Why Make This Recipe
Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup is a delicious and hearty dish that perfectly warms you up on a chilly day. It combines tender chicken breasts with rich flavors from Parmesan cheese, tomatoes, and Italian seasoning. Plus, it’s made in a slow cooker, which allows the flavors to blend beautifully with minimal effort. This soup is also versatile and can easily accommodate your preferences, making it a fantastic choice for families or gatherings.
Another great reason to make this recipe is its convenience. The slow cooker handles most of the work for you. You can prepare everything in the morning, set it to cook, and come home to a warm and comforting meal that is ready to serve. It’s also perfect for meal prep, as leftovers taste just as good the next day.
In addition to its deliciousness, this soup is pretty healthy too. It includes wholesome ingredients like chicken, spinach, and tomatoes, making it a balanced meal. The addition of tortellini not only adds texture but turns this soup into a filling dish that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with crusty bread.
How to Make Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup
Making Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup is simple. Just follow these easy steps to create a delicious meal with minimal fuss.
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream (for a lighter version, substitute half-and-half)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- To taste: salt and pepper
- 1 cup tortellini (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup fresh spinach
- For garnish: fresh basil
Directions
Prepare the Chicken: Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of the Crock Pot. This will be the base of your soup.
Add Onions and Garlic: Next, add the diced onions and minced garlic on top of the chicken. This will infuse the soup with a lovely flavor as it cooks.
Pour in Broth and Tomatoes: Pour in the chicken broth and the can of diced tomatoes. Stir the mixture gently to combine all the ingredients.
Season the Soup: Sprinkle Italian seasoning over the mixture. Add salt and pepper to taste for additional flavor.
Cook: Cover the Crock Pot and cook on low for about 6 hours. The chicken should be fully cooked and tender by the end of this cooking time.
Shred Chicken: Once the chicken is done cooking, carefully remove it from the pot. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces and return it back to the soup.
Add Cream and Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese until well combined. Let the mixture blend for a few minutes on low heat.
Cook Tortellini and Spinach: Add the tortellini and fresh spinach to the soup. Cook on high for an additional 30 minutes until the tortellini is heated through and the spinach wilts.
Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. You can garnish with fresh basil for extra color and flavor, if desired.
How to Serve Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup
Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup is best served hot. You can use bowls to dish it out and serve with a side of crusty bread or garlic bread for dipping. This complements the creamy texture of the soup very well. You may also consider pairing it with a simple salad to add more veggies to your meal. If you like, sprinkle some extra grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving to enhance the flavor.
Additionally, this soup makes a comforting dish for gatherings or family dinners. You can set out bowls and let everyone serve themselves. It’s a great way to encourage a casual and cozy dining atmosphere.
How to Store Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup
If you have leftovers, storing them is quite easy. Allow the soup to cool down to room temperature. Then, transfer the soup into an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It should last for about 3-4 days.
If you want to keep the soup for a longer time, consider freezing it. Just make sure to use a freezer-safe container. When you want to enjoy it again, thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight before reheating it on the stove or in the microwave.
Reheat gently to maintain the creamy texture. If the soup seems too thick after reheating, you can add a little bit of chicken broth or cream to bring it back to your desired consistency.
Tips to Make Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup
Chicken Alternatives: If you prefer, you can use chicken thighs instead of breasts for more flavor and tenderness. Just adjust the cooking time if using bone-in thighs.
Vegetarian Option: Swap the chicken for chickpeas or mixed vegetables for a vegetarian version. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Spice it Up: If you enjoy a little heat, add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes when mixing in the ingredients.
Extra Flavor: For a deeper flavor, sauté the onions and garlic in a pan before adding them to the slow cooker. This will enhance their taste.
Herbs: Fresh herbs like thyme or oregano can be added to the soup for more depth. Sprinkle in some fresh herbs right before serving for added flavor.
Variation
You can easily customize this recipe as per your taste. Here are a few variations you might try:
- Cheese Lovers Version: Add different types of cheese, like mozzarella or cream cheese, for a richer flavor.
- More Vegetables: Add chopped carrots, celery, or bell peppers to enhance the nutritional value and add more texture to the soup.
- Pasta Swap: If you don’t have tortellini, feel free to use other types of pasta like shell pasta or macaroni. Just cook it separately and add it at the end to avoid becoming mushy.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this soup on the stovetop instead of a Crock Pot?
A: Yes, of course! You can sauté the onions and garlic in a pot, add the remaining ingredients, and simmer for about 30-40 minutes until the chicken is cooked and tender. Then, shred the chicken and add cream and cheese as directed.
Q: Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken?
A: Absolutely! If using rotisserie chicken, add it in the last 30 minutes of cooking instead of the beginning to prevent it from getting too dry.
Q: Is it okay to use frozen spinach for this soup?
A: Yes, you can use frozen spinach instead of fresh. Just make sure to thaw and drain the excess water before adding it to the soup in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup is therefore not just an easy recipe but also a magnificent way to enjoy a hearty meal any day of the week.
Print
Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup
- Total Time: 375 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Nut-free
Description
A hearty and delicious creamy chicken parmesan soup made in a slow cooker, featuring chicken, tortellini, and rich flavors of Parmesan and Italian seasoning.
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup tortellini (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup fresh spinach
- For garnish: fresh basil
Instructions
- Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the Crock Pot.
- Add the diced onions and minced garlic on top of the chicken.
- Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes, stirring gently to combine.
- Sprinkle Italian seasoning, adding salt and pepper to taste.
- Cover and cook on low for about 6 hours.
- Once done, shred the chicken and return it to the pot.
- Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Add the tortellini and fresh spinach, cooking on high for an additional 30 minutes.
- Ladle the soup into bowls, garnishing with fresh basil if desired.
Notes
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Can be frozen for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 360 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: soup, chicken, creamy, Crock Pot, Italian, slow cooker