When you’re looking for a cozy meal that’s easy to prepare and fills the kitchen with delightful aromas, this Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup is the perfect choice. With an effortlessly delicious combination of tender chicken, aromatic herbs, and a creamy finish, this soup is as comforting as it is satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, you’ll find that this dish is sure to become a favorite on your weeknight dinner roster.
Why We Love This Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe
This recipe stands out because it strikes the perfect balance between convenience and flavor. Using a crock pot means you can set it and forget it, allowing busy schedules to continue uninterrupted while still delivering a home-cooked meal that feels special. The creamy texture from the cheese combined with the savory notes of chicken and spices creates a comforting bowl that warms you from the inside out. In addition to its rich taste, you can easily customize it with your favorite ingredients, making it a versatile option that caters to different preferences.
Ingredients about Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for richer flavor)
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 4 ounces cream cheese, cut into cubes
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Optional: 1 cup baby spinach
- Optional: 1/2 cup diced roasted red peppers
- Optional: 1/2 cup cooked small pasta shells or orzo
- For serving: extra Parmesan, fresh basil or parsley, crusty bread or garlic toast
How to Make Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe Directions
To kick things off, you’ll want to get your ingredients prepped. Start by chopping your onion and mincing the garlic. These will serve as the aromatic base for your soup, ensuring that each spoonful is bursting with flavor. Cut the cream cheese into small cubes, as this will help it melt more uniformly into the soup later.
Next, take your chicken—either breasts or thighs will work well—and pat them dry with a paper towel. This helps to achieve a better texture in the soup. In your 6-quart crock pot, add the chicken along with the chopped onion, minced garlic, crushed tomatoes, and chicken broth. Then, sprinkle in the dried basil, oregano, thyme, red pepper flakes if you’re feeling a bit adventurous, kosher salt, and black pepper. Give everything a gentle stir, ensuring all the ingredients are well mixed.
Once combined, cover your crock pot and set it to cook on LOW for 4 to 6 hours or on HIGH for 2.5 to 3 hours. You’re looking for the chicken to be tender enough to shred easily with a fork. After the cooking time is up, carefully remove the chicken from the pot and use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces. It’s okay if you have some large chunks; they’ll break down a bit more as you stir everything together.
Now, it’s time to elevate your soup! Return the shredded chicken to the crock pot and add the cubed cream cheese, heavy cream, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Stir the mixture well until the cheeses are fully melted, creating that rich, creamy texture you crave. If you’re choosing to include spinach, roasted red peppers, or small pasta, add them now. Allow everything to warm through for about 5 to 10 minutes.
Lastly, take a moment to taste your creation and adjust the seasonings as needed. If you find the soup too thick, you can add more broth to thin it out or let it simmer uncovered to thicken it up further. Once you’re satisfied, serve your delicious soup hot, garnished with extra Parmesan and fresh herbs. Pair it with crusty bread or garlic toast, and you have a meal that’s perfect for any night of the week.
How to Serve Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe
Serving this Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup is part of the fun! When ladling it into bowls, consider placing it over a bed of cooked small pasta shells or orzo if you love a heartier feel. This not only enhances the texture but makes the dish more filling.
Garnishing your soup is key to making it visually appealing. Sprinkle additional freshly grated Parmesan on top for that extra burst of cheesy flavor and add a handful of freshly chopped herbs like basil or parsley for a vibrant touch.
As for accompaniments, you can’t go wrong with slices of crusty bread or garlic toast. These are perfect for dipping and soaking up the delicious broth. A fresh side salad can also balance the richness of the soup by adding some crispness to your meal.
Enjoying your soup slowly, savoring each bite, is what makes this dish special.
Expert Tips: Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe
To ensure you get the most out of your cooking experience, here are a few expert tips to keep in mind:
- Choosing the Right Chicken: While chicken breasts are a lean option, chicken thighs can add extra flavor and richness. If you’re looking for a more decadent soup, opt for thighs.
- Sauté First: If you have a few extra minutes, sauté your onions and garlic in a skillet before adding them to the crock pot. This enhances their flavors and gives your soup an additional depth.
- Customize the Spice Level: The crushed red pepper flakes add a gentle heat to the soup. If you enjoy a bit more spice, consider increasing the amount or adding a dash of hot sauce before serving.
- Use Fresh Parmesan: Grating your own Parmesan cheese from a block rather than using pre-grated cheese can significantly improve the flavor and creaminess of your soup.
- Adjusting Consistency: If your soup turns out thicker than you like, simply add additional chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.
By keeping these tips in mind, you can tailor the soup to your preferences and enhance its deliciousness.
How to Store Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe
Storing your Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup is straightforward. If you find yourself with leftovers, allow the soup to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat the soup on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup has thickened, you may need to add a bit of chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
For long-term storage, consider freezing portions of the soup. Make sure to use freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, leaving some space at the top for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you want to eat it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as mentioned above.
Variation of Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe
This soup is incredibly versatile, and you can switch things up based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Here are some variations to consider:
- Vegetable Additions: For a boost of nutrition, add diced carrots, celery, or bell peppers to the soup before cooking. They add flavor and texture that complements the creaminess.
- Cheese Variations: While Parmesan is a classic choice, feel free to experiment with other cheeses. Asiago or Fontina can add unique flavors that work well with the chicken.
- Different Proteins: If you’re not in the mood for chicken, try using turkey or even chickpeas for a vegetarian option. This maintains the heartiness while catering to different dietary needs.
- Herb Changes: Instead of the usual dried herbs, consider using fresh herbs. Fresh basil, thyme, or oregano can provide a more vibrant flavor profile.
- Pasta Types: Feel free to use different pasta shapes! Ditalini or even small macaroni work wonderfully in this soup, adding a fun twist.
By experimenting with these variations, you can customize the soup to keep it exciting and ensure it matches your taste buds perfectly.
FAQ
What makes the Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup so special?
The charming aspect of this soup lies in its comforting blend of creamy textures and rich flavors, all while being effortless to prepare in a slow cooker.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can substitute the chicken with chickpeas or add more vegetables to create a vegetarian version that is still hearty and satisfying.
How do I know if the chicken is cooked through?
The chicken is done cooking when it is fork-tender and easily shreds with a fork. You can also use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165°F.
Can I freeze the leftover soup?
Yes, leftovers can be frozen for up to 3 months. Make sure to cool completely and store in airtight containers. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
What sides pair well with this soup?
This soup is best enjoyed with crusty bread or garlic toast. A side salad can also complement the meal nicely, adding freshness to the rich soup.
This Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup is a recipe that you will want to keep on your rotation. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings warmth and joy to your table.
Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for richer flavor) Thighs add extra flavor.
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped Provides aromatic base.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced Enhances flavor.
- 1 28 oz can crushed tomatoes Base for the soup.
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth For moisture and flavor.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional) For heat.
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt Adjust to taste.
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 4 ounces cream cheese, cut into cubes Adds creaminess.
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream For extra richness.
- 1 cup baby spinach (optional) For added nutrition.
- 1/2 cup diced roasted red peppers (optional)
- 1/2 cup cooked small pasta shells or orzo (optional) Adds heartiness.
Instructions
Preparation
- Chop the yellow onion and mince the garlic to begin prepping your ingredients.
- Cut the cream cheese into small cubes to help it melt uniformly.
- Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel.
Cooking
- Add the chicken, chopped onion, minced garlic, crushed tomatoes, and chicken broth to the crock pot.
- Sprinkle in basil, oregano, thyme, red pepper flakes, kosher salt, and black pepper, then stir gently.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 4 to 6 hours or on HIGH for 2.5 to 3 hours.
- Once done, shred the chicken in the pot using two forks.
- Return shredded chicken to the pot and add cream cheese, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese.
- Stir well until cheeses are melted and creamy, then add optional spinach, roasted red peppers, or pasta if desired.
- Let warm through for 5 to 10 minutes and adjust seasonings as needed.
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