Easy Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup

Embrace comfort food with a twist! This delightful crockpot chicken parmesan soup brings all the beloved flavors of classic chicken parmesan into a warm, hearty bowl. Imagine tender chicken, rich tomato broth, and gooey cheese, all made effortlessly in your slow cooker. We’ve perfected the method to ensure the best texture and taste, promising a satisfying and family-friendly meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. Get ready to enjoy a truly memorable bowl!

Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup

• Classic Comfort in a Bowl: Experience the rich, savory taste of chicken parmesan transformed into a cozy soup.
• Cheesy Goodness, No Frying: Get all the delicious cheese and tomato flavors without the fuss of breading and frying.
• Hands-Off Convenience: Your slow cooker does most of the work, letting you relax while dinner cooks itself. For those curious about the advantages of this cooking method, exploring the health benefits of slow cooking can provide valuable insights.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Easily make this slow cooker chicken parmesan soup ahead for stress-free weeknight dinners.
• Optimal Pasta Texture: We use a simple trick to ensure your pasta is perfectly al dente, never mushy.
• Simple Italian Flavors: Enjoy a straightforward yet incredibly flavorful Italian-inspired dish that’s easy to love.

Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup Ingredients

Here are the fresh, simple ingredients you’ll need to create this comforting crockpot chicken parmesan soup:

• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 large green bell pepper, finely chopped
• ½ medium white onion, finely chopped
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• ½ pound raw boneless skinless chicken breast
• 3 cups chicken stock, plus additional if needed
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 4 ounces uncooked dry penne pasta
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, optional
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• Chopped fresh basil, for garnish

Notes & Substitutions

You can use either white or yellow onion; both work wonderfully. For herbs, if using fresh instead of dried Italian seasoning, use approximately 2 tablespoons of fresh mixed herbs. Feel free to use cooked chicken, like shredded rotisserie chicken, adding it during the last 30 minutes of cooking. For dietary needs, gluten-free pasta or rice can be swapped for penne; adjust cooking times accordingly. If the soup is too thick after cooking, simply stir in an extra splash of chicken stock until desired consistency.

Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup Equipment

Gather these basic kitchen tools to make your slow cooker chicken parmesan soup a breeze:

• 5-quart or larger slow cooker
• Large pot for cooking pasta
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Stirring spoon or ladle
• Two forks for shredding chicken

How To Make This Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup

Creating this delicious crockpot chicken parmesan soup is incredibly simple with your slow cooker. Just follow these easy steps for a warm, comforting meal.

In your 5-quart or larger slow cooker, combine the minced garlic, finely chopped bell pepper, and onion. Add the crushed tomatoes, raw boneless skinless chicken breast, chicken stock, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, kosher salt, ground black pepper, and red pepper flakes. For comprehensive guidelines on safe food preparation using a slow cooker, the USDA provides valuable information. Stir all these ingredients until they are well combined. Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Cook on the low setting for 7 ½ hours, or if you are short on time, cook on the high setting for 3 ½ hours.

Once the slow cooker cooking time is complete, set your slow cooker to its “warm” setting. If your slow cooker does not have a warm setting, you can simply keep it on the low setting. While the soup is keeping warm, heat a medium pot of salted water to a rolling boil on your stovetop. Add the penne pasta to the boiling water and cook it according to the package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture. Drain the cooked pasta thoroughly.

Meanwhile, carefully transfer the cooked chicken breast from the slow cooker to a clean cutting board. Using two forks, coarsely shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker. Add the grated Parmesan cheese, the optional unsalted butter, and the cooked and drained pasta to the slow cooker. Stir all the ingredients together until everything is well combined and heated through. Serve the crockpot chicken parmesan soup hot, garnished generously with shredded mozzarella cheese and a sprinkle of fresh chopped basil.

Stovetop Option

For a quicker cooking method, you can prepare this chicken parmesan soup on the stovetop.

First, get a large pot of salted water heating up for your pasta. Simultaneously, in a separate large pot, sauté the finely chopped onion and bell pepper in a bit of olive oil over medium heat. Cook until the vegetables soften, which takes about 4 to 6 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning.

Next, add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, chicken stock, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to the pot. Bring this mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and simmer until the chicken breast is cooked through, about 12 to 15 minutes.

While the chicken is simmering, cook the penne pasta according to its package directions until it’s al dente, then drain it well.

Finally, remove the cooked chicken from the pot, shred it using two forks, and return it to the pot. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, the optional butter, and the cooked pasta until everything is well combined and heated through. Serve your stovetop chicken parmesan soup topped with shredded mozzarella and fresh basil.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

For super easy shredding, remove the chicken from the slow cooker while it’s still warm. It will be much easier to pull apart with two forks. If your chicken parmesan soup becomes too thick for your liking, simply stir in an extra splash of chicken broth until it reaches your preferred consistency. Always cook your pasta to al dente separately to prevent it from becoming mushy in the soup. Remember to taste the soup before serving and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper as needed. Never add uncooked pasta directly to the slow cooker, as it will absorb too much liquid and become overcooked.

Serving, Storage, & Variations

This hearty crockpot chicken parmesan soup pairs perfectly with warm garlic bread or a simple side salad. To store leftovers, transfer the cooled soup to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. Gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat, or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken stock if it has thickened. You can freeze the soup (without pasta) for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

For an extra indulgent bowl, add more shredded mozzarella cheese directly into your serving. Stir in a splash of heavy cream at the end for an even richer, creamier slow cooker chicken parmesan soup. If you love a little heat, increase the red pepper flakes to ½ teaspoon or more. Boost your veggies by stirring in fresh spinach during the last 15 minutes of cooking, or diced zucchini when you add the initial ingredients.

Nutrition

Enjoying this comforting crockpot chicken parmesan soup also means knowing what you’re nourishing your body with.

Please note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and cooking methods used.

Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup – FAQ

Can I use cooked chicken for this crockpot chicken parmesan soup?

Absolutely! If using cooked chicken, such as rotisserie chicken, shred it and add it to the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking time to prevent it from drying out.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, you can easily double the recipe. Just ensure your slow cooker is large enough, at least 7-quart capacity, to accommodate all the ingredients.

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?

The recipe already calls for dried Italian seasoning. If you wish to substitute with other dried herbs, remember that dried herbs are more concentrated than fresh, so use about one-third of the amount.

Can I use other grains or pasta shapes?

Certainly! Feel free to use other small pasta shapes like ditalini or elbow macaroni. For a grain alternative, cooked rice or quinoa can also be stirred in at the end.

Conclusion

This crockpot chicken parmesan soup truly redefines comfort food, bringing the beloved flavors of a classic dish into a wonderfully easy, hands-off meal. Its rich, cheesy, and hearty nature makes it an instant family favorite, perfect for cozy evenings or busy weeknights. We encourage you to try this simple recipe and discover the joy of delicious, home-cooked food made with minimal effort. Share your experience and let us know how much you loved this flavorful bowl!

Easy Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup

This comforting Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup features tender shredded chicken, penne pasta, and rich tomato broth, all topped with melted mozzarella and fresh basil. It’s an easy one-pot meal perfect for a cozy dinner.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 3 hours hrs 30 minutes mins

Total Time 4 hours hrs

Course Dinner

Cuisine Italian-American

Servings 4 bowls

Calories 500 kcal

Kitchen Equipment

• Slow cooker (5-quart or larger)
• Medium Pot
• Cutting board
• Forks

Recipe Ingredients

  

Soup Ingredients

• 4 garlic cloves minced
• 1/2 large green bell pepper finely chopped
• 1/2 medium white onion finely chopped
• 1 can crushed tomatoes 14.5 ounces
• 1/2 pound boneless skinless chicken breast raw
• 3 cups chicken stock plus additional if needed
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 4 ounces penne pasta uncooked dry
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese grated
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter optional

Garnish

• 2 cups mozzarella cheese shredded
• fresh basil chopped, for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

 

Slow Cooker Method

• In a 5-quart or larger slow cooker, combine minced garlic, bell pepper, onion, crushed tomatoes, chicken, chicken stock, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
• Cover and cook on low for 7-1/2 hours or on high for 3-1/2 hours.
• Once the slow cooker time is complete, set it to warm; meanwhile, heat a medium pot of salted water to boiling and cook pasta until al dente, then drain.
• Transfer the cooked chicken to a cutting board and use forks to coarsely shred it.
• Add the grated Parmesan, butter (if using), cooked pasta, and shredded chicken to the slow cooker, then stir until well combined.
• Serve the soup garnished with shredded mozzarella cheese and fresh chopped basil.

Notes

For a quicker stovetop version, sauté vegetables and simmer with chicken and broth until cooked through, then proceed with pasta and cheese. Ensure pasta is cooked al dente to avoid sogginess in the soup.

Keyword Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup