Name: Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 15 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts; 1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes; 1 15-ounce can tomato sauce; 4 cups chicken broth; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 small onion, finely diced; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; ½ teaspoon dried basil; ½ teaspoon dried oregano; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon pepper; 1 cup small pasta (ditalini, fusilli, elbows, or rotini); ½ cup heavy cream or half-and-half; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley; Optional: garlic croutons or toasted bread for serving

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If you have a soft spot for classic Italian flavors, this Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup is the ultimate comfort food you’ve been waiting to try. It takes everything that makes chicken parmesan so irresistible—the tender shredded chicken, a rich tomato base, luscious melted cheese, and perfectly cooked pasta—and turns it into a cozy, heartwarming soup that simmers all day in your crockpot. Imagine coming home to a bowl of creamy, cheesy goodness with just the right blend of herbs and garlic, all effortlessly prepared so you can savor every bite without stress. Trust me, this soup is a game changer for chilly evenings or any time you crave a soul-satisfying meal that hugs you from the inside out.

Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup is in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a key role, from building layers of flavor to adding texture and vibrant color. You’ll find pantry staples and fresh touches that come together beautifully in one pot.

1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts: A lean protein base that becomes tender and shreddable after slow cooking.
1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes: Provides a rich, slightly chunky tomato flavor that forms the hearty soup base.
1 15-ounce can tomato sauce: Adds smooth tomato richness to balance the crushed tomatoes.
4 cups chicken broth: The liquid foundation that builds depth and keeps the soup light yet flavorful.
3 cloves garlic minced: Infuses the soup with aromatic warmth and a hint of bite.
1 small onion finely diced: Offers subtle sweetness and texture as it softens during cooking.
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that defines the classic chicken parmesan flavor profile.
½ teaspoon dried basil: Adds a sweet, slightly peppery note that complements tomatoes perfectly.
½ teaspoon dried oregano: Brings earthiness and depth to the herb mix.
½ teaspoon salt: Balances and enhances all other flavors in the soup.
¼ teaspoon pepper: Brings a gentle heat that brightens the dish.
1 cup small pasta like ditalini, fusilli, elbows, or rotini: Adds satisfying bite and substance to the soup.
½ cup heavy cream or half-and-half: Creates a rich, creamy texture that rounds out the tomato sharpness.
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully, lending gooey, cheesy indulgence.
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Provides salty, nutty complexity and finishes the dish perfectly.
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish: Brings fresh color and subtle brightness.
Optional: garlic croutons or toasted bread for serving: Adds crunch and extra flavor contrast.

How to Make Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup

Step 1: Set Up the Slow Cooker

Begin by placing the boneless chicken breasts right into the bottom of your slow cooker. This allows them to cook evenly and soak up all the delicious flavors that come from the other ingredients. Next, add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, chicken broth, minced garlic, diced onions, and all the dried herbs and spices. Give everything a gentle stir to combine the flavors gently without breaking up the tomatoes too much. This step is where your soup’s foundation comes alive.

Step 2: Slow Cook to Tender Perfection

Cover your crockpot and cook the mixture on low for about 6 hours or switch to high and cook for 3 to 4 hours. During this time, the chicken will become incredibly tender, and the flavors will meld together beautifully. You’ll want to check that the chicken is thoroughly cooked but still moist and tender enough to shred easily.

Step 3: Shred the Chicken

Carefully remove the cooked chicken breasts from the crockpot and place them on a cutting board or large plate. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized, tender pieces. This shredded chicken will melt into the soup and provide that comforting chicken parmesan texture we all love. Return the shredded chicken back to the crockpot to continue soaking up all the luscious broth.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta in the Soup

Stir in your choice of small pasta, like ditalini or fusilli, directly into the crockpot. Cover again and let it cook on high for another 20 to 25 minutes, just until the pasta reaches a tender, al dente texture. This method allows the pasta to absorb the savory tomato broth and absorb flavors, making every spoonful satisfying and complete.

Step 5: Add the Cream and Cheese

Once the pasta is perfectly tender, stir in the heavy cream (or half-and-half) along with the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses. Stir continuously until the cheeses melt entirely and create a rich, creamy consistency that elevates your soup into a luxurious bowl of comfort. Take a moment to taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed because seasoning perfectly rounds out the Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup experience.

How to Serve Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup

Garnishes

Fresh parsley is your go-to garnish for this soup, offering a pop of color and subtle fresh herbal flavor that contrasts with the richness of the broth. Additionally, a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese on top adds a delightful salty finish. For a crunchy contrast, some garlic croutons or a side of toasted bread are simply perfect to dip and enjoy alongside your soup.

Side Dishes

This soup stands wonderfully on its own as a hearty meal, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or a bowl of roasted vegetables adds layers of texture and freshness. Garlic breadsticks or a warm focaccia bread can easily elevate your dining experience by soaking up every last drop of that cheesy, tomatoey goodness.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress guests or make your weeknight dinner feel special, serve the Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup in rustic, oven-safe ramekins and top with a crispy Parmesan bread crumb crust. Pop them under the broiler for a minute or two to create a golden cheesy topping that’s irresistible. Alternatively, offer a sprinkled chili flake or fresh basil chiffonade for guests to customize their bowls with extra flavor boosts.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup keeps incredibly well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent any odors from mingling with other foods. The flavors actually intensify overnight, making leftovers taste even better.

Freezing

This soup freezes beautifully but it’s best to hold off on adding the pasta and cream before freezing. Freeze the soup base and shredded chicken separately in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw and add fresh pasta and cream during reheating for the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

Reheat leftover Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup gently in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or water if the soup has thickened too much. If the pasta was added before storing, you may need to adjust cooking time to avoid overcooked noodles. Stir in extra cheese or cream if you want to revive the creamy richness.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this soup?

Absolutely! If you have leftover cooked chicken, you can add it toward the end of cooking. Simply skip the slow cook step for the chicken and add shredded pre-cooked chicken during the pasta cooking phase to avoid overcooking.

What type of pasta works best in Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup?

Small pasta shapes like ditalini, fusilli, elbows, or rotini work best because they cook evenly and fit nicely on a soup spoon. Avoid large or flat pasta shapes, as they might become mushy or overpower the soup texture.

Can I make this soup dairy-free or vegan?

To make a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or a creamy plant-based milk and use dairy-free cheese alternatives. For a vegan twist, replace chicken with chickpeas or tofu and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

How spicy is this soup? Can I make it more spicy?

This soup is mild and comforting by default, perfect for all palates. If you prefer heat, simply add red pepper flakes, a dash of hot sauce, or diced fresh chili peppers during the initial slow cook to ramp up the spice level.

Is it okay to use fresh herbs instead of dried?

You can definitely substitute fresh herbs if you prefer; just use about three times the amount of fresh compared to dried since fresh herbs are milder. Add fresh herbs toward the end of cooking to preserve their brightness.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about the way Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup comes together so effortlessly yet tastes like you’ve spent hours perfecting it. It’s comfort food at its best—warm, cheesy, and bursting with familiar Italian flavors in every spoonful. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself, this recipe will quickly become a trusted favorite you’ll reach for again and again. So grab your slow cooker and get ready to enjoy your new go-to bowl of coziness!