Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe
If you’re searching for a luscious, cheese-laden soup that tastes like your favorite Italian comfort food and only requires a few minutes of hands-on time, look no further than Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup. Richly flavored with tender shredded chicken, savory Italian herbs, a velvety tomato-cream base, and plenty of fresh parmesan, this soul-warming crock pot recipe is destined to become your go-to for cozy nights or family dinners. One bite brings all the flavors you love about classic Chicken Parmesan, but with plenty of creamy, slurpable goodness in every bowl.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in how a handful of pantry ingredients come together to create something seriously crave-worthy. Each plays a pivotal role: the chicken brings substance, the broth carries all the flavor, the cheese gives that signature parmesan umami, and a splash of cream makes every spoonful silky and indulgent.
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts (or Thighs): Opt for either, but chicken breasts keep it lean and shred beautifully, while thighs offer extra juiciness.
- Low-Sodium Chicken Broth: Provides the savory backbone for the soup while letting you control the salt level.
- Small Yellow Onion, Finely Chopped: Adds a mellow sweetness and deepens the overall flavor profile.
- Garlic Cloves, Minced: Fresh garlic infuses the broth with that unmistakable Italian aroma.
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that delivers a classic, just-like-Nonna-made-it taste.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): For a gentle kick of heat that wakes up the tomato and cheese.
- Crushed Tomatoes (14.5 oz can): Builds a tangy, rich base reminiscent of traditional marinara sauce.
- Heavy Cream: The magic ingredient that makes the soup decadent and oh-so creamy.
- Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese: Nothing beats the saltiness and nutty flavor of real Parm; this is what earns the dish its name.
- Cornstarch + Cold Water (Optional, for thickening): Just a touch creates the perfect, spoon-coating texture if you like your soup extra hearty.
- Fresh Parsley, Chopped (for garnish): Adds color and a burst of freshness before serving.
- Salt and Pepper to Taste: Fine-tunes the seasoning and balances all the flavors.
How to Make Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup
Step 1: Layer the Chicken and Veggies
Start by placing your raw chicken breasts (or thighs) right into the bottom of your crock pot. Scatter the chopped onion and minced garlic over the chicken, making sure you get even coverage. These aromatics will infuse the chicken with lots of flavor as everything cooks together.
Step 2: Add Seasonings and Tomatoes
Sprinkle the Italian seasoning and, if you like a little warmth, the crushed red pepper flakes over the top. Then, pour the can of crushed tomatoes over the chicken mixture. This brings in that classic Chicken Parmesan flavor with just a hint of tanginess.
Step 3: Pour in the Broth
Carefully pour the chicken broth over all the ingredients in the crock pot. The broth will start mingling with the tomatoes and herbs, seeping into the chicken as it cooks low and slow for maximum flavor payoff.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover the crock pot and set it on low for 6–7 hours, or high if you’re short on time (3–4 hours works, too!). This long cook time is key to making the chicken ultra-tender and allowing the flavors to blend beautifully.
Step 5: Shred the Chicken
Once the chicken is cooked through and falling apart, use tongs to lift it out onto a plate. Using two forks, shred it into bite-sized pieces—the meat should practically fall apart on its own. Return the shredded chicken to the crock pot and give everything a good stir.
Step 6: Stir in the Cream
Pour in the heavy cream, letting it swirl into that tomatoey broth. This is the step where the soup transforms into something rich and velvety, so don’t skip it!
Step 7: Thicken if Desired
If you prefer a thicker consistency, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Stir this into the crock pot and watch as your soup thickens up in just a few minutes.
Step 8: Melt in the Parmesan
Gradually add the freshly grated Parmesan, stirring constantly so it melts smoothly into the soup. The cheese brings everything together and gives Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup its irresistible, signature flavor.
Step 9: Simmer and Finish
Leave the lid off and continue cooking on low for another 20–30 minutes. This lets the soup thicken slightly, melts the cheese fully, and develops that perfectly creamy texture. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed.
Step 10: Garnish and Serve
Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley just before serving. The parsley doesn’t just look pretty—it brings brightness that keeps the flavors lively.
How to Serve Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup
Garnishes
A final flourish of fresh parsley and extra Parmesan is all you need, but don’t be afraid to go bold! A handful of crunchy croutons on top or a drizzle of good olive oil adds texture and makes every bite feel special. If you’re after more color, thin ribbons of basil or a few halved cherry tomatoes can make your bowl pop.
Side Dishes
This soup is perfectly hearty all on its own, but I love pairing it with toasty, buttery garlic bread or chewy focaccia to soak up every last spoonful. A crisp Caesar salad or roasted balsamic veggies give a bright, refreshing contrast if you’re craving something green on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup in hollowed-out sourdough bread bowls for a restaurant-worthy touch. For gatherings, set up a “soup bar” with little bowls of toppings (think: shredded mozzarella, more red pepper flakes, chopped olives, or pesto drizzle) so everyone can dress up their bowl just the way they like.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Amazingly, this soup keeps its flavor and creamy texture quite well. Let any leftovers cool completely, then transfer to airtight containers and refrigerate. Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup will keep for up to four days, making it a wonderful meal prep superstar for busy weeks.
Freezing
You can freeze this soup, too—just leave out the Parmesan and cream, and add those after thawing and reheating for the best texture. Freeze portions in freezer-safe bags or containers, removing as much air as possible, and use within three months for freshest flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm soup on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until hot. If the soup has thickened in the fridge, a splash of broth or cream will bring it right back to its original silky consistency. For microwave reheating, use a lower power setting in short bursts and stir between each, to avoid any separation.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken?
Absolutely! If you’re in a hurry, simply add shredded rotisserie chicken during the last hour of slow cooking. This lets all the flavors meld perfectly, and you still get delicious, tender bites throughout your Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup.
How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
Great news: the base recipe for Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup is already gluten-free as long as your chicken broth and Parmesan are certified gluten-free. Just double-check your ingredient labels, especially the broth and cheese.
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
You can swap in whole milk for a lighter soup, but it won’t be quite as rich or creamy. For the best indulgent texture and classic flavor, heavy cream is recommended—though you can experiment with half-and-half for a happy medium!
Is there a way to make it vegetarian?
You can! Replace chicken with canned cannellini beans or your favorite white beans for protein, use vegetable broth, and add more veggies like mushrooms or zucchini. While it won’t be traditional Chicken Parmesan, you’ll still get those comforting, cheesy, Italian-inspired vibes.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Definitely. This recipe doubles beautifully and your slow cooker will have no trouble handling it as long as it’s a 6-quart size or larger. Just keep an eye on the cook time; you may need to add 30–60 extra minutes if your crock pot is very full.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know how easy and satisfying it is to make Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup at home, I truly hope you’ll give it a try. Each spoonful brings pure comfort and those Italian classics you love, all with minimal stress and maximum flavor. Here’s to your new favorite cozy-weeknight meal!
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Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the comforting flavors of a classic Italian dish with a twist in this Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup. Rich, creamy, and packed with savory goodness, this soup will warm you up from the inside out.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 2–3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 (14.5 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp cold water (optional, for thickening)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Place raw chicken in the bottom of the crock pot. Add chopped onion, garlic, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and crushed tomatoes.
- Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
- Remove chicken and shred with forks; return to crock pot. Stir in heavy cream.
- (Optional) Add cornstarch slurry and stir to thicken.
- Gradually add Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until melted.
- Cook uncovered on low for an additional 20–30 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper; garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- You can add cooked pasta such as penne or rotini for a heartier soup.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: Crock Pot, Chicken Parmesan, Soup, Italian, Slow Cooker, Comfort Food
