Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup

This Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup is a comforting, rich, and flavorful dish that combines the classic taste of chicken parmesan with the ease and convenience of slow cooking. It’s perfect for busy days when you want a hearty, satisfying meal without spending too much time in the kitchen. The creamy broth, tender chicken, and flavors of garlic, tomatoes, and parmesan cheese come together beautifully in this cozy soup. With minimal prep time and the help of your Crock Pot, this recipe delivers a dish that’s both filling and easy to make, ideal for family dinners, meal prepping, or a cozy night in. Plus, it’s an excellent way to enjoy all the flavors of a traditional chicken parmesan in a warm and comforting bowl of soup.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Comforting and Hearty

This soup is rich, creamy, and filling, perfect for a cold winter evening or any day you’re craving something warm and satisfying.

2. Minimal Prep Time

With just a few ingredients to chop and toss into the Crock Pot, you can have dinner cooking while you go about your day. The slow cooker does all the work for you!

3. Classic Chicken Parmesan Flavors

The soup features the iconic flavors of chicken parmesan, with tender chicken, melted cheese, and the perfect blend of spices that make this dish a crowd-pleaser.

4. Family-Friendly

With its creamy texture and delicious taste, this soup is sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike. It’s a great way to get everyone to enjoy a veggie-packed meal.

5. Easy to Customize

You can adjust the ingredients to your liking, such as using different cheeses, adding extra vegetables, or making it a little spicier with some red pepper flakes.

Ingredients

• Chicken breasts or thighs
• Onion
• Garlic
• Diced tomatoes
• Chicken broth
• Heavy cream
• Parmesan cheese
• Mozzarella cheese
• Italian seasoning
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• Fresh basil (optional for garnish)
• Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Variations

• Use Ground Chicken or Turkey: Swap out chicken breasts for ground chicken or turkey for a lighter version of this soup.
• Add More Veggies: You can add spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers to incorporate more vegetables into the soup for added nutrition.
• Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for some heat.
• Low-Carb Option: Skip the pasta for a keto-friendly version and enjoy the creamy soup as is.
• Gluten-Free Option: Ensure you’re using gluten-free pasta if you prefer to add it to the soup.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Onions and Garlic

In a skillet, heat some olive oil and sauté the onions until soft. Add the garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Crock Pot

Place the chicken breasts, sautéed onions and garlic, diced tomatoes (with juices), chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper into the Crock Pot. Stir to combine.

Step 3: Cook on Low

Cover the Crock Pot and cook on low for 6-7 hours or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. If you’re short on time, you can cook on high for 3-4 hours.

Step 4: Shred the Chicken

Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the Crock Pot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the soup.

Step 5: Add the Cream and Cheese

Stir in the heavy cream, parmesan, and mozzarella cheeses. Continue cooking for another 30 minutes until the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy.

Step 6: Optional Pasta

If you’re adding pasta, cook it separately and stir it into the soup just before serving.

Step 7: Serve

Ladle the soup into bowls, and garnish with fresh basil and extra parmesan if desired. Enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe

1. Use Bone-In Chicken: For added flavor, you can use bone-in chicken breasts or thighs. Just be sure to remove the bones before shredding the meat.
2. Don’t Skip the Cream: The heavy cream is what makes this soup creamy and rich. Avoid substituting with milk, as it may not provide the same texture.
3. Shred the Chicken Well: Shredding the chicken into small pieces helps it absorb the flavors of the soup and makes it more enjoyable to eat.
4. Add Extra Cheese: For an even richer flavor, add more parmesan or mozzarella when serving.
5. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning to your liking, adding more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning as needed.

How to Serve

This Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup is perfect served with a side of garlic bread or crusty baguette to dip into the creamy broth. You can also serve it with a simple side salad or some roasted vegetables for a complete meal. It’s also delicious with a sprinkle of extra parmesan cheese and fresh basil on top.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a little more chicken broth or cream if needed to restore the creaminess.

Freezing

This soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. To freeze, let it cool completely, then store in freezer-safe containers. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop.

Reheating

When reheating, be sure to do so slowly on low heat. If the soup thickens too much after being stored, add a little more chicken broth or cream to reach the desired consistency.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just be sure to cook it for an extra 1-2 hours if using frozen chicken.

2. Can I make this soup without a Crock Pot?

Yes! You can make this soup on the stove by simmering the ingredients in a large pot until the chicken is cooked through. Then, shred the chicken and stir in the cream and cheese.

3. Can I use store-bought marinara sauce?

Yes, you can substitute marinara sauce for the diced tomatoes and add a little extra seasoning for more flavor.

4. Can I add pasta directly into the Crock Pot?

While you can add pasta to the Crock Pot, it’s best to cook it separately and add it at the end. Pasta can get too soft if cooked too long in the slow cooker.

5. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Feel free to use other types of cheese, such as provolone, gouda, or cheddar, to switch up the flavor profile of the soup.

6. How do I make this soup lighter?

You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk to lighten the recipe. You can also use less cheese.

7. How do I make the soup spicier?

Add some red pepper flakes, a dash of hot sauce, or a few chopped jalapeños to bring some heat to the soup.

8. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work great in this recipe and tend to be juicier, adding a bit more richness to the soup.

9. Can I make this soup vegetarian?

You can make a vegetarian version by omitting the chicken and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add some extra veggies like mushrooms or zucchini for more flavor.

10. Can I make this soup dairy-free?

Yes, you can use coconut milk or a dairy-free cream substitute and non-dairy cheese to make this recipe dairy-free.

Conclusion

Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup is the perfect combination of ease, comfort, and flavor. With minimal prep, a slow cooker, and just a few ingredients, you can enjoy the tastes of a classic chicken parmesan in soup form. Whether you’re serving it on a chilly evening, meal prepping for the week, or bringing it to a family dinner, this soup is sure to become a new favorite. Creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-delicious, it’s a comforting bowl that everyone will love.

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