Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe

Introduction

This slow cooker Chicken Parmesan Soup is a comforting and creamy twist on the classic Italian favorite. Packed with tender chicken, rich tomatoes, and melted cheeses, it’s an easy, hearty meal perfect for any day of the week.

Ingredients

• 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup small pasta (ditalini, elbows, or orzo)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Optional: chopped fresh parsley or basil for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: Add chicken, diced onion, minced garlic, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried basil, oregano, thyme, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), salt, pepper, and chicken broth to the slow cooker. Stir to combine all ingredients evenly.
2. Step 2: Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
3. Step 3: Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the soup and stir well.
4. Step 4: Stir in the small pasta, cover again, and cook on high for 15–20 minutes or until the pasta is just tender.
5. Step 5: Add the grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella cheeses to the soup. Stir and allow the cheeses to melt into the soup for about 3–5 minutes.
6. Step 6: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley or basil if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Use boneless, skinless thighs for a juicier and more flavorful chicken option.
• If you prefer a thicker soup, add the pasta later and reduce cooking time, or stir in cooked pasta just before serving.
• For a lower-carb version, substitute pasta with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles added near the end of cooking.
• Adding a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of ricotta at the end creates an even richer, creamier texture.

Storage

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally. The pasta may absorb some liquid when stored, so add a splash of chicken broth or water while reheating to maintain a good consistency. This soup can also be frozen for up to 2 months—thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken straight in the slow cooker; just increase the cooking time slightly to ensure it reaches a safe temperature and is cooked through.

What type of pasta works best for this soup?

Small pasta shapes like ditalini, elbows, or orzo are ideal as they cook evenly and blend well with the soup’s texture. Avoid large pasta shapes which may not soften properly within the cooking time.

Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 104 reviews

This slow cooker creamy chicken Parmesan soup combines tender shredded chicken, savory tomatoes, Italian herbs, and cheesy goodness all in one comforting bowl. Perfect for a cozy meal, this hearty soup features a blend of Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses melted into a flavorful broth with pasta, delivering classic chicken Parmesan flavors in an easy, hands-off slow cooker recipe.

• Author: Sophie
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 to 7 hours (low) or 3 to 4 hours (high) + 20 minutes additional cooking for pasta and cheese melting
• Total Time: 6 hours 40 minutes (low) or 3 hours 35 minutes (high)
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Soup
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Italian-American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Soup Base

• 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth

Pasta & Cheese

• 1 cup small pasta (ditalini, elbows, or orzo)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Garnish

• Chopped fresh parsley or basil (optional)

Instructions

1. Combine ingredients in slow cooker. Add the chicken, diced onion, minced garlic, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried basil, dried oregano, dried thyme, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, black pepper, and chicken broth to the slow cooker. Stir everything together to combine the flavors well.
2. Cook chicken base. Cover and cook the mixture on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender enough to shred easily.
3. Shred chicken. Remove the cooked chicken from the soup and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker and stir it in evenly.
4. Add pasta and cook. Stir in the small pasta of your choice. Cover and cook on high for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, or until the pasta is just tender but not mushy.
5. Melt in cheeses. Stir in the grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella cheeses. Allow the cheese to melt into the soup for 3 to 5 minutes, creating a creamy texture.
6. Adjust seasoning and serve. Taste the soup and adjust the salt or spice level as needed. Serve the soup hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley or basil if desired.

Notes

• Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the saltiness of the soup.
• Chicken breasts or thighs can be used based on preference; thighs result in a slightly richer flavor.
• The pasta choice can be any small-shaped variety that cooks quickly.
• For a spicier soup, increase the crushed red pepper flakes or add freshly ground black pepper.
• Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stove.
• If freezing, consider cooking the pasta separately and adding it when reheating to avoid mushiness.

Keywords: chicken parmesan soup, slow cooker chicken soup, creamy chicken parmesan, Italian soup, comfort food, slow cooker recipes