This Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup offers a rich and comforting experience inspired by classic chicken parmesan flavors. Slowly simmered to perfection, this soup is infused with tender chicken, creamy parmesan, and fragrant Italian herbs, making it ideal for chilly evenings or busy days when you crave a warm, filling meal with minimal effort.
With simple ingredients and the convenience of slow cooking, you can enjoy a restaurant-quality flavor at home without standing over the stove. The addition of tortellini and fresh spinach introduces delightful texture and color, creating a well-rounded and satisfying dish that your whole family will love.
- Effortless slow cooker method perfect for busy schedules and hands-off cooking.
- Rich, creamy texture balanced with fresh spinach and tender tortellini for a hearty meal.
- Classic Italian flavors of chicken parmesan combined into a comforting soup everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: 1.5 pounds of juicy chicken, providing lean protein and absorbing savory flavors perfectly when slow-cooked.
- Diced onion: 1 cup of finely chopped onion adds natural sweetness and depth to the soup base.
- Minced garlic: 2 cloves minced garlic enhance the umami profile with their aromatic pungency.
- Chicken broth: 3 cups of low-sodium broth create a flavorful, savory foundation for slow cooking.
- Diced tomatoes: 1 can (14.5 oz) of diced tomatoes lend freshness and a subtle acidity balancing richness.
- Heavy cream: 1 cup adds indulgent creaminess and silky texture; half-and-half can be used to lighten it up.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: 1 cup brings salty, nutty essence essential to chicken parmesan taste.
- Italian seasoning: 1 tablespoon combines herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme for authentic Italian flavor.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, essential seasoning for enhancing all the soup’s flavors.
- Tortellini: 1 cup of fresh or frozen cheese-filled tortellini adds comforting pasta bites and heartiness.
- Fresh spinach: 1 cup of vibrant spinach introduces color, nutrition, and a light earthiness.
- Fresh basil: For garnish, offering bright herbal fragrance and attractive presentation.
Instructions
- Place Chicken in Crock Pot
Start by laying the boneless chicken breasts at the bottom of your slow cooker. This ensures the chicken cooks evenly and absorbs all the delicious flavors from the ingredients layered above it.
- Add Aromatics and Liquid
Distribute diced onions and minced garlic over the chicken evenly. Pour in chicken broth and diced tomatoes, stirring gently to combine. These aromatics and liquids form the flavorful cooking environment that tenderizes the chicken and infuses the base.
- Season the Soup
Sprinkle Italian seasoning evenly on top, then add salt and pepper to taste. Proper seasoning at this stage builds layers of savory depth and the signature Italian herb profile reminiscent of chicken parmesan dishes.
- Slow Cook Until Tender
Cover your Crock Pot and set it to low heat for 6 hours. Slow cooking allows the chicken to become tender and juicy, while the flavors meld beautifully, creating a rich and hearty broth.
- Shred and Return Chicken
Once the chicken is cooked through, remove the breasts carefully and shred them using two forks. Returning the shredded chicken back into the pot ensures every bite is packed with tender meat distributed in the soup base.
- Add Cream and Cheese
Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese thoroughly. This step enriches the soup with luscious creaminess and the quintessential sharp, nutty taste of aged Parmesan cheese, elevating the flavor complexity.
- Incorporate Tortellini and Spinach
Add your fresh or frozen tortellini and fresh spinach to the pot. Increase heat to high and cook for another 30 minutes until the tortellini is tender and fully warmed, and the spinach has wilted, adding color and nutrition.
- Serve with Fresh Basil Garnish
Ladle the piping hot soup into bowls and garnish with fresh basil leaves. The basil provides a bright, herbal aroma that complements the creamy, savory flavors of the soup, making it ready to enjoy.
- This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread or warm garlic bread for a complete, satisfying meal.
- Substituting half-and-half for heavy cream reduces calorie content while maintaining good creaminess.
- Feel free to add vegetables like carrots or bell peppers during slow cooking to boost nutrition and texture.
Storage Tips
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave until warmed through to preserve creamy texture and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this comforting soup with a side of crusty artisan bread or garlic bread for dipping. A simple green salad or roasted vegetables also pair well to add freshness and balance.
- For best texture, add tortellini in the last 30 minutes of cooking to avoid overcooking and mushiness.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for optimal flavor; pre-grated cheese may not melt as smoothly.
- Allow soup to rest for 10 minutes before serving to thicken and deepen flavors.
FAQs
- Can I use other types of pasta instead of tortellini?
Yes, small pasta shapes like mini shells or ditalini can be substituted, but add them later in the cooking process to prevent overcooking.
- Is it possible to make this soup dairy-free?
You can replace heavy cream with coconut milk and use a dairy-free cheese alternative to accommodate dairy-free diets.
- Can I prepare this soup in advance?
Absolutely! It’s perfect for meal prep. Store leftovers in the fridge and reheat when ready to enjoy.
- How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
Chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and shreds easily with forks.
- Can I freeze this soup?
It is best to freeze without the tortellini as it can become mushy. Add fresh tortellini when reheating.
Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup
Equipment
- 1 Crock Pot or slow cooker
- 1 cutting board
- 1 measuring cups and spoons
- 1 mixing spoon
- 1 whisk
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 or half-and-half for lighter version
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 1 cup tortellini fresh or frozen
- 1 cup fresh spinach
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Place chicken breasts in the bottom of the Crock Pot.
- Add diced onions and minced garlic on top of the chicken.
- Pour in chicken broth and diced tomatoes, then stir gently to combine.
- Sprinkle Italian seasoning over the mixture, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours, or until chicken is tender and fully cooked.
- Remove chicken breasts and shred with two forks, then return shredded chicken to the soup.
- Stir in heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese until well combined.
- Add tortellini and fresh spinach, then cook on high for 30 minutes until tortellini is heated through.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil if desired.
Notes
- Pairs well with crusty or garlic bread.
- For lighter soup, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Add extra vegetables like carrots or bell peppers for more nutrition.
