Warm, hearty, and delicious, this Crock Pot Chicken Parmesan Soup is perfect for cozy dinners. Combining tender chicken, rotini pasta, and rich parmesan cheese, it’s a comforting dish that’s simple to prepare and loved by all.
INGREDIENTS
- Chicken Breasts: 3 boneless chicken breasts, ideal for shredding after slow-cooking
- Minced Garlic: 1 tablespoon, adds a fragrant, savory base flavor
- Crushed Tomatoes: 1 can (28 oz), provides a rich, tomatoey depth to the soup
- Tomato Sauce: 1 can (15 oz), enhances the tomato base, giving it a creamy consistency
- Salt: 1 teaspoon, essential for seasoning
- Ground Black Pepper: 1 teaspoon, adds a mild heat to balance flavors
- Italian Seasoning: 2 teaspoons, brings an herby flavor reminiscent of classic Italian dishes
- Chicken Broth: 4 cups, creates a flavorful, hearty soup base
- Parmesan Cheese: 1 cup, freshly shaved, adds a rich, cheesy flavor
- Heavy Whipping Cream: 1 cup, gives the soup a creamy, velvety texture
- Rotini Pasta: 8 oz (uncooked), perfect for holding the sauce and cheese
- Bread Crumbs: 1/2 cup, for the topping, toasted with butter for added crunch
- Butter: 1 tablespoon, used to sauté the breadcrumbs for a crispy topping
- Shredded Mozzarella: 1 1/2 cups, melted over individual servings for extra cheesiness
INSTRUCTIONS
- Step 1:
- Add the chicken breasts, minced garlic, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and chicken broth to the crock pot.
- Step 2:
- Cover the crock pot with a lid and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Step 3:
- Shred the chicken directly in the crock pot using two forks.
- Step 4:
- Stir in the shredded Parmesan cheese, heavy whipping cream, and rotini pasta. Cover and continue cooking on low for 30 minutes or on high for 15 minutes, or until the pasta is tender.
- Step 5:
- While the pasta cooks, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the bread crumbs and sauté until golden and crispy.
- Step 6:
- To serve, ladle the soup into bowls and top each serving with shredded mozzarella and the toasted bread crumbs for added crunch.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serving: Serve the soup hot, garnished with additional Parmesan, fresh basil, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Accompaniments: Pair with crusty garlic bread or a simple side salad for a complete meal.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of broth if the soup thickens after refrigeration.
Helpful Notes
- Adding Vegetables: For extra nutrients, consider adding spinach or kale during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
- Cheese: Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-shredded, which often contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
- Customize Spice: Adjust the level of Italian seasoning and garlic to taste for a more robust flavor.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Chef's Tip: Searing the chicken on the stovetop for a few minutes before adding to the crock pot enhances the flavor with a slightly caramelized crust.
- Chef's Suggestion: Adding a splash of white wine to the broth can deepen the flavor profile of the soup.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Cooking: Just set it and forget it in the crock pot.
- Family-Friendly: Creamy, cheesy, and packed with comforting flavors that both kids and adults enjoy.
- Customizable: Easily adaptable with different cheeses or added veggies.
Variations
- Protein Options: Substitute chicken breasts with boneless chicken thighs for a richer flavor.
- Low-Carb Version: Replace pasta with spiralized zucchini or cauliflower rice added during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
- Extra Spice: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a spicy kick.