This Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup is a delightful blend of savory chicken, rich flavors, and creamy goodness. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings, this soup is easy to prepare and fills your home with a warm aroma. Its unique combination of ingredients makes it a comforting dish that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Cooking: Just toss the ingredients in the crockpot and let it do the work while you relax.
- Flavorful Experience: Enjoy a delicious blend of tomatoes, chicken, and creamy parmesan that keeps you coming back for more.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for family dinners or gatherings, this soup satisfies both kids and adults alike.
- Versatile Dish: Pair it with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal tailored to any occasion.
- Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with protein and wholesome ingredients, this soup is both filling and nourishing.
Tools and Preparation
To make your cooking experience smooth, gather the necessary tools. Having the right kitchen equipment ensures everything goes seamlessly.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Slow cooker (crockpot)
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Large mixing spoon
Importance of Each Tool
- Slow cooker (crockpot): This is essential for slow-cooking the chicken to perfect tenderness without constant supervision.
- Cutting board: A sturdy cutting board provides a safe surface for chopping ingredients like garlic and chicken.
- Measuring cups and spoons: These ensure accurate ingredient amounts for consistent flavor in every batch.
Ingredients
For the Soup Base
- 4 cups of chicken broth
- 3 chicken breasts without bone
- 28 ounce can of pressed tomatoes
- 15 ounce can tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon of chopped garlic
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of black pepper
- 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning
For Creaminess
- 1 cup of heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup of freshly grated parmesan
For Garnish
- 1/2 cup of bread crumbs
- 1 tablespoon of butter
- 1 and 1/2 cups of grated mozzarella
- 8 ounces of raw rotini pasta
How to Make Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Begin by gathering all your ingredients. Chop the garlic and set aside.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Crockpot
Place the following into your crockpot:
1. Pour in the chicken broth.
2. Add the chicken breasts.
3. Stir in the pressed tomatoes, tomato sauce, chopped garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
Step 3: Cook the Soup
Cover your crockpot. Set it to cook:
– On high for 3 to 4 hours or
– On low for 6 to 8 hours
Step 4: Shred Chicken and Add Creaminess
Once cooked:
1. Carefully remove the chicken breasts from the pot.
2. Shred them with two forks.
3. Return shredded chicken to the crockpot along with whipping cream, rotini pasta, and grated parmesan.
Step 5: Final Cooking Phase
Cover again:
– Cook on high for an additional 15 minutes or
– On low for 30 minutes until pasta is tender.
Step 6: Add Crunchy Topping
In a small pan:
1. Melt butter on medium heat.
2. Sear breadcrumbs until golden brown.
Step 7: Serve It Up!
For each serving:
– Top with browned breadcrumbs and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese before enjoying!
How to Serve Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup
Serving Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup is all about enhancing its rich flavors and creating a delightful dining experience. Here are some suggestions to elevate your meal.
With Fresh Herbs
- Basil or Parsley: Sprinkle freshly chopped basil or parsley on top for a burst of freshness and color.
Add Extra Cheese
- Mozzarella and Parmesan: Top each bowl with additional grated mozzarella and parmesan cheese for a cheesy finish that melts into the warm soup.
Crunchy Toppings
- Sautéed Breadcrumbs: Use toasted breadcrumbs as a crunchy topping, adding texture and flavor to each serving.
Serve with Bread
- Garlic Bread: Pair your soup with hot garlic bread for dipping, making it a perfect comfort food combo.
Salad on the Side
- Caesar Salad: A crisp Caesar salad complements the creamy soup, providing a refreshing contrast.
How to Perfect Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup
To ensure your Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup turns out delicious every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Quality Ingredients: Choose high-quality chicken and fresh tomatoes for the best flavor.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup before serving and adjust salt and pepper according to your preference.
- Cook Low and Slow: For maximum flavor, cook on low for the recommended time instead of rushing it on high.
- Stir Occasionally: If possible, stir occasionally during cooking to blend flavors well.
- Shred Chicken Well: Shred the chicken finely for even distribution throughout the soup.
Best Side Dishes for Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup
Enhance your meal by pairing Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup with these fantastic side dishes. Each option brings something unique to your table!
- Garlic Bread: Crispy bread infused with garlic butter, perfect for dipping into the creamy soup.
- Caesar Salad: A classic salad featuring romaine lettuce, croutons, and a tangy dressing that balances the richness of the soup.
- Caprese Skewers: Fresh mozzarella balls, cherry tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze make for a refreshing bite.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies add color and nutrition; try carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers.
- Stuffed Peppers: Bell peppers stuffed with rice and vegetables provide a hearty complement to the soup.
- Pasta Salad: A chilled pasta salad can offer a contrasting temperature while being light and flavorful alongside the warm soup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding common mistakes can make your Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup even better. Here are some pitfalls to steer clear of:
- Skipping the seasoning: Not adding enough salt and pepper can lead to bland soup. Always taste and adjust your seasonings before serving.
- Using low-quality cheese: Cheap cheese may not melt well and could affect the flavor. Opt for good quality mozzarella and parmesan for the best results.
- Overcooking the chicken: Cooking the chicken too long can make it tough. Monitor cooking times closely, especially if you’re using frozen chicken.
- Not shredding the chicken properly: If you don’t shred the chicken well, it won’t distribute evenly in the soup. Use two forks to ensure it’s shredded into bite-sized pieces.
- Ignoring pasta cooking time: Adding rotini too early can cause it to become mushy. Add it in the final cooking phase as instructed for perfect texture.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Allow soup to cool before sealing to avoid condensation.
Freezing Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Leave some space at the top of the container, as liquid expands when frozen.
Reheating Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish covered with foil, heat for about 20-25 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through until heated thoroughly.
- Stovetop: Reheat on low heat in a pot, stirring occasionally until hot throughout.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions regarding Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup that might help you out.
Can I use other types of meat?
You can easily substitute chicken with turkey or beef if you prefer.
How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
Simply replace regular bread crumbs with gluten-free options to accommodate dietary needs.
Can I add vegetables to my Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup?
Absolutely! Veggies like spinach or bell peppers can enhance flavor and nutrition.
What is the best way to store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Final Thoughts
Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup is a delightful blend of flavors that’s both comforting and easy to make. Its versatility allows you to customize ingredients based on what you have on hand or personal preferences. Give this recipe a try; you’ll love how effortlessly delicious it is!
Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup
Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup is a warm, comforting dish that combines tender chicken, rich tomatoes, and creamy parmesan cheese for a delightful meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings. The slow cooker does all the work, allowing you to enjoy the savory aroma filling your home while you relax. With its blend of flavors and hearty ingredients, this soup is a crowd-pleaser that can easily be paired with crusty bread or a fresh salad to create a complete meal.
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: Approximately six servings 1x
Ingredients
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 3 boneless chicken breasts
- 28 oz pressed tomatoes
- 15 oz tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon chopped garlic
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 and 1/2 cups grated mozzarella cheese
- 8 oz raw rotini pasta
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions
- Gather and chop garlic.
- In the crockpot, combine chicken broth, chicken breasts, pressed tomatoes, tomato sauce, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Cover and cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 6-8 hours.
- Remove chicken, shred it, and return it to the pot along with whipping cream, rotini pasta, and parmesan cheese.
- Cook on high for an additional 15 minutes or low for 30 minutes until the pasta is tender.
- For the crunchy topping, melt butter in a pan and toast breadcrumbs until golden brown before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition. Substitute chicken with turkey or beef if preferred. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals.
