This Easy Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup is a warm and comforting dish that brings together tender chicken, tomatoes, and creamy cheese, all simmered to perfection. It’s like a hug in a bowl!
Honestly, I love how I can just toss everything in the crockpot and let it do its magic while I relax. Perfect for busy days or when I just don’t feel like cooking a lot! 🍲
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this soup. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can use chicken thighs, which add extra flavor. For a vegetarian twist, consider using chickpeas or lentils instead.
Broth: Chicken broth provides a rich base for the soup. You can use vegetable broth to keep it vegetarian or low-sodium broth if you’re watching your salt intake.
Tomatoes: The diced tomatoes and tomato sauce are key for the soup’s flavor. If fresh tomatoes are in season, you can use roughly chopped fresh tomatoes instead. Canned crushed tomatoes work well too, especially for a smoother texture.
Pasta: I love using small shells or rotini, but any similar pasta will do. If you’re gluten-free, try using gluten-free pasta or skip the pasta entirely for a lighter soup.
Cheese: Parmesan and mozzarella give a delicious creamy texture. If you’re dairy-free, nutritional yeast can add a cheesy flavor, or try a dairy-free cheese alternative.
How Do I Shred Chicken Easily?
Shredding chicken after cooking can be tricky. Here’s a simple method to make it easier:
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the crockpot and place it on a cutting board.
- Use two forks to pull the chicken apart. Hold one fork in each hand and use them to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- If you have a stand mixer, you can also use it! Just place the cooked chicken in the bowl and mix on low speed for a few seconds—this shreds the chicken perfectly!
Using these techniques will save you time and effort, allowing you to enjoy this comforting soup faster!
Easy Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- Chicken: 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Broth: 4 cups chicken broth
- Tomatoes: 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- Vegetables:
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup bell pepper, diced (any color)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Herbs & Spices:
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Pasta: 1 cup cooked pasta (such as small shells or rotini)
- Cheese:
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Cream: 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- Garnish: Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful soup will take about 15 minutes to prep, and then you’ll let your crockpot do the work! Plan for about 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. After cooking, it takes another 20 minutes to mix in the pasta and cheese. Overall, it’s a fantastic choice for a cozy meal with minimal effort!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken and Base:
Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of your crockpot. Then, add the chicken broth, undrained diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, diced carrots, bell pepper, onion, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, dried basil, dried oregano, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. All these ingredients will create a flavorful base for your soup.
2. Cook Your Soup:
Cover the crockpot and let it cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. You want the chicken to be fully cooked and the vegetables to be tender when it’s done. The smell will be amazing as it simmers!
3. Shred the Chicken:
Once the cooking time is up, carefully take the chicken breasts out of the crockpot and place them on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Then, return the shredded chicken back to the soup in the crockpot.
4. Add the Pasta and Cheese:
Stir in the cooked pasta, grated Parmesan cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, and heavy cream into the crockpot. Mix everything until combined. You’ll notice the soup getting creamier and more delicious!
5. Final Cooking Time:
Cook the soup for another 15-20 minutes on low to let the cheese melt and the soup warm up again. Give it a quick taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
When you’re ready to serve, scoop the soup into bowls and garnish with some fresh basil or parsley if you’d like. Enjoy your cozy, cheesy Chicken Parmesan Soup!
This dish makes for a wonderful weeknight meal that your family will love. Happy cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts! Just add an extra hour to the cooking time for both low and high settings. The chicken will cook through perfectly, just ensure it’s fully cooked before shredding.
How Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
To make this soup vegetarian, simply replace the chicken with chickpeas or lentils and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add more veggies like zucchini or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, put it in a pot on the stove over low heat or microwave in a bowl until heated through. Add a splash of broth or water if the soup is too thick.
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While Parmesan and mozzarella are traditional, you can experiment with other cheeses. Try adding provolone for extra flavor or a sprinkle of feta for a tangy twist. Just keep in mind that the texture may vary.
