Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup
Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup is a delightful blend of Italian flavors wrapped up in a creamy, comforting soup that your family will love. Picture the savory aroma wafting through your kitchen as chicken simmers in a rich broth, melded with sweet diced tomatoes, aromatic garlic, and fragrant Italian herbs. Topped with a generous sprinkle of melted Parmesan cheese and fresh basil, this dish is as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the taste buds.
This recipe is worth making not just because of its deliciousness but also due to its effortless preparation. Simply toss everything into the crockpot and let it work its magic! Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends, it’s also a fantastic way to get your family to enjoy their veggies.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup offers tremendous benefits that make it a star in any kitchen. First and foremost, its easy prep is a game-changer. You can spend just a few minutes assembling the ingredients before letting the crockpot do the heavy lifting. Furthermore, it’s incredibly family-friendly; with its creamy texture and mild flavors, even picky eaters won’t be able to resist.
The versatility of this dish is another highlight. Whether you’re looking for a quick meal after a long day or a traditional comfort food option for chilly nights, this soup fits the bill perfectly. With minimal ingredients, you might already have most of them in your pantry, making it a convenient and budget-friendly option as well.
Ingredients for Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Tender and juicy, perfect for shredding.
- 1 cup diced tomatoes: Provides a burst of freshness and a touch of acidity.
- 1 cup chicken broth: The base of the soup that adds savory depth.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates a rich and velvety texture.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds that signature umami flavor.
- 1 cup pasta (such as ditalini or small shells): Offers a comforting bite.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Brings a warm, aromatic essence to the dish.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A mix of herbs that elevates the flavor profile.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for balancing flavors.
- Fresh basil for garnish: For a pop of color and an aromatic finish.
Step-by-Step Directions for Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup
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Place the chicken breasts in the crockpot. Start with boneless, skinless chicken breasts as your base. This step is as simple as arranging the chicken in a single layer for even cooking.
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Add the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Pour the diced tomatoes over the chicken, then add chicken broth for moisture. Sprinkle in minced garlic and Italian seasoning, followed by a pinch of salt and pepper to enhance the flavors.
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Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Secure the lid on your crockpot, set it to low heat, and walk away! The slow cooking allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
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Shred the chicken in the crockpot and stir in the heavy cream and pasta. After cooking, retrieve the chicken and shred it with two forks. Mix in the rich heavy cream and your choice of pasta until well combined.
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Cook for an additional 30 minutes on high, until pasta is tender. This will allow the pasta to absorb flavors and become pleasantly tender.
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Stir in Parmesan cheese and serve with fresh basil on top. Finally, the pièce de résistance: stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt into the warm soup for a complete treat. Serve with a garnish of fresh basil for a touch of herbaceous flavor.
Tips & Tricks
Here are some chef’s secrets and optional extras to elevate your_Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup_:
- Customize your pasta: Try adding gluten-free pasta or whole wheat for a healthier twist.
- Add veggies: Sneak in some spinach or zucchini for a nutritional boost.
- Double up on cheese: For extra creaminess, mix in some cream cheese before serving!
- Make it spicy: A pinch of red pepper flakes can add just the right kick.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup is already a meal in itself, but pairing it with warm garlic bread or a side salad can enhance the experience. You could also serve it alongside roasted vegetables or a cheesy garlic breadstick for a satisfying dinner. For a light lunch, consider topping the soup with croutons and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for added freshness and crunch.
Nutritional Information
While it’s hard to resist indulging in comfort food, moderation is key. Serving one bowl of this Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup will generally average around 400-450 calories, depending on the exact ingredients used. The dish is rich in protein from the chicken and packed with nutrients from the tomatoes. It’s also a hearty source of carbohydrates due to the pasta, making it a well-rounded meal option.
Storing Tips & Variations for Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup
This soup can be made in bulk and stored for later enjoyment. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container to be refrigerated. It will stay fresh for up to three days. Additionally, this soup freezes beautifully; simply portion it into freezable containers to enjoy on busy days.
If you want healthier swaps, consider using low-fat cream or non-dairy alternatives. For variety, try substituting chicken with turkey, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
Conclusion for Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup
Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup is the comfort dish you never knew you needed in your life. Its ease of preparation and simmering flavors will make it a new favorite in your meal rotation. So grab your crockpot and dive into this delightful bowl of creamy goodness. You won’t regret it!
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, just ensure to increase your cooking time.
2. How can I make it dairy-free?
Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and use dairy-free cheese.
3. What type of pasta works best?
Ditalini and small shells are ideal, but feel free to use any pasta you prefer.
4. Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely! Carrots, bell peppers, or spinach can be great additions.
5. How do I reheat leftover soup?
Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a little broth if it’s too thick.
Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup
- Total Time: 315 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A creamy, comforting soup made with chicken, tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup pasta (such as ditalini or small shells)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Place the chicken breasts in the crockpot.
- Add the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- Shred the chicken in the crockpot and stir in the heavy cream and pasta.
- Cook for an additional 30 minutes on high, until pasta is tender.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese and serve with fresh basil on top.
Notes
For added creaminess, mix in some cream cheese before serving. Try adding veggies like spinach for a nutritional boost.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 300 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Crockpot
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 425
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
