This Crockpot Chicken Parmesan soup transforms the beloved dish into a soul-warming bowl of goodness!
Rich tomato broth, tender shredded chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta come together in your slow cooker while you go about your day.
I love how my house smells like an Italian restaurant while this simmers away. When I get home from work, I just add some pasta and watch the magic happen. And the melty mozzarella on top takes it over the top.
Serve it with some crusty garlic bread, and get ready to fall in love!
Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup
Easy to Prepare: Simply toss all the ingredients into the Crockpot and let it cook throughout the day.
Classic Comfort: This recipe transforms the beloved Chicken Parmesan dish into a warm, hearty soup. It’s a unique and comforting twist on a familiar favorite.
Rich Taste: The slow cooking process creates a deep, savory tomato broth enriched with melted cheeses and tender, flavorful chicken.
Crowd-Pleaser: With its combination of tender chicken, pasta, and melty cheeses, this soup is sure to be a hit.
Ingredients
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: They form the protein base of the soup. They’re tender and easily shreddable after slow cooking.
- Crushed Tomatoes, Tomato Sauce, and Paste: They create the rich, tangy base. Tomato paste adds concentrated flavor and thickens the broth.
- Chicken Broth: It creates a savory base that complements the tomatoes.
- Onion and Garlic Cloves: They add an aromatic foundation.
- Herbs and Spices: Classic Italian seasonings infuse the dish with flavor. Red pepper flakes add optional heat, while salt and pepper balance everything.
- Parmesan Cheese: It adds a nutty, salty flavor and helps thicken the broth.
- Small Pasta: It absorbs the flavors while cooking and adds satisfying texture. Choose small shapes that fit easily on a spoon.
- Baby Spinach: It adds color, nutrients, and a fresh element.
- Mozzarella Cheese: It adds a creamy, stretchy texture to each bowl.
How to Make Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup
This is truly a set-it-and-forget-it meal!
1. Prepare the base. In the Crockpot, combine the chicken breasts, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, chicken broth, onion, garlic, basil, oregano, thyme, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir well to combine.
2. Cook on low. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
3. Shred the chicken. Use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the Crockpot or remove it, shred it, and return it to the pot.
4. Add the pasta and Parmesan. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and pasta. Continue cooking on HIGH for 20-30 minutes until the pasta is tender. Add more broth if the soup thickens too much with the extra pasta.
5. Add the spinach (optional). If you’re adding spinach, stir it in during the last 5 minutes so it wilts without overcooking.
6. Top with the mozzarella. Ladle the soup into bowls, sprinkle with the shredded mozzarella and let it melt. Or use a kitchen torch for a browned topping.
7. Garnish and serve. Top with extra Parmesan, fresh basil, or parsley, and serve with croutons or garlic bread.
Tips for the Best Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup
These easy tips will make your soup even more irresistible.
- Amp up the flavor. For added flavor, sear the chicken breasts in a pan before adding them to the Crockpot. This creates a deeper, richer taste.
- Take a shortcut. Use a hand mixer on low speed to quickly shred the chicken directly in the Crockpot, saving time and effort.
- Choose your texture. Cook the pasta separately if you prefer firmer pasta. Then, add it to the soup just before serving to avoid overcooking.
- Choose your consistency. Add extra broth if you prefer a thinner soup, especially after adding the pasta, which absorbs liquid.
- Fresh is best. Dried herbs are convenient. But adding fresh basil or parsley at the end of cooking can enhance the flavor and freshness of the soup.
- Give it a kick. If you enjoy spice, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
- Try fun variations. Swap chicken breasts for thighs for a richer flavor, or use gluten-free pasta. You can also add vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
- Make it a meal. Pair this soup with garlic bread or croutons for added texture and a satisfying side dish.
How to Store
Keep leftovers fresh to enjoy throughout the week with these tips.
To Store: Let the soup cool completely, then transfer to an air-tight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The pasta will continue to absorb liquid and become softer over time, so keep that in mind.
To Freeze: Place cooled soup in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving out the pasta and fresh herbs. Freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to serve, cook fresh pasta separately and add it to the thawed soup.
To Reheat: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Or heat larger portions in a pot over medium heat until hot. Add a splash of broth if the soup thickens too much during storage.