If you’re looking for a cozy, indulgent soup that wraps you in comfort and flavor, look no further than the Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup – A Hug in a Bowl Recipe. This luscious, creamy soup combines tender chicken, rich marinara, gooey cheese, and al dente pasta, all slow-cooked to meld together in perfect harmony. It’s like your favorite chicken parmesan dinner transformed into a warm, hearty bowl that feels like a big, delicious hug on a chilly day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each playing a vital role. From the savory chicken broth that forms the flavorful base to the creamy cheese that melts into velvety perfection, every component is essential for creating that deep, comforting soup everyone will rave about.
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The tender protein hero that soaks up all the flavors beautifully.
- 4 cups chicken broth: Provides a savory backbone that gives the soup its hearty soul.
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes: Adds brightness and a touch of acidity to balance the creaminess.
- 1 cup marinara sauce: Brings that classic Italian tomato richness to the mix.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that carries the essence of traditional chicken parmesan.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a subtle savory depth without overpowering.
- ½ teaspoon onion powder: Complements garlic and infuses gentle sweetness.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all flavors and ensures perfect seasoning.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Gives a mild kick to balance the richness.
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter): Makes the soup creamy and indulgent.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds sharp, nutty flavor that’s signature to parmesan dishes.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into gooey, cheesy goodness that everyone loves.
- 1 ½ cups uncooked pasta (ditalini, elbow macaroni, or small shells): Delivers satisfying texture and makes the soup filling.
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped: Brings a fresh, herbal brightness to finish the dish.
- Extra Parmesan cheese for sprinkling: For that photo-worthy, flavorful garnish.
How to Make Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup – A Hug in a Bowl Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Combine the Base
Start by placing the chicken breasts at the bottom of your crock pot. Pour in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes with their juices, and marinara sauce. Sprinkle the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper evenly over the top. This layer of ingredients builds the rich and flavorful foundation your soup needs.
Step 2: Cook Low and Slow
Set your crock pot on low and let it do its magic for about 6 hours. This slow cooking tenderizes the chicken beautifully, infusing it with all those hearty flavors. The long simmer also allows the tomatoes and seasonings to meld creating a deeply comforting broth.
Step 3: Shred the Chicken
Once the cooking time is up, take out the chicken breasts and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the crock pot and give it a good stir to combine with the broth and tomato mixture.
Step 4: Add Pasta and Dairy
Next, stir in the uncooked pasta, heavy cream (or half-and-half if you prefer lighter), Parmesan cheese, and mozzarella cheese. The pasta will cook perfectly in the remaining hot broth while the cheeses melt to create that signature creamy, cheesy texture.
Step 5: Final Touches
Let the soup cook on low for another 20-30 minutes until the pasta is tender and the soup is bubbly and creamy. Before serving, toss in the freshly chopped basil or parsley. It adds a fresh burst of color and brightness that lifts the entire bowl.
How to Serve Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup – A Hug in a Bowl Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle extra grated Parmesan cheese on top for that irresistible cheesy crust. Fresh basil or parsley not only appeals to the eye but adds a herby aroma that enhances each spoonful. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a crack of black pepper can also elevate the flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
This soup is hearty enough to be a meal on its own but pairs wonderfully with a crusty slice of garlic bread or a simple green salad. The crunchy texture of bread contrasts perfectly with the soup’s creamy richness, making every bite exciting and balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup in mini bread bowls for a rustic, eye-catching presentation. Or ladle it over a bed of sautéed greens to boost nutrition and add extra colors. You could even top each serving with a crispy Parmesan chip for an indulgent crunch that your guests will rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftover Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. Stored properly in the refrigerator, it keeps well for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick weeknight meals or satisfying lunches.
Freezing
This soup freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving a little space for expansion. It’s best eaten within 2 months for optimal flavor and texture. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your soup gently on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring often to prevent sticking. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream if it has thickened too much. Microwaving works in a pinch but watch closely to avoid overheating and curdling the cream.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, you can! Just increase the cooking time by about an hour to ensure the chicken cooks through completely and becomes tender enough to shred.
What type of pasta works best in this soup?
Small shapes like ditalini, elbow macaroni, or small shells are ideal because they cook evenly in the crock pot and fit well in each spoonful.
Can I make this soup dairy-free or vegan?
To make it dairy-free, substitute the cream with coconut cream and use dairy-free cheeses or nutritional yeast. For a vegan version, replace chicken with plant-based protein and use vegetable broth.
Is there a lighter version of this soup?
Absolutely! Use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream and reduce the amount of cheese slightly. You can also use less pasta or substitute with zucchini noodles for a lower-carb option.
How thick should the soup be?
It should be creamy but spoonable – thick enough to coat the pasta and chicken nicely but still smooth and soupy enough to ladle easily into bowls.
Final Thoughts
If you want to experience warmth, comfort, and incredible flavor all in one spoonful, you simply must try the Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup – A Hug in a Bowl Recipe. It’s effortless to make, incredibly satisfying, and absolutely perfect for chilly days or whenever you need a delicious pick-me-up. Give it a go and watch how this soup becomes a beloved staple in your kitchen!
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Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup – A Hug in a Bowl Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5-6 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high) plus 20-30 minutes for pasta and cheese
- Total Time: Approximately 6 hours (low) or 4.5 hours (high)
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup is a comforting and hearty dish that combines tender chicken, rich marinara flavors, creamy cheese, and pasta into one delicious bowl. Slow-cooked to perfection, the soup delivers a warm, cheesy hug perfect for cozy evenings or lunchtime favorites.
Ingredients
Chicken and Broth
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cups chicken broth
Tomato and Seasonings
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Dairy
- 1 cup heavy cream (or use half-and-half for a lighter version)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Pasta and Garnish
- 1 ½ cups uncooked pasta (ditalini, elbow macaroni, or small shells)
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Extra Parmesan cheese for sprinkling
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Start by adding the boneless, skinless chicken breasts to the crock pot. Pour in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes with their juice, marinara sauce, and seasonings including Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to create a flavorful base.
- Cook the Soup: Cover and cook the mixture on low for 5-6 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Shred the Chicken: Remove the cooked chicken breasts from the crock pot and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken back to the crock pot and stir to combine.
- Add Pasta and Dairy: Add the uncooked pasta to the crock pot, stirring well. Pour in the heavy cream and add the grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella cheeses. Stir well and cover again. Cook on high for an additional 20-30 minutes until pasta is tender and the soup is creamy and heated through.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley and extra Parmesan cheese for an extra burst of flavor. Serve hot and enjoy this creamy, cheesy comforting chicken Parmesan soup.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk. The soup might be slightly less creamy but still delicious.
- Use a small pasta shape like ditalini, elbow macaroni, or small shells so it cooks evenly and fits nicely in a spoon.
- If you prefer thicker soup, reduce the chicken broth slightly or add pasta gradually to achieve desired consistency.
- Fresh herbs like basil or parsley add a bright contrast but can be omitted if unavailable.
- To speed up cooking, use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken and add it towards the end of step 4.
