If you’re craving something cozy yet bursting with Italian flavors, you’re going to adore this Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe. I absolutely love how all the classic chicken parmesan ingredients come together in a warm, comforting soup that practically cooks itself while you go about your day. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become your go-to for an easy weeknight dinner that still feels special.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Slow Cooking: Toss everything in your slow cooker and let it do the magic—all the flavors meld beautifully without constant stirring.
- Classic Italian Comfort: All your favorite chicken parmesan flavors, but in a cozy, spoonable form that’s perfect any time of year.
- Family Favorite: My family goes crazy for this soup, especially when topped with gooey mozzarella and served with garlic bread.
- Time-Saving: Minimal prep and hands-off cooking means you’ll have dinner ready with almost no hassle.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This soup is a powerhouse of simple pantry staples and fresh ingredients that blend into one unforgettable bowl. I always recommend using good-quality canned tomatoes and spaghetti sauce because it truly elevates the flavor without extra effort.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: They shred easily after slow cooking, making every bite tender.
- Minced garlic: Fresh or jarred works—adds that essential aromatic punch.
- Dried minced onion flakes: No chopping required, just toss them in for sweetness and depth.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings all the classic Italian vibes.
- Tomato paste: Gives the soup that rich, concentrated tomato flavor.
- Tomato sauce: Smooth and savory base that complements the diced tomatoes really well.
- Diced tomatoes: I prefer fire-roasted for a subtle smoky note, but classic diced works too.
- Chicken broth: For a flavorful, savory liquid that brings it all together.
- Spaghetti sauce: Adds body and extra seasoning to the soup.
- Grated parmesan cheese: Stirred in at the end for that authentic parmesan punch.
- Campanelle pasta: Its ruffled shape is perfect for soaking up the broth and sauce.
Variations
One of the things I love about this Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe is how flexible it is. Feel free to adapt it to what you have on hand or your family’s tastes—there’s room to make it just right for you.
- Make it spicy: I sometimes add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce when I want a little kick, perfect for those cooler evenings.
- Vegetable boost: Toss in some chopped spinach or mushrooms during the last cooking phase for extra nutrients and flavor.
- Gluten-free option: Swap campanelle pasta for gluten-free pasta—and be sure to check your broth and spices for hidden gluten.
- Cheese variations: Besides parmesan, try a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella or a dollop of ricotta on top for creaminess that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Load Your Slow Cooker
Start by placing the chicken breasts right into your slow cooker. Then add the minced garlic, dried onion flakes, Italian seasoning, tomato paste, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and spaghetti sauce. Give everything a good stir to mix those layers of flavor. One thing I learned is not to skip stirring here — it makes sure your soup’s seasoning is spot on from the get-go.
Step 2: Slow Cook on LOW for 6 to 8 Hours
Cover your slow cooker and let it cook low and slow. I usually aim for 7 hours so the chicken becomes super tender and that sauce thickens just right. Resist the urge to peek too much—the warmth escaping can add up to longer cook times.
Step 3: Shred the Chicken and Add Pasta + Cheese
Once the cooking time is up, fish out the chicken breasts and shred them with two forks—I like to do it right in the sink for easy cleanup. Then stir the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker along with the grated parmesan cheese and the campanelle pasta.
Step 4: Cook on HIGH Until Pasta is Tender
Switch your slow cooker to the HIGH setting and cook the soup for another 15 to 20 minutes. Keep an eye on that pasta—it cooks quickly, and you want it tender but not mushy. I’ve made the mistake of overcooking pasta in the slow cooker before, so timing is key here.
Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe
- Quality Chicken: Using fresh boneless skinless chicken breasts makes shredding easier and the texture perfect.
- Stir Before Adding Pasta: Give the soup a good stir before adding pasta to avoid clumps and ensure even cooking.
- Pasta Timing: Don’t add the pasta too early; adding it at the end prevents it from getting mushy and soaking up too much liquid.
- Cheese Finish: Stir the parmesan cheese in after shredding; it melts into a creamy texture that rounds out the soup beautifully.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping this soup with extra shredded mozzarella or little dollops of ricotta—it melts into a luscious creaminess that’s just heavenly. Fresh basil or a sprinkle of extra parmesan on top adds a fresh, vibrant note. If you’re feeling fancy, a drizzle of good-quality olive oil and some freshly cracked black pepper can take it to the next level.
Side Dishes
Garlic bread is my absolute favorite side to pair with this soup—nothing beats dipping crusty bread into that flavorful broth. A simple side salad with a lemon vinaigrette works great too if you want something lighter. For a heartier meal, roasted veggies or even a cheesy focaccia bread make wonderful companions.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, serving the soup in mini bread bowls is such a crowd-pleaser—your guests will love the fun presentation and the extra bread to soak up every last drop. You can also garnish each bowl with a fresh basil leaf and a sprinkle of parmesan for that restaurant-style touch that feels so indulgent.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Because the pasta can soak up more liquid as it sits, I like to add a splash of broth or water when reheating to loosen the soup back up to that perfect consistency.
Freezing
Freezing this soup works, but I recommend freezing before adding the pasta. Pasta tends to get mushy after freezing and reheating, so cook the soup up to shredding the chicken, then freeze. When you’re ready to eat, thaw and add fresh pasta before cooking it on high until tender.
Reheating
Reheating works best on the stove over medium heat, stirring frequently to avoid sticking. If you need to thin it out, just add a little extra chicken broth. Microwave works in a pinch, but stir halfway through to keep it even and cozy.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen chicken breasts in this slow cooker chicken parmesan soup recipe?
You can use frozen chicken breasts, but be aware that the cooking time might need to be extended by an hour or so. For best results, thaw chicken beforehand to ensure even cooking and easier shredding.
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Can I substitute a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While campanelle is ideal because of its shape, other short pasta like rotini, penne, or shells will also work. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as pasta shapes and sizes can cook at different speeds.
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How can I make this Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Soup recipe dairy-free?
You can skip the parmesan cheese or substitute it with a dairy-free cheese alternative. Just keep in mind the flavor profile will be slightly different, but still delicious. Nutritional yeast is also a good option for a cheesy taste without dairy.
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Is it okay to cook the pasta longer in the slow cooker?
I don’t recommend cooking pasta too long in the slow cooker; it tends to become mushy and lose texture. It’s best added towards the end and cooked just until tender, which usually takes 15-20 minutes on HIGH.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe is genuinely one of my favorites because it feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, all while being so hands-off. I know you’re going to enjoy how the familiar, beloved flavors turn into something new and cozy in soup form. Don’t hesitate to give it a try—you might find it’s your new weeknight staple just like it is for me!
Print
Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Soup is a hearty and comforting Italian-inspired dish that combines tender shredded chicken, garlic, tomato-rich broth, Italian seasoning, and campanelle pasta. All ingredients are slow-cooked to perfection, creating a rich and flavorful soup that’s perfect for a cozy meal. The soup can be topped with mozzarella and ricotta cheeses and served with crusty garlic bread for an even more satisfying experience.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 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
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
Pasta
- 8 oz campanelle pasta (about 3 cups uncooked)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Place the chicken breasts, minced garlic, dried minced onion flakes, Italian seasoning, tomato paste, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and spaghetti sauce into a 6-quart slow cooker. Stir all ingredients together to combine evenly.
- Cook Slow: Cover the slow cooker and cook the mixture on LOW for 6 to 8 hours. This slow cooking allows the flavors to meld together and tenderizes the chicken thoroughly.
- Shred Chicken: When cooking time is complete, remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and shred them into pieces using two forks. Return the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker.
- Add Cheese and Pasta: Add the grated Parmesan cheese and uncooked campanelle pasta to the slow cooker. Stir to combine all ingredients well.
- Cook Pasta: Switch the slow cooker to HIGH and cook for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and fully cooked, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Serve: Once pasta is cooked, serve the soup hot. For extra flavor, top with mozzarella and ricotta cheeses if desired and accompany with crusty garlic bread.
Notes
- This soup is incredibly flavorful and comforting, perfect for a cozy meal.
- Adding mozzarella and ricotta cheeses on top gives a rich, cheesy finish.
- Serve with crusty garlic bread to make the meal even more satisfying.
- All ingredients are cooked in the slow cooker, making it a hands-off and easy recipe.
- If you don’t have campanelle pasta, other small pasta shapes like penne or rotini will work as substitutes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 60mg