Description
This Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup is a comforting and hearty dish combining tender chicken breasts with a flavorful blend of Italian seasonings, garlic, and crushed tomatoes, all simmered in a slow cooker and finished with rich heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a cozy meal, this soup offers a creamy texture with a slight kick from red pepper flakes and a fresh parsley garnish.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Broth
- 2–3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
Vegetables and Seasonings
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Tomatoes and Dairy
- 1 (14.5 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Thickening and Garnish
- 2 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp cold water (optional, for thickening)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken base: Place raw chicken breasts or thighs at the bottom of the crock pot, ensuring they are spread out evenly for consistent cooking.
- Add aromatics and seasoning: Add the finely chopped yellow onion, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), and the can of crushed tomatoes over the chicken.
- Pour in the broth: Carefully pour 4 cups of low-sodium chicken broth over all the ingredients to ensure even cooking and flavor infusion.
- Slow cook the soup: Cover the crock pot and cook on low heat for 6 to 7 hours, or alternatively on high heat for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Shred the chicken: Remove the chicken from the slow cooker, shred it using two forks, and then return the shredded chicken back into the crock pot to mix with the broth and vegetables.
- Add the cream: Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream into the soup for a rich, creamy texture.
- Thicken the soup (optional): If you prefer a thicker consistency, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry, then gradually stir it into the crock pot soup.
- Incorporate Parmesan cheese: Gradually add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese while stirring constantly until the cheese is fully melted and blended into the soup.
- Simmer uncovered: Cook the soup uncovered on low heat for an additional 20 to 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the soup to thicken slightly.
- Season and garnish: Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste, then garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving to add a fresh, vibrant touch.
Notes
- You can use either chicken breasts or thighs depending on your preference; thighs will provide a slightly richer flavor.
- For a spicier version, increase the crushed red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
- The cornstarch slurry step is optional and should be used if a thicker soup is desired.
- This soup keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- To reduce fat, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but the soup will be less creamy.
- Ensure to stir Parmesan cheese constantly to prevent clumping and ensure a smooth texture.
