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Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup

Name: Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 15 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes; 1 onion, finely diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp olive oil (optional for searing); 28 oz can crushed tomatoes; 15 oz can tomato sauce; 4 cups chicken broth; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; 0.5 tsp dried basil; 0.5 tsp dried oregano; 0.5 tsp salt; 0.25 tsp pepper; 0.5 cup heavy cream; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 cup small pasta (such as ditalini, fusilli, elbows, or rotini)

Are you in search of a cozy recipe that combines the heartiness of chicken soup with the savory flavors of a classic Chicken Parmesan? Look no further than this delightful Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup. Perfect for chilly evenings, this dish brings warmth to your table, tantalizing your taste buds with creamy cheese, tender chicken, and rich tomato broth. The best part? It practically cooks itself, giving you more time to relax and enjoy life.

Why Make This Recipe

It offers the beloved flavors of Chicken Parmesan in an easy-to-make soup.
The slow cooker does all the hard work, infusing every ingredient with deliciousness.
It’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you want comfort food without the fuss.

Whether you’re entertaining guests or enjoying a cozy dinner with your family, this soup will become a staple in your home.

Making Chicken Parmesan Soup at Home

This recipe marries convenience and flavor, allowing your slow cooker to work its magic while you go about your day. Let’s dive into the step-by-step process to create this heartwarming soup.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup

Prepare Ingredients
- Begin by finely dicing the onion and mincing the garlic. Aim for bite-sized pieces that will marry perfectly with the other ingredients.
- Cut the chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes. This size is ideal for ensuring that they cook evenly and blend seamlessly with the soup.
- If you want to enhance the flavors, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the cubed chicken for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they’re lightly golden. Once done, remove them and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 to 7 minutes until they are soft and translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, letting its aromatic qualities enhance the air around you.
- If you’re short on time, feel free to skip this step and add raw chicken, onion, and garlic directly into the slow cooker.
Combine in Slow Cooker
- Transfer the sautéed onions and garlic into the slow cooker insert. Include the seared chicken (or the raw chicken if you opted to skip the searing).
- Pour in a 28 oz can of crushed tomatoes, a 15 oz can of tomato sauce, and 4 cups of chicken broth. Stir in 1 tsp of Italian seasoning, 0.5 tsp of dried basil, 0.5 tsp of dried oregano, 0.5 tsp of salt, and 0.25 tsp of pepper. Mix it well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
Slow Cook
- Cover your slow cooker with its lid, and set it to cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours. The goal here is to have the chicken become incredibly tender, making it easy to shred. Resist any urges to lift the lid frequently, as this will release valuable heat and hinder the cooking process.
Shred Chicken
- After cooking, carefully remove the chicken pieces from the slow cooker and place them in a bowl. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces, then return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker. This added step will allow the chicken to fully soak up all the wonderful spices and broth.
Add Cream and Cheeses
- Turn the slow cooker setting to HIGH (if it isn’t already) or ‘Warm.’ Pour in a generous half cup of heavy cream (or half-and-half) and stir gently until fully incorporated.
- Add 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and 0.5 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir well until the cheeses melt into the soup, resulting in a rich and velvety texture that is sure to be delightful.
Cook Pasta
- Before serving, taste the soup and adjust any seasonings as needed. Then, add 1 cup of small pasta (like ditalini, fusilli, elbows, or rotini) directly to the slow cooker, ensuring it’s fully submerged.
- Continue to cook on HIGH for about 15-20 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente. Stir occasionally. If you’re making this ahead or storing leftovers, consider cooking the pasta separately to avoid it from becoming mushy or absorbing too much liquid.
Serve and Garnish
- Ladle generous portions of the soup into bowls. For a beautiful presentation, garnish each bowl with fresh basil leaves and an extra dusting of grated Parmesan cheese.
- This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or garlic bread, perfect for dipping into the hearty mixture.

Storage Tips for Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup

If you’re fortunate enough to have leftovers, storage becomes crucial to maintaining the freshness and flavor of your wonderful soup. Here are some recommendations:

Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container, refrigerating for up to 3-4 days at 40°F.
Freeze: You can freeze the soup for up to 2 months in a freezer-friendly container. To reheat, gently thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm on the stove or in the microwave.
Separate Pasta: If you’ve cooked the pasta directly in the soup, consider keeping it separate when storing leftovers to prevent sogginess.

Best Ways to Serve Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup

There are numerous tasty ways to present this delightful dish that can elevate the dining experience. Here are some suggestions:

Crusty Bread on the Side: A baguette or Italian bread is perfect for soaking up the rich flavors of the soup.
Garlic Bread: Spread garlic butter on slices of bread and toast them for a crispy addition that hints at Italian cuisine.
Salad: Serve a fresh garden salad with vinaigrette to add a refreshing contrast to the hearty soup.
Cheese: Provide additional grated Parmesan and mozzarella on the side for those who want to take it over the top.
Herbs: Fresh basil or parsley not only adds a pop of color but also enhances the dishes’ aroma and flavor.

Tips to Make Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup

Searing for Flavor: For an added depth of flavor, always consider searing the chicken and sautéing the vegetables before adding them to the slow cooker.
Pasta Timing: If making this ahead of time, cook the pasta separately to ensure it remains al dente. This will also allow you to enjoy the soup’s vibrant flavors without the pasta soaking up all the broth and becoming mushy.
Adjust Creaminess: For an extra creamy soup, you can adjust the amount of heavy cream based on your taste preferences.
Herb Freshness: Use fresh herbs whenever possible for a more vibrant flavor. Dried herbs can work in a pinch, but fresh will elevate the dish.

Variations or Substitutions

If you want to mix things up or have dietary restrictions, here are some adaptation suggestions:

Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts: If you prefer darker meat, chicken thighs can work wonderfully in this recipe. They are slightly fattier, which can enhance the flavor and tenderness.
Vegetable Variants: For a vegetarian version, replace chicken with hearty vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms, while substituting vegetable broth for chicken broth.
Spice it Up: If you’re a fan of spice, consider adding a splash of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to give the soup a kick.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: Yes, this soup stores well and can be made a day in advance. Just follow the storage tips mentioned above, and reheat when ready to serve.

Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative as they are juicier and add richness to the soup.

Q: How do I make it spicier?
A: You can enhance the heat factor by adding red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or using a spicy Italian sausage.

Q: Is this soup gluten-free?
A: To make this soup gluten-free, simply substitute the pasta with gluten-free pasta options or omit it altogether.

Q: Can I make this soup in a stovetop pot instead of a slow cooker?
A: Yes, you can make it on the stovetop. Just follow the same steps, cooking the soup on low heat until the chicken is tender, which will take about 30-40 minutes.

Q: What kind of pasta works best with this soup?
A: Small pasta shapes like ditalini, elbows, or fusilli are perfect for this recipe as they soak up the broth nicely.

In summary, this Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup is not only a wonderfully creamy and comforting dish but it’s also incredibly easy to prepare. With its rich flavors and aromatic profile, it’s sure to warm your heart and soul. So gather your ingredients, set your slow cooker, and let this tasty soup offer you a heartfelt taste of home. Enjoy!