Description
Warm Italian comfort awaits with crock pot creamy chicken parmesan soup, blending rich cheesy flavors and tender chicken in a hearty slow cooker masterpiece. Simple ingredients meld into a soul-satisfying bowl that beckons you to savor each creamy spoonful.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins:
- 1.5 lbs (680 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Vegetables and Herbs:
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 can (14.5 ounces / 411 grams) diced tomatoes
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Liquid and Pasta Ingredients:
- 4 cups (946 milliliters) chicken broth
- 1 cup (237 milliliters) heavy cream
- 8 ounces (226 grams) pasta (penne, rotini, or your choice)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine chicken breasts, aromatic seasonings, and liquid base in the slow cooker, creating a flavor-rich foundation for the soup.
- Allow the mixture to simmer gently on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours, ensuring the chicken becomes perfectly tender and infused with herbs.
- Extract the chicken and transform it into delicate, bite-sized shreds using two forks, breaking down the meat into manageable pieces.
- Introduce rich, velvety cream and nutty Parmesan cheese to the slow cooker, creating a luxurious and creamy texture.
- Incorporate pasta directly into the liquid, letting it absorb the robust flavors while cooking for 15-20 minutes until achieving an ideal al dente consistency.
- Reintegrate the shredded chicken into the soup, stirring thoroughly to distribute ingredients evenly and harmonize the flavors.
- Make final seasoning adjustments, ensuring a perfectly balanced taste profile with additional salt and pepper if required.
- Elevate the presentation by garnishing with vibrant, freshly chopped herbs, adding a burst of color and aromatic freshness before serving.
Notes
- Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts for the most tender and easy-to-shred meat, ensuring a smooth and consistent texture throughout the soup.
- Add pasta towards the end of cooking to prevent overcooking and maintain its ideal al dente texture, avoiding mushy noodles that can ruin the soup’s consistency.
- Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version, or use coconut cream for a dairy-free alternative that still provides richness and creaminess.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to control heat level, or substitute with smoked paprika for a deeper, milder flavor that complements the chicken and cheese profile.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours (on Low) or 4 hours (on High)
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 361 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 730 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg