Slow-Cooked Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup
🎉 Introduction
Warm up with a bowl of Slow-Cooked Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup! This comforting dish captures all the beloved flavors of classic Chicken Parmesan, transforming them into a rich and hearty soup that is perfect for family dinners. With tender shredded chicken, tangy tomatoes, aromatic herbs, and a velvety mix of cream and freshly grated Parmesan, this soup embodies warmth and satisfaction. Effortless to prepare in your crock pot, it’s an ideal option for busy weeknights and meal prep. Gather your ingredients and let the slow cooker do the work for you!
🧰 Equipment Needed
- Crock pot
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Mixing spoon
🛒 Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Cooked pasta or crusty bread (for serving)
👩🍳 Directions
Step 1: Place the boneless chicken breasts at the bottom of the crock pot.
Step 2: Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, chicken broth, diced onion, minced garlic, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper on top of the chicken.
Step 3: Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Step 4: Once cooked, remove the chicken breasts from the crock pot and shred them using two forks.
Step 5: Return the shredded chicken to the soup in the crock pot.
Step 6: Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until well combined.
Step 7: Cook on low for an additional 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 8: Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and accompanied by cooked pasta or crusty bread.
🍽️ Servings & Timing
Serves 6. Prep time: 15 minutes. Cook time: 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. Total time: 6-7 hours 15 minutes.
🧊 Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the soup in a pot over low heat until heated through. You may need to add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the soup as it may thicken in the fridge.
🥄 Variations
- For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño.
- Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version.
- Add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for added nutrition.
- Use gluten-free pasta if serving with the soup.
- For a vegetarian option, replace chicken with chickpeas and use vegetable broth.
❓ FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
A: Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts in the crock pot. Just increase the cooking time by 1-2 hours.
Q: What type of pasta works best with this soup?
A: Any pasta works well, but small shapes like elbow macaroni or ditalini complement the soup nicely.
Q: Can I make this soup ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare all the ingredients ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Cook the soup the next day.
Q: Is this soup gluten-free?
A: The soup itself is gluten-free, but if you serve it with pasta or bread, make sure to use gluten-free options.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Transfer the soup to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Q: Can I freeze this soup?
A: Yes, you can freeze the soup for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Q: What can I use instead of Parmesan cheese?
A: You can substitute Parmesan with Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.
Q: Can I add more vegetables to this soup?
A: Absolutely! Carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers can be added for extra flavor and nutrition.
Q: How can I make this soup creamier?
A: You can add more heavy cream or blend a portion of the soup to achieve a creamier texture.
Q: What are some good side dishes to serve with this soup?
A: A simple green salad or garlic bread pairs beautifully with the soup.
🏁 Conclusion
This Slow-Cooked Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup is a delightful twist on a classic favorite that the whole family will love. With its comforting flavors and creamy texture, it’s sure to become a staple in your home. Whether enjoyed on a chilly evening or as part of your weekly meal prep, this soup is a satisfying and hearty choice that brings everyone together. Give it a try, and watch as it warms both hearts and bellies!
Slow-Cooked Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Place the boneless chicken breasts at the bottom of the crock pot.
- Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, chicken broth, diced onion, minced garlic, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper on top of the chicken.
- Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken breasts from the crock pot and shred them using two forks.
- Return the shredded chicken to the soup in the crock pot.
- Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until well combined.
- Cook on low for an additional 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and accompanied by cooked pasta or crusty bread.
Notes
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the soup in a pot over low heat until heated through. You may need to add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the soup as it may thicken in the fridge. Variations:
- For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño.
- Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version.
- Add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for added nutrition.
- Use gluten-free pasta if serving with the soup.
- For a vegetarian option, replace chicken with chickpeas and use vegetable broth.
