It was one of those chilly autumn evenings when the air had a distinct chill and the leaves were just starting to turn. I couldn’t wait to get home and curl up on the couch with a big bowl of my favorite Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup. The smell of the soup simmering away all day always takes me back to my childhood, when my mom would have it ready and waiting as soon as I got home from school.
There’s just something so comforting about the creamy broth, tender chicken, and melty Parmesan cheese. It’s the kind of meal that warms you up from the inside out. I can still picture myself dipping a crusty piece of bread into the soup, savoring every bite. It’s the ultimate cozy, satisfying dish – perfect for a chilly day or anytime you need a little comfort.
I’ve been making this Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup for years, and it’s always a hit with my family and friends. The best part is how easy it is – just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do its magic. No fussy techniques or hard-to-find ingredients, just pure deliciousness.
Why This Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup
The secret to this Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup is in the slow cooking process. By letting the chicken, broth, and spices simmer together for hours, the flavors have time to meld and intensify. The result is a soup that’s rich, creamy, and packed with savory goodness. Plus, the Parmesan cheese adds a lovely nutty, salty element that really makes the dish shine.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- Chicken breasts: The foundation of the soup, providing protein and texture.
- Cream of mushroom soup: This adds a luxurious creaminess to the broth.
- Chicken broth: The liquid base for the soup.
- Parmesan cheese: Melted into the soup, it creates a velvety, cheesy flavor.
- Garlic: For an aromatic, savory boost.
- Dried Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that infuses the soup with classic Italian flavors.
- Salt and pepper: To season the soup to perfection.
Step-by-Step Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup Instructions
Preparing Your Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup
This Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup couldn’t be easier to make. Just toss all the ingredients into your slow cooker, set it, and forget it. In just a few hours, you’ll have a comforting, creamy soup that’s perfect for a cozy night in.
1- Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the bottom of your Crock Pot.
2- In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning. Pour this mixture over the chicken.
3- Cover the Crock Pot and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
4- Once the cooking time is up, remove the chicken from the Crock Pot and shred or dice it into bite-sized pieces.
5- Add the shredded chicken back to the Crock Pot and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese.
6- Serve the Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup hot, with crusty bread or a fresh salad on the side.
Pro Tips for Success
To ensure your Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup turns out perfectly every time, here are a few pro tips:
- Use high-quality Parmesan cheese for the best flavor.
- Adjust the seasonings to your taste – you can add more garlic, Italian seasoning, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick.
- If the soup is too thick, thin it out with a bit of extra chicken broth.
- Don’t be afraid to get creative with mix-ins like chopped spinach, diced tomatoes, or even cooked pasta.
Serving and Storing Your Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup
Perfect Pairings for Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup
This Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup is the perfect cozy meal for a chilly day. It pairs beautifully with a fresh, crisp salad or a crusty loaf of garlic bread for dipping. And don’t forget a glass of your favorite red wine – the rich, creamy flavors of the soup are just begging for a bold, full-bodied vino.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup is a fantastic make-ahead meal. You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave.
For even easier meal prep, you can assemble all the ingredients in the Crock Pot the night before and refrigerate it. In the morning, just turn on the slow cooker and let it work its magic while you’re at work or running errands.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup
Creative Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup Variations
While the classic Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup is hard to beat, there are plenty of ways to switch it up. Try adding diced tomatoes, spinach, or even cooked pasta for a heartier meal. You can also experiment with different cheeses, like mozzarella or provolone, for a fun twist on the flavors.
For a seasonal variation, swap out the chicken for turkey and use sage and cranberries for a festive twist. Or try making it with ground Italian sausage instead of chicken for a spicier, bolder version.
Making Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup Diet-Friendly
To make this Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup more diet-friendly, you can use low-fat or fat-free cream of mushroom soup and reduced-fat Parmesan cheese. You can also skip the Parmesan cheese altogether and use a plant-based cheese alternative.
For a gluten-free version, simply use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and serve the soup over gluten-free pasta or with gluten-free bread.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Absolutely! Chicken thighs will work just as well in this Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup recipe. They’ll stay nice and tender during the long cooking time.
Q: How long does the soup need to cook in the Crock Pot?
A: For best results, cook the Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. This ensures the chicken is cooked through and the flavors have time to meld.
Q: Can I freeze the leftover soup?
A: Yes, this Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup freezes beautifully. Just let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Q: What should I serve with the Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup?
A: This soup pairs wonderfully with a fresh salad, crusty bread, or even a side of roasted vegetables. It’s also delicious on its own as a satisfying main course.
Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup
- Total Time: 370
- Yield: 6
Description
This comforting Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup is the ultimate cozy meal. Tender chicken is simmered in a rich and creamy broth, infused with the flavors of parmesan cheese and Italian herbs. It’s a delicious and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or chilly days.
Ingredients
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup grated parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
– 1 tsp dried basil
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
– Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
1. In a Crock Pot, combine the cubed chicken, diced onion, and minced garlic.
2. Pour in the chicken broth and stir to combine.
3. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
4. In the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in the heavy cream, 1 cup of parmesan cheese, basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
5. Serve the Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup warm, garnished with additional parmesan cheese and fresh basil, if desired. Enjoy with crusty bread for a comforting meal.
Notes
For a thicker soup, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a few tablespoons of the hot broth and stir it into the Crock Pot during the last 30 minutes of cooking. The soup will thicken up nicely. You can also add diced tomatoes or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 360
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Crock Pot
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Conclusion
Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup is the ultimate comfort food – rich, creamy, and oh-so-satisfying. With its simple ingredients and hands-off cooking method, it’s the perfect meal to have simmering away in your slow cooker on a chilly day. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and experience the cozy, nostalgic delight of this classic dish. Bon appétit!
