If you love the flavors of classic Chicken Parmesan but want something cozier and easier, this Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup is your dream dinner. Tender shredded chicken, rich tomato broth, gooey melted cheese, and pasta all come together in one delicious bowl.
The best part? It’s a dump-and-go slow cooker recipe that turns simple pantry ingredients into a hearty, satisfying soup the whole family will love.
Ingredients
- 1½ lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ¾ cup uncooked pasta (elbow, ditalini, or small shells)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup heavy cream or half-and-half (optional, for extra richness)
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
Preparation
Step 1: Add Ingredients to Crockpot
- Place chicken, crushed tomatoes, broth, onion, garlic, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper in your crockpot. Stir to combine.
Step 2: Cook
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or on HIGH for 3½–4 hours, until the chicken is cooked and tender.
Step 3: Shred the Chicken
- Remove chicken from the crockpot and shred it with two forks. Return shredded chicken to the soup.
Step 4: Add Pasta
- Stir in uncooked pasta. Cover and cook on HIGH for 15–20 minutes, or until pasta is tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 5: Finish with Cheese and Cream
- Add Parmesan, mozzarella, and heavy cream (if using). Stir well and let everything melt together for another 5–10 minutes. Adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 6: Serve
- Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or basil. Serve hot with crusty bread.
Variation
- Low-Carb Version: Skip the pasta and add extra veggies like zucchini or spinach
- Make It Spicy: Add more red pepper flakes or a spoon of Calabrian chili paste
- Cheesy Upgrade: Top each bowl with extra mozzarella and broil for a melted cheesy crust
- Vegetable Boost: Stir in chopped spinach or kale in the last 10 minutes
- Bread Bowl Option: Serve in hollowed-out crusty bread bowls for a fun presentation
Cooking Note
Add pasta only near the end of cooking to avoid it becoming mushy. If you’re prepping this soup for meal prep or freezing, cook the pasta separately and stir it in when reheating.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with garlic bread, breadsticks, or cheesy rolls
- Add a simple Caesar salad or Italian chopped salad on the side
- Pair with roasted broccoli or green beans for a complete meal
- Drizzle with olive oil and cracked black pepper before serving
- Top with croutons for crunch, or more cheese for gooey goodness
Tips
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quicker version—add it after the pasta
- Stir occasionally after adding pasta to prevent clumping
- Use gluten-free pasta if needed, but monitor closely to avoid overcooking
- Add a spoonful of pesto for herby depth
- If soup thickens too much, thin it with additional broth or cream
Time Overview
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 6–7 hours (LOW) or 3½–4 hours (HIGH)
Total Time: 6–7 hours
Nutritional Info (Per Serving – Approx. 6 servings)
- Calories: ~470
- Protein: ~36g
- Carbohydrates: ~24g
- Fat: ~25g
- Fiber: ~3g
- Sodium: ~780mg
Nutrition will vary depending on exact ingredients used and portion sizes.
FAQs
Can I freeze this soup?
- Yes, but freeze without the pasta. Cook fresh pasta and stir in after reheating to keep texture perfect.
What type of pasta works best?
- Small shapes like elbow macaroni, shells, or ditalini cook quickly and absorb flavor well.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
- Yes—add cooked chicken during the last 30 minutes so it doesn’t dry out.
Is this soup good for meal prep?
- Absolutely! Store in airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Can I make it creamy without dairy?
- Use coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative to keep it creamy and dairy-free.
Conclusion
Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup brings all the comforting flavors of the classic Italian dish—juicy chicken, tangy tomato, melted cheese—into one cozy bowl of soup. It’s cheesy, hearty, and made for soaking up with a big piece of garlic bread.
Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just a quiet night in, this soup is sure to become a favorite go-to