If you have been searching for a comforting, hearty bowl that brings all the flavors of an Italian classic into one pot, let me introduce you to the Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe. This soup is the ultimate cozy meal, combining tender chicken, rich tomato flavors, aromatic herbs, and cheesy goodness with pasta for a soul-satisfying experience. Perfect for chilly evenings or feeding a hungry crowd, this recipe is a winner in both taste and ease of preparation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple yet essential ingredients is the key to making this Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe a delicious success. Each element plays a crucial role, contributing to the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color in the bowl.
- 2 to 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts: The star protein that becomes tender and shreddable during slow cooking.
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic: Adds aromatic punch and depth to every spoonful.
- 1 Tbsp dried minced onion flakes: Provides subtle sweetness and texture to the broth.
- 1 Tbsp Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs that makes this soup unmistakably Italian-inspired.
- 1 (6-oz) can tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato richness and thickens the soup.
- 1 (8-oz) can tomato sauce: Forms the flavorful, saucy foundation of the broth.
- 1 (15-oz) diced tomatoes: Adds fresh tomato chunks for texture and brightness.
- 2 (14.5-oz) cans chicken broth: The savory liquid base that infuses the soup with warmth.
- 1 (24-oz) jar spaghetti sauce: Brings in layers of robust tomato flavor and Italian herbs.
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese: Melts into the soup for that signature cheesy Parmesan finish.
- 8-oz campanelle pasta (3 cups uncooked): The curly pasta shape that captures the broth and ingredients beautifully.
How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe
Step 1: Combine and Cook the Soup Base
Start by placing all the ingredients except pasta into a 6-quart slow cooker. Stir everything together until well combined. This mix of chicken, tomato products, herbs, and broth will slowly meld into a rich and flavorful base during cooking. Cover and set your slow cooker to LOW for 6 to 8 hours, allowing the chicken to become tender and all the flavors to marry beautifully over time.
Step 2: Shred the Chicken
Once the slow cooker timer goes off, it’s time to fish out the chicken breasts. Use two forks to shred the chicken right inside a bowl or on a cutting board. This shredding step is crucial as it helps the chicken pieces integrate throughout the soup effortlessly, giving each spoonful a perfect meaty bite.
Step 3: Add Pasta and Parmesan
Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker, then sprinkle in the grated parmesan cheese and add the campanelle pasta. These additions bring the iconic cheesy essence and delightful pasta texture that make this recipe truly satisfying. Stir gently to combine all ingredients.
Step 4: Finish Cooking with Pasta
Switch your slow cooker to HIGH and cook for another 15 to 20 minutes, or until the pasta reaches your desired tenderness. This quick final cooking stage ensures the pasta is perfectly tender without becoming mushy, absorbing just enough flavor from the savory broth.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe
Garnishes
For that extra touch of flavor and presentation, sprinkle freshly chopped basil or parsley on top. A little extra grated parmesan cheese adds a lovely sharp contrast and richness. If you want a bit of heat, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes is excellent. These garnishes brighten and complement the flavors, making your bowl even more inviting.
Side Dishes
This soup shines wonderfully on its own but pairs exceptionally well with crusty garlic bread or warm focaccia to soak up every last bit of that delicious broth. A simple side salad with a tangy vinaigrette can provide refreshing balance and a pop of color on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a family-style meal, serve the soup in shallow bowls topped with a crisp parmesan crisp or toasted bread croutons. Alternatively, ladle the soup into rustic bread bowls to make every serving irresistibly fun and cozy. You can even add a swirl of creamy pesto or drizzle some good-quality olive oil on top for an extra flavor layer.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to deepen overnight, making your next meal just as delightful.
Freezing
This soup freezes beautifully. Leave out the pasta if possible before freezing, or slightly undercook it during the initial preparation if you plan to freeze. Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
Reheat the soup gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking. Add a splash of chicken broth or water if the soup feels too thick. Microwave reheating is also convenient, but stir halfway through to ensure even warming.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta in this Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe?
Absolutely! While campanelle is excellent for holding onto the broth, you can substitute with small shells, rotini, or even orzo. Just adjust cooking times as needed to avoid overcooked pasta.
Is it possible to make this recipe without a slow cooker?
Yes! You can prepare it on the stovetop by simmering the ingredients over low heat until the chicken is tender, then adding the pasta and parmesan toward the end. Just keep a close eye on the liquid level and pasta cooking time.
Can I use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken?
Using pre-cooked chicken can save time. Add it during the last 30 minutes of cooking to warm through without overcooking. This method works well if you want to speed things up.
How spicy is the soup? Can I add heat?
This Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe is mild and perfect for all palates. Feel free to add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to kick up the heat to your liking.
What can I do to make this recipe dairy-free?
Simply omit the parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative. The soup will still be flavorful thanks to the herbs and tomatoes.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe brings together the best parts of comfort food with a delightful Italian twist that warms the heart and fills the belly. Simple ingredients, minimal effort, and maximum flavor make this soup a must-try for cozy dinners and busy weeknights alike. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do sharing it with friends and family!
Print
Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours 20 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Soup is a comforting and hearty dish that combines tender shredded chicken, Italian seasonings, tomato-based broth, and campanelle pasta. Cooked low and slow for rich flavors, then finished with parmesan cheese and pasta for a satisfying, wholesome meal perfect for chilly days or family dinners.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasonings
- 2 to 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp dried minced onion flakes
- 1 Tbsp Italian seasoning
Tomato Base
- 1 (6-oz) can tomato paste
- 1 (8-oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (15-oz) can diced tomatoes
- 2 (14.5-oz) cans chicken broth
- 1 (24-oz) jar spaghetti sauce
Finishing Ingredients
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 8 oz campanelle pasta (about 3 cups uncooked)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Place the chicken breasts, minced garlic, dried onion flakes, Italian seasoning, tomato paste, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and spaghetti sauce into a 6-quart slow cooker. Stir the mixture well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Cook Slowly: Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to become tender.
- Shred Chicken: Once cooking is complete, carefully remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and shred them into bite-sized pieces using two forks.
- Add Pasta and Cheese: Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker. Stir in the grated parmesan cheese and add the uncooked campanelle pasta.
- Finish Cooking: Set the slow cooker to HIGH and cook for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and cooked through. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Notes
- Use any similar shaped pasta if campanelle isn’t available, but adjust cooking time accordingly.
- For a thicker soup, reduce the amount of chicken broth slightly.
- If you prefer a spicier soup, add crushed red pepper flakes before cooking.
- Leftovers reheat well and the flavors intensify after resting overnight.
- Shredding the chicken before adding the pasta helps distribute protein evenly and enhances texture.
