Cozy up with a bowl of homemade comfort! This slow cooker chicken parmesan soup is an absolute delight, blending rich tomato flavors with tender chicken and savory Parmesan. It’s perfect for chilly evenings or busy weeknights when you crave something hearty and satisfying. The best part? Your slow cooker does almost all the work, making this a wonderfully hands-off meal.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Parmesan Soup
This delicious chicken parmesan soup recipe brings so much to your family table with minimal effort. Here’s why it will quickly become a favorite:
- Hearty, Comforting, and Flavorful: Each spoonful delivers a delicious combination of savory chicken, tangy tomatoes, and rich cheese.
- Minimal Active Cooking Time: Simply toss your ingredients into the slow cooker and let it do the hard work.
- Family-Friendly and Customizable: Kids and adults alike will enjoy this soup, and you can easily adjust it to suit dietary needs or preferences.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Prepare a big batch to enjoy throughout the week, saving time and effort on future meals.
- Simple, Wholesome Ingredients: You’ll use everyday items that come together to create an extraordinary meal.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to create your warming and delicious chicken parmesan soup:
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1/2 medium white onion, chopped
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 pound raw boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 5 cups low sodium chicken broth (plus additional if needed)
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese (plus extra for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
- 2 teaspoons chopped fresh oregano
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 4 ounces uncooked dry gemelli or penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (optional)
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)
Notes & Substitutions
- Chicken: Feel free to use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for even more flavor. You can also add shredded rotisserie chicken at the end.
- Vegetables: Enhance your soup with extra veggies like chopped carrots or celery alongside the onion and bell pepper.
- Tomatoes: Diced tomatoes or tomato puree work well if you prefer a different texture in your slow cooker chicken parm soup.
- Herbs: If using dried herbs, substitute 1 teaspoon of dried basil for 1 tablespoon fresh, and 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano for 1 1/2 teaspoons fresh.
- Cheese: Pecorino Romano or a blend of Italian hard cheeses are delicious alternatives to Parmesan.
- Pasta: Small pasta shapes like orzo, ditalini, or small shells are also excellent choices. Use a gluten-free pasta if needed.
- Spice: Adjust the red pepper flakes to your liking; omit them for a milder soup or add more for extra heat.
Equipment
You’ll need just a few basic kitchen tools to make this easy chicken parmesan soup:
- 5-quart or larger slow cooker
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Ladle for serving
Instructions
Making this savory chicken parmesan soup is incredibly simple, thanks to your slow cooker. Just follow these easy steps:
- Prep Vegetables: Begin by mincing your garlic cloves. Then, finely chop the green bell pepper and the white onion.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the minced garlic, chopped bell pepper, onion, crushed tomatoes, raw chicken breast, chicken broth, 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese, fresh basil, fresh oregano, kosher salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to your 5-quart or larger slow cooker. Stir everything together gently to combine.
- Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Cook the ingredients on the low setting for 7 1/2 hours or on the high setting for 3 1/2 hours.
- Shred Chicken: Once the cooking time is up, carefully transfer the cooked chicken breast from the slow cooker to a clean cutting board. Use two forks to coarsely shred the chicken, then return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker pot.
- Add Pasta: Stir the uncooked dry gemelli or penne pasta directly into the slow cooker with the soup.
- Finish Cooking: Continue to cook the soup on the high setting for an additional 20 to 30 minutes. Cook until the pasta is perfectly al dente, meaning it’s tender but still has a slight bite.
- Adjust Consistency: If desired, stir in the 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter for extra richness. If your soup appears too thick after the pasta has cooked, add additional chicken broth or a little water until it reaches your desired consistency, then warm through.
- Serve: Ladle the warm chicken parmesan soup into bowls. Garnish each serving generously with extra shredded Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of chopped fresh basil or parsley. Enjoy immediately!
Prep Ahead Tips
- Chop all your vegetables, like garlic, onion, and bell pepper, a few days in advance. Store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator.
- Measure out all your dry spices and herbs into a small container or zip-top bag, ready to be added to the slow cooker.
- If you’re using pre-cooked chicken, shred it ahead of time and keep it refrigerated until ready to add during the final stages of cooking.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Making a fantastic chicken parmesan soup is easy with these helpful tips:
- Prevent Mushy Pasta: Always add the pasta during the final 20-30 minutes of cooking. Adding it too early makes it overcooked and mushy.
- Thickening Soup: If your slow cooker chicken parm soup is thinner than you prefer, remove about 1/2 cup of broth, mix with 1 tablespoon cornstarch to form a slurry, then stir back into the soup and cook until thickened.
- Thinning Soup: Should your soup become too thick, simply stir in additional chicken broth or water, a quarter cup at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
- Boosting Flavor: For an even deeper flavor, briefly sauté the chopped onion and bell pepper in a little olive oil before adding them to the slow cooker. This caramelizes them slightly.
- Chicken Doneness: Always ensure the chicken is cooked through; it should shred easily with two forks. If not, continue cooking for a short period.
- Cheese Quality: Using a good quality block of Parmesan cheese that you shred yourself will always yield the best flavor and texture.
- Herb Freshness: Fresh basil and oregano provide a bright, vibrant flavor that dried herbs cannot fully replicate.
Serving, Storage & Variations
This versatile chicken parmesan soup is delightful on its own, but also pairs well with several sides and can be easily adapted.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with crusty bread or warm garlic knots for dipping into the rich broth.
- A light side salad with a simple vinaigrette offers a fresh contrast to the hearty soup.
- Offer extra shredded Parmesan and fresh herbs at the table for guests to garnish their bowls.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store leftover slow cooker chicken parm soup in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freeze: The soup freezes well without the pasta. If you plan to freeze, remove the portion you want to store before adding pasta, then add fresh pasta when reheating. Store frozen soup for up to 2-3 months.
- Reheat: Gently reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave individual portions until warmed through. Add a splash of broth if it’s too thick.
Flavor Variations
- Spicy: Amp up the heat with extra red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
- Creamy: Stir in 1/4 to 1/2 cup of heavy cream or a few tablespoons of cream cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking for a richer, creamier texture.
- Vegetable Boost: Add a handful of fresh spinach, sliced zucchini, or sautéed mushrooms during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Meatier: Brown and crumble some Italian sausage and add it to the slow cooker with the other ingredients for a heartier meal.
- Smoky: A pinch of smoked paprika can add a lovely subtle smoky depth to this delicious chicken parmesan soup.
Nutrition Information
Please remember this nutritional information for your slow cooker chicken parmesan soup is an estimate. It is provided for informational purposes only and may vary based on specific ingredients and cooking methods. This soup is a great source of protein, especially from the chicken and Parmesan cheese. The tomatoes also contribute beneficial antioxidants and are naturally heart-healthy.
According to Cleveland Clinic, tomatoes provide powerful antioxidants and boost heart health.
| Nutrient | Per Serving (estimated) |
|---|---|
| Servings | 4.4 |
| Prep Time | 20 minutes |
| Cook Time | 8 hours |
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use pre-cooked chicken? Yes, you can. Add shredded rotisserie chicken or any other pre-cooked chicken during the last hour of cooking, or when you add the pasta, just to warm it through.
- What if my soup is too thick/thin? If your slow cooker chicken parm soup is too thick, simply stir in additional chicken broth or water until it reaches your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, you can try simmering it on the stovetop for a bit to reduce, or add a cornstarch slurry.
- Can I make this soup vegetarian? Absolutely! Omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add cannellini beans or extra vegetables for a heartier vegetarian option.
- How long does chicken parmesan soup last? When stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator, this soup will last for 3 to 4 days.
- Can I cook this on the stovetop? Yes, you can. Brown the chicken and sauté the vegetables in a large pot, then add the remaining ingredients (except pasta) and simmer until chicken is cooked. Shred chicken, return to pot, then add pasta and cook until al dente.
- What’s the best pasta for soup? Small, sturdy pasta shapes like gemelli, penne, orzo, or ditalini work best as they hold their shape and texture well in the soup.
Conclusion
This slow cooker chicken parmesan soup truly embodies comfort in a bowl. It’s an effortless yet incredibly flavorful meal that brings warmth and deliciousness to your table with minimal fuss. Perfect for beginners and busy parents alike, this recipe delivers maximum taste for minimal effort. We encourage you to try this delightful soup soon; you’ll love how simple it is to prepare and how satisfying it tastes. Let us know how your family enjoys this cozy slow cooker meal in the comments below!
Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Soup
This cozy chicken parmesan soup is rich with tomato, tender shredded chicken, melty Parmesan, and fresh herbs. Made in the slow cooker for ultimate ease, it's the perfect hands-off comfort meal for busy nights.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Mince garlic. Chop bell pepper and onion. Add to a 5-quart or larger slow cooker.
- Add crushed tomatoes, raw chicken breast, chicken broth, Parmesan, basil, oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 7½ hours or high for 3½ hours, until chicken is fully cooked.
- Remove chicken and shred using two forks. Return shredded chicken to the soup.
- Stir in uncooked pasta. Cover and cook on high for 20–30 more minutes, until pasta is al dente.
- Optional: Stir in butter for richness. Adjust consistency with more broth or water if needed.
- Serve hot. Garnish each bowl with extra Parmesan and chopped fresh basil or parsley.
Notes
Use boneless chicken thighs for more flavor or substitute rotisserie chicken at the end. Try other pasta shapes like orzo or ditalini. For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth and omit the chicken. Add red pepper flakes for extra heat, or stir in heavy cream for a creamy twist.
Taya Bennett is the founder of YumEasyMeals, a platform dedicated to easy, delicious, and quick-to-prepare recipes for busy families. Passionate about everyday cooking, she simplifies meals with practical, accessible, and always delicious ideas.
Discover her creations at: yumeasymeals.com
