If you’re a fan of cozy, comforting meals that practically make themselves, then you’re going to absolutely adore this Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe. I remember the first time I made it — the aroma filled my whole house all day, and when it was finally time to eat, my family went crazy for this rich, flavorful soup. It’s a perfect blend of Italian-inspired ingredients simmering to create a bowl of pure comfort that’s perfect any day of the week. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll want to keep it on your regular rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Slow Cooker Magic: Toss everything in and let it do its thing while you go about your day.
- Family Favorite Flavors: Classic chicken parmesan flavors come to life in a hearty, warming soup.
- Great for Busy Weeknights: Minimal prep, and the slow cooker does the heavy lifting for you.
- Versatile and Customizable: Easy to tweak with your favorite pasta shapes and add-ins for extra personality.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe is in the simple but bold ingredients that combine to create that irresistible Italian soup sensation. When shopping, look for good-quality chicken broth and get the best spaghetti sauce you can find—it really makes a difference in developing rich flavors.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: I love using chicken breasts because they shred beautifully and absorb all those lovely flavors.
- Minced garlic: Fresh or jarred works wonderfully; garlic is key to that savory depth.
- Dried minced onion flakes: These add a subtle sweetness without the fuss of fresh chopping.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that instantly transports your taste buds to an Italian kitchen.
- Tomato paste: Adds concentrated tomato richness—don’t skip it!
- Tomato sauce: Provides a smooth, tangy tomato base for your soup.
- Diced tomatoes: Freshens things up with chunks; I like the texture contrast they bring.
- Chicken broth: Use low-sodium if you want to control the salt carefully.
- Spaghetti sauce: This adds extra herbs, sweetness, and body to your soup.
- Parmesan cheese: Stirred in at the end for that creamy, umami finish.
- Campanelle pasta: The ruffled edges are perfect for catching that delicious sauce; fusilli or rotini work too!
Variations
I love playing around with this Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe depending on the season or what I have on hand. Don’t hesitate to make it your own! You’ll find that little tweaks can suit your family’s tastes and dietary needs perfectly.
- Make it Creamier: Once it’s done, stir in some ricotta for a dreamy texture—my kids absolutely go wild for this version.
- Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce if you want a little heat in your soup.
- Vegetable Boost: Throw in some chopped spinach or mushrooms during the last 30 minutes of cooking to sneak in some greens.
- Gluten-Free Option: Swap campanelle for gluten-free pasta and check that your broth and sauce are GF-certified.
How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients and Get the Slow Cooker Ready
This is the easiest part—you simply throw in all your ingredients except the pasta and parmesan cheese into your 6-quart slow cooker. Stir everything well to combine those savory flavors early on. I always double-check that my chicken breasts are evenly spaced and submerged just enough to soak up the broth and tomato sauce goodness.
Step 2: Low and Slow Cooking
Cover your slow cooker and let it do its job on LOW for 6 to 8 hours. This slow, gentle cooking melts the chicken to tender perfection and lets those Italian seasonings blossom throughout the soup. You’ll notice your kitchen smells amazing! Avoid the temptation to lift the lid often—keeping it closed ensures the soup cooks evenly.
Step 3: Shred the Chicken and Add Final Touches
Once the long cook time is up, remove the chicken breasts and shred them with two forks right on your cutting board. This part makes me feel like a soup ninja! Return the shredded chicken back to the slow cooker, and stir in the grated parmesan cheese and pasta. Set the slow cooker to HIGH and cook for another 15 to 20 minutes to let the pasta soften perfectly without turning mushy.
Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Adding the pasta at the end and switching to HIGH ensures it doesn’t get mushy or absorb too much broth.
- Shred While Warm: Shredding the chicken right after cooking when it’s hot makes the process quicker and easier.
- Use a Good Slow Cooker: A quality slow cooker with consistent temperature control will give you the best results every time.
- Avoid Lifting the Lid: Resist peeking too often during the slow cooking phase to keep the temperature steady and finish on time.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping my bowls with a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella and a dollop of ricotta for extra creaminess. Fresh basil or a pinch of chopped parsley adds a pop of color and freshness that makes the whole bowl feel special. If you’re feeling indulgent, a drizzle of olive oil on top is a nice touch.
Side Dishes
To round out this meal, I usually serve some crusty garlic bread or a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette. The bread is perfect for dipping into all that flavorful soup and it pairs beautifully with the Italian flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions or dinner parties, I like to serve the soup in individual mini bread bowls—just hollow out round rolls. It turns your everyday soup into an interactive and fun experience your guests won’t forget. Adding a sprinkle of extra parmesan and freshly cracked black pepper right before serving makes it feel upscale without extra effort.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge and they keep nicely for up to 3 days. The flavors actually improve after a day, making it perfect for meal prep or busy weekdays when you just need something quick and nourishing.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze this soup! I like to freeze it without the pasta first because pasta tends to get mushy when frozen and reheated. Just add fresh cooked pasta when reheating for that perfect texture every time.
Reheating
For reheating, I warm the soup gently in a pot on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If it’s a bit thick, I add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it up. If you froze it pasta-free, cook some fresh pasta and stir it in just before serving.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this soup?
Yes! You can use frozen chicken breasts in your slow cooker, but you’ll want to add extra cooking time—typically an additional hour or two—to ensure the chicken is fully cooked and tender. Just make sure your slow cooker reaches a safe temperature quickly.
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What can I substitute for campanelle pasta?
If you don’t have campanelle, fusilli, rotini, or even small shells work great. These pasta shapes hold onto the sauce nicely, giving you that classic chicken parmesan soup texture.
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Is it possible to make this soup in an Instant Pot?
Definitely! You can adapt this recipe for an Instant Pot by sautéing the garlic and onion, then adding all ingredients except pasta. Cook on high pressure for about 15 minutes, then do a natural release. Add pasta and cheese afterward and cook on sauté until pasta is tender.
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Can I make this soup vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and omit the chicken—add extra beans or mushrooms for protein and texture. You can also increase the parmesan and add more herbs to keep it flavorful.
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How do I prevent the soup from becoming too thick?
If your soup thickens too much after cooking, simply stir in a bit more chicken broth or water until you reach your preferred consistency. Remember, pasta will absorb some liquid, so adding it at the end helps control thickness.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe is one of those meals I turn to when I want something hearty, heartwarming, and ridiculously easy. It’s a real crowd-pleaser in my house, and every time I serve it, I get asked for the recipe afterward. I love how adaptable it is, letting you add your own spin based on what you love or have lingering in your pantry. So, next time you want a homey soup that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, give this a try—you won’t regret it!
Print
Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 6 hr 15 min
- Total Time: 6 hr 20 min
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Soup is a hearty and flavorful Italian-inspired dish that combines tender shredded chicken, a medley of tomato-based sauces, and perfectly cooked campanelle pasta. Easy to prepare with minimal effort, this comforting soup simmers all day in the slow cooker, making it perfect for busy days. Topped with Parmesan cheese and optional mozzarella or ricotta, it’s a delicious soup that’s perfect served with crusty garlic bread.
Ingredients
Soup Ingredients
- 2 to 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp dried minced onion flakes
- 1 Tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 (6-oz) can tomato paste
- 1 (8-oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (15-oz) can diced tomatoes
- 2 (14.5-oz) cans chicken broth
- 1 (24-oz) jar spaghetti sauce
Additional Ingredients
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 8 oz campanelle pasta (about 3 cups uncooked)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Place all ingredients except the pasta and Parmesan cheese into a 6-quart slow cooker. Stir well to combine all the tomato-based sauces, seasonings, chicken, and broth evenly.
- Slow Cook Chicken: Cover and cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours, allowing the chicken to cook through and flavors to meld together.
- Shred Chicken: Carefully remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and shred them with two forks until finely pulled apart.
- Add Pasta and Cheese: Return the shredded chicken back to the slow cooker. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and uncooked campanelle pasta to the soup mixture.
- Cook Pasta: Increase the slow cooker setting to HIGH and cook for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, or until the pasta is tender but not overcooked.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, optionally topping with additional mozzarella or ricotta cheese. Serve with crusty garlic bread for a complete meal.
Notes
- This soup is very flavorful and can be topped with mozzarella and ricotta cheese for extra creaminess and richness.
- Perfect served with crusty garlic bread for a full Italian-inspired meal experience.
- Cooking times may vary slightly depending on your slow cooker model.
- Be careful to not overcook the pasta to maintain its texture.
- The recipe yields about 8 hearty servings.
- Slow cooker makes this an easy, set-it-and-forget-it meal option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
