Name: Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-484954H20M32S
Total time: PT-484954H20M32S
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 (15 oz) can crushed tomatoes; 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce; 1 (14 oz) can chicken broth; ½ cup heavy cream; 2 teaspoons dried basil; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 1 cup uncooked pasta (rotini, penne, or small shells); 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Soup is a comforting and hearty dish that combines all the delicious flavors of chicken parmesan in a rich, flavorful soup. With tender chicken, creamy broth, and plenty of cheese, this soup is the perfect cozy meal for a chilly day. It’s easy to make, thanks to the slow cooker, and is sure to satisfy your cravings for classic Italian comfort food.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Chicken Parmesan Soup brings together the best of two worlds: the savory goodness of chicken parmesan and the cozy warmth of a hearty soup. The slow cooker does all the work, allowing you to enjoy a rich, creamy soup without spending too much time in the kitchen. The combination of tender chicken, flavorful tomatoes, melted cheese, and a delicious broth will warm you up from the inside out. It’s perfect for a family dinner, meal prep, or a comforting weeknight meal.

Ingredients

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 (15 oz) can crushed tomatoes
1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
1 (14 oz) can chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 teaspoons dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 cup uncooked pasta (such as rotini, penne, or small shells)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the Soup Base: Place the chicken breasts, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, chicken broth, heavy cream, basil, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
Shred the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the soup and stir to combine.
Add the Pasta: Add the uncooked pasta to the slow cooker and stir well. Continue to cook on high for 20-30 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and fully cooked.
Add the Cheese: Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined.
Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh basil or parsley, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

Servings: Approximately 6 servings.
Preparation Time: 10 minutes.
Cooking Time: 6 hours on low, or 3 hours on high (plus 20-30 minutes for pasta).
Total Time: 6.5 hours (slow cooker time).

Variations

Vegetarian Version: Omit the chicken and use vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, and bell peppers for a vegetarian version of this soup.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta to make this soup gluten-free.
Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the soup for a spicy twist.
More Veggies: Add additional vegetables like spinach, kale, or carrots to increase the nutritional value and add more flavor to the soup.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: This soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just be aware that the pasta may soften a little when reheating after freezing.
Reheating: To reheat, simply warm the soup on the stove over low heat, adding a bit of broth or water if it has thickened too much.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts in this recipe. Just be sure to add an extra 30 minutes to the cooking time if you’re cooking on high or 1-2 hours if cooking on low.

2. Can I make this soup on the stovetop instead of in the slow cooker?

Yes, you can make this soup on the stovetop. Cook the chicken and broth in a large pot over medium heat until the chicken is cooked through. Then, shred the chicken and add the pasta, cooking until tender. Stir in the cheeses at the end.

3. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! You can substitute the pasta with any type of small pasta like elbow macaroni, fusilli, or even gluten-free pasta.

4. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute the mozzarella with provolone or fontina cheese for a different flavor. Parmesan can be replaced with Pecorino Romano for a more intense taste.

5. How can I make the soup thicker?

If you want a thicker soup, you can add a little more cream or use a slurry of cornstarch and water to thicken the broth. Alternatively, reduce the amount of broth.

6. Can I add more vegetables to this soup?

Yes, you can add vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers. Just add them in the last 30 minutes of cooking so they don’t overcook.

7. How do I store the leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If freezing, let the soup cool before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.

8. Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the soup ahead of time and store it in the fridge or freezer. Just add the cheese and pasta when you’re ready to serve.

9. Can I use a pressure cooker for this recipe?

Yes, you can use a pressure cooker. Cook the chicken and broth on high pressure for about 15 minutes, shred the chicken, then add the pasta and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes.

10. Can I use a dairy-free option?

Yes, you can use a dairy-free cream and non-dairy cheese alternatives if you need a dairy-free version of this soup.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Soup is the perfect comforting meal for any time of the year. With its tender chicken, rich tomato broth, and creamy cheese, it’s an easy-to-make, hearty dish that’s sure to satisfy your cravings. Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner or meal prep, this soup is a deliciously simple way to enjoy the flavors of chicken parmesan in a bowl.