place the chicken breasts at the bottom, followed by the diced onion, minced garlic, crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, dried basil, oregano, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season generously with salt and pepper.
Step 3: Cook the Soup
Cover the Crock Pot and cook the soup on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be tender and easy to shred, and the flavors should be well combined.
Step 4: Shred the Chicken
Once the cooking time is up, carefully remove the chicken breasts from the Crock Pot and place them on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the Crock Pot and stir to combine.
Step 5: Add the Cheeses
With the chicken shredded and back in the soup, add the grated Parmesan cheese and shredded mozzarella cheese to the Crock Pot. Stir well to combine, allowing the cheeses to melt into the soup. If you prefer a creamier soup, stir in the heavy cream at this stage.
Step 6: Taste and Adjust Seasoning
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes, according to your preference.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve with croutons or toasted bread on the side to add a crunchy contrast to the creamy soup.
Tips for Perfecting Chicken Parmesan Soup
Choose Quality Chicken
Using high-quality chicken breasts ensures that the meat is tender and flavorful after slow cooking. You can also use chicken thighs for a richer taste, but keep in mind that they may add more fat to the soup.
Don’t Skip the Cheese
The Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses are key to achieving that classic chicken parmesan flavor in soup form. Don’t be shy with these ingredients—they’re essential for the rich, cheesy taste that makes this soup so comforting.
Adjust the Spice Level
If you prefer a milder soup, you can omit the red pepper flakes. If you like it spicier, feel free to add more or include a dash of hot sauce.
Serving Suggestions for Chicken Parmesan Soup
With Garlic Bread
Serve this soup with a side of garlic bread for a perfect meal. The bread’s buttery, garlicky flavor pairs wonderfully with the rich, tomato-based soup.
Over Pasta
For a heartier meal, serve the soup over a small portion of cooked pasta. It turns the soup into a chicken parmesan pasta dish that’s both satisfying and comforting.
With a Fresh Salad
Pair your soup with a light, crisp salad dressed in a simple vinaigrette. The freshness of the salad balances the richness of the soup, making for a well-rounded meal.
Variations on Chicken Parmesan Soup
Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup
For an even creamier version, increase the amount of heavy cream to 1 cup and stir in an extra cup of shredded mozzarella. This will make the soup richer and thicker, closer to a bisque.
Keto Chicken Parmesan Soup
To make this soup keto-friendly, omit the croutons or bread, and use full-fat cream and cheeses. You can also replace the crushed tomatoes with a lower-carb tomato sauce or diced tomatoes.
Vegetarian Parmesan Soup
For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with cannellini beans or chickpeas, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The beans provide a hearty, satisfying texture while keeping the dish meat-free.
Nutritional Benefits of Chicken Parmesan Soup
Chicken Parmesan Soup is a well-balanced meal that offers protein from the chicken and cheese, vitamins from the tomatoes and garlic, and calcium from the cheese. By using lean chicken breasts and opting for low-sodium chicken broth, you can make this dish a healthier option without sacrificing flavor.
If you’re looking to increase the fiber content, consider adding a handful of spinach or kale in the last 10-15 minutes of cooking. These leafy greens will wilt nicely into the soup and add extra nutrients.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I make Chicken Parmesan Soup ahead of time?
Yes, Chicken Parmesan Soup can be made ahead of time. Prepare the soup as directed, let it cool completely, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the Crock Pot on low before serving.
Q2: Can I freeze Chicken Parmesan Soup?
Absolutely! This soup freezes well. Let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Q3: What can I serve with Chicken Parmesan Soup?
Chicken Parmesan Soup is delicious on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with garlic bread, a fresh salad, or even over a small portion of pasta for a heartier meal.
Q4: How can I make this soup gluten-free?
To make this soup gluten-free, simply ensure that your chicken broth and cheeses are gluten-free. Serve the soup with gluten-free bread or croutons, or enjoy it as is.
Q5: Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use leftover cooked chicken for this recipe. Simply shred the cooked chicken and add it to the Crock Pot during the last hour of cooking to heat through. This is a great way to use up leftovers and still enjoy a flavorful soup.
Conclusion
Crock Pot Chicken Parmesan Soup is a delicious, comforting meal that combines the best flavors of chicken parmesan in a cozy soup form. With minimal prep time and the convenience of slow cooking, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a meal that’s both hearty and satisfying. Whether you’re serving it with garlic bread, over pasta, or with a fresh salad, this soup is sure to become a family favorite. Give it a try and enjoy the comforting flavors of chicken parmesan in every spoonful!
Crock Pot Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe
When you crave the comforting flavors of chicken parmesan but want something a little different, this Crock Pot Chicken Parmesan Soup is the perfect solution. It combines all the classic ingredients of the beloved Italian dish—chicken, tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, and spices—into a warm, hearty soup that's easy to make and perfect for any night of the week. The slow cooker does most of the work, so you can enjoy a flavorful meal with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- 3 boneless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 can crushed tomatoes (28 oz can)
- 1 can Tomato Sauce (15 oz can)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 2 tsp Italian Seasoning
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup parmesan cheese (freshly shaved)
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 8 oz rotini pasta (uncooked)
- For the Topping:
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 1/2 cup Shredded Mozzarella
Instructions
Add the chicken breast, minced garlic, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning and chicken broth to the crock pot.
Cover crock pot with lid, and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Shred the chicken. Stir in the shredded parmesan cheese, heavy whipping cream and rotini pasta. Cover and cook on low for 30 minutes or high for 15 minutes.
While this is cooking, sauté the bread crumbs in the butter in a sauce pan on the stovetop.
Top the individual soup servings with mozzarella cheese and bread crumbs. Enjoy!