Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe
This Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup is a comforting and hearty dish that combines tender shredded chicken with a rich tomato and parmesan-infused creamy broth. Slow-cooked to perfection, it features Italian seasonings, fresh garlic, and optional additions like spinach and basil for a deliciously savory meal perfect for any time of year.
- Author: Nora
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Low Salt
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, trimmed of fat
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)
Optional Fresh Ingredients
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)
- 2 cups baby spinach (optional)
Serving Suggestions
- Croutons or toasted baguette slices, for serving (optional)
- Prep Ingredients: Dice the onion and mince the garlic. Trim any excess fat from the chicken breasts. Grate parmesan cheese if using a block for fresh flavor.
- Layer Ingredients in Crock Pot: Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the crock pot. Add diced onion, minced garlic, dried Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper on top.
- Add Liquids and Tomatoes: Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and the canned crushed tomatoes. Stir gently to combine, making sure ingredients are well distributed. Set aside 1/2 cup of parmesan cheese for garnishing later.
- Slow Cook the Soup: Cover the crock pot and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and easy to shred with forks.
- Shred the Chicken: Carefully remove the chicken breasts from the crock pot. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces, then return the shredded chicken back into the crock pot.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream, half of the reserved parmesan cheese (about 1/2 cup), and the optional mozzarella cheese. Mix thoroughly until the cheese melts and the soup becomes creamy. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
- Add Greens and Herbs: If using, stir in the baby spinach and cook for about 2 minutes until wilted. Sprinkle the chopped fresh basil and the remaining parmesan cheese over the soup for added freshness and flavor.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into serving bowls and top with croutons or toasted baguette slices, if desired, for an extra crunchy texture and delightful contrast.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but the soup will be less rich.
- Adding spinach is optional but adds extra color, nutrients, and flavor.
- Using freshly grated parmesan cheese enhances the flavor more than pre-grated cheese.
- This soup pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or rustic bread on the side.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stove.
- For a thicker soup, stir in a small amount of cornstarch slurry after adding cream and cheese and cook until thickened.
Keywords: creamy chicken parmesan soup, crock pot soup, slow cooker chicken soup, Italian chicken soup, comfort food soup