This warm and comforting soup brings together tender chicken, creamy sauce, and tasty parmesan cheese. It’s like a hug in a bowl that cooks itself while you go about your day!
I love that I can just toss everything into the crock pot and let it do its magic. Perfect for busy nights or whenever I need a cozy meal! Plus, it smells amazing while cooking! 🥰
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a tender result. You can substitute with chicken thighs for more flavor and juiciness. If you’re in a hurry, rotisserie chicken works great too!
Heavy Cream: This adds richness to the soup. You can swap it out for half-and-half or even whole milk, but the soup will be less creamy. If you’re looking for a lighter option, try unsweetened almond milk or coconut cream.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan gives a delicious savory flavor. If you don’t have that, Pecorino Romano is a nice substitute, or you can use a store-bought Italian cheese blend. For a dairy-free version, look for vegan Parmesan.
Diced Tomatoes: These are key for flavor and texture. If you prefer fresh tomatoes, use about 3-4 ripe ones. For a little heat, try using fire-roasted tomatoes instead!
Pasta: Optional for serving, rotini or penne are perfect choices since they hold the soup well. Feel free to use any pasta shape you have on hand, or skip it entirely for a low-carb soup.
How Do I Ensure My Chicken Is Tender and Juicy?
Cooked chicken should be moist but overcooking it can make it dry. To avoid this, it’s important to monitor your cooking time. Setting the crock pot on low for 6-7 hours is usually best. If you’re busy, you can start your soup in the morning and let it cook slowly.
- Place chicken at the bottom of the crock pot for even cooking.
- Keep the lid on during cooking to retain moisture.
- After shredding the chicken, return it to the pot to soak up those delicious flavors.
How to Make Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup cream cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup cooked pasta (such as rotini or penne) – optional for serving
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This creamy chicken parmesan soup takes about 15 minutes to prepare and then cooks for 6-7 hours on low (or 3-4 hours on high) in the crock pot. After cooking, you’ll spend an additional 10-15 minutes to bring everything together. It’s a warm, delightful meal perfect for any day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Set Up the Chicken:
Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of your crock pot. This will be the base for your flavorful soup.
2. Add the Ingredients:
Pour the can of diced tomatoes (with all the juices) over the chicken. Then, add the chicken broth, minced garlic, diced onion, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Make sure everything is evenly distributed over the chicken.
3. Cook the Chicken:
Cover the crock pot and set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. You want the chicken to be well cooked and tender.
4. Shred the Chicken:
Once the cooking time is up, carefully remove the chicken from the crock pot. Use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces, and then return the shredded chicken to the pot.
5. Add Creams for Richness:
Next, stir in the heavy cream and cream cheese. Mix everything well until the cream cheese is melted and thoroughly incorporated into the soup. This will give your soup that creamy texture.
6. Incorporate the Parmesan:
Now it’s time to add the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir it into the mixture until everything is smooth and creamy. The cheese will melt into the soup, enhancing the flavors!
7. Optional Pasta Addition:
If you’d like to add some pasta, this is the time! Stir in the cooked pasta, and mix it well to combine with the soup.
8. Final Touch:
Let the soup simmer on low for an additional 10-15 minutes to ensure everything is heated through. This also helps blend the flavors beautifully.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Once ready, serve your creamy chicken parmesan soup hot. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color, and sprinkle more Parmesan cheese on top if desired. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just keep in mind that it may require a bit more cooking time. Instead of 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high, check the chicken for doneness after about 8 hours on low. Ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you need a lighter option, you can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream. For a dairy-free version, try using coconut cream—it will add a slightly different flavor but works well in soups!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Can I Make This Soup Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare the soup up to the point of adding the cream and cheese, then refrigerate it for up to 1 day before reheating. When ready to serve, add the cream and cheese, and let it simmer to heat through before serving.
