Are you looking for a warm, comforting meal that practically makes itself? Look no further than this amazing Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup! This delicious soup combines the classic flavors of chicken parmesan with the convenience of slow cooking. Best of all, it’s easy enough for busy weeknights but tasty enough for special occasions.
Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe that will surely become a family favorite!
Table of Contents
Why Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup Is Perfect For Any Day
Imagine coming home after a long day to the wonderful smell of Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup filling your house. This soup is truly special because it takes all the flavors you love from chicken parmesan and transforms them into a creamy, satisfying soup.
First of all, using a crock pot makes cooking so much easier. You simply add the ingredients, set the timer, and let the slow cooker do all the work. Meanwhile, you can focus on other things.
Additionally, this soup is packed with protein from the chicken and calcium from the cheese. It’s also full of vegetables, making it a complete meal in one bowl!
If you’re a fan of rich, comforting meals, you might also love this Chicken and Sausage Gumbo. It’s another hearty dish that’s packed with flavor and perfect for cozy evenings.
Benefits of Slow Cooking Your Soup
Slow cooking has many advantages. For starters, the flavors have more time to mix together, making the soup taste amazing. Also, the chicken becomes super tender and easy to shred.
Another benefit is that slow cooking is very forgiving. If you leave it cooking for an extra 30 minutes, it won’t ruin your meal!
Why This Soup Is Better Than Regular Chicken Parmesan
Traditional chicken parmesan requires breading and frying chicken, then baking it with sauce and cheese. While delicious, it can be a lot of work!
In contrast, our Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup gives you all those wonderful flavors with much less effort. Plus, the soup version is lighter but still satisfying.
If you’re in the mood for another creamy chicken dish, be sure to check out Marry Me Chicken Pasta. It’s loaded with a rich, creamy sauce and tender chicken just like this soup, but in pasta form!
Simple Ingredients for Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup
One of the best things about this Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup is that it uses simple ingredients you might already have in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Boneless chicken breasts
- Chicken broth
- Crushed tomatoes
- Italian seasoning
- Garlic powder
- Onion
- Parmesan cheese
- Cream cheese
- Heavy cream
- Salt and pepper
These basic ingredients combine to create an amazing soup with rich, complex flavors!
Choosing the Best Chicken
For the best results, use fresh boneless, skinless chicken breasts. They’ll stay juicy and tender during the slow cooking process.
Cheese Options for Your Soup
Parmesan cheese gives this soup its distinctive flavor, but you can also add a bit of mozzarella for that stretchy cheese experience that makes chicken parmesan so fun to eat!
Easy Steps to Make Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup
Making this delicious soup is super simple! Here’s a quick overview of the process:
- Place chicken in the crock pot
- Add broth, tomatoes, and seasonings
- Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours
- Shred the chicken
- Stir in the cream cheese and heavy cream
- Add the parmesan cheese
- Serve with optional toppings
That’s it! Your soup will be ready to enjoy with very little hands-on work.
Tips for Perfect Soup Every Time
To make sure your Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup turns out perfectly, remember these tips:
First, don’t lift the lid while cooking. Each time you do, heat escapes and adds about 20 minutes to your cooking time.
Also, add the dairy ingredients (cream cheese, heavy cream, and parmesan) at the end of cooking. This prevents them from breaking down during the long cooking process.
Delicious Toppings to Try
While this soup is amazing on its own, you can make it even better with some tasty toppings:
- Extra parmesan cheese
- Chopped fresh basil
- Crispy croutons
- A dollop of sour cream
- Red pepper flakes for heat
What to Serve with Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup
This hearty Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup is almost a complete meal by itself. However, a few simple sides can make it even better!
First, crusty bread or garlic bread is perfect for dipping into the creamy soup. You can also serve a simple green salad on the side for some fresh crunch.
Furthermore, if you want to make the meal more filling, consider serving smaller portions of soup as a starter, followed by a main dish like Chicken and Sausage Gumbo for an extra comforting experience.
Best Bread Options
Garlic bread is the classic choice to serve with anything “parmesan,” but a simple baguette or dinner rolls work great too.
Simple Side Salads
A basic green salad with Italian dressing complements this soup perfectly. The fresh, tangy flavors balance the rich, creamy soup.
How to Store and Use Leftover Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup
One of the best things about this Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup is that it tastes even better the next day! After cooking, let the soup cool completely before storing.
Then, put the leftover soup in airtight containers and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, gently reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
Additionally, this soup can be frozen for longer storage. However, be aware that cream-based soups sometimes change texture when frozen and reheated.
Creative Ways to Use Leftovers
Besides enjoying this soup as-is, you can also:
- Use it as a sauce over pasta
- Pour it over baked potatoes
- Use it as the base for a casserole with added vegetables and topped with breadcrumbs
Make-Ahead Tips for Busy Weeks
This soup is perfect for meal prep! You can:
- Prepare all ingredients the night before and refrigerate them in the crock pot insert
- In the morning, just put the insert in the slow cooker and turn it on
- Come home to a finished meal!
Health Benefits of Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup
While this Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup is definitely a comfort food, it also offers several nutritional benefits!
For instance, the chicken provides lean protein that helps build and repair muscles. The tomatoes add vitamins C and K, plus the antioxidant lycopene.
Moreover, you can make this soup even healthier by adding extra vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers. These add nutrients without changing the delicious flavor.
Making Your Soup Lighter
If you want a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream. You can also use light cream cheese instead of regular.
Adding Extra Vegetables
Adding more vegetables is an easy way to boost the nutrition in this soup. Try stirring in some baby spinach right before serving – it will wilt quickly in the hot soup.
FAQs
Can I prepare this dish dairy-free?
Yes, you can make a dairy-free version of Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup! Replace the cream cheese with dairy-free cream cheese, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream, and choose a dairy-free parmesan alternative. The soup won’t be quite as rich, but it will still have delicious flavor.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! This Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup is naturally gluten-free as long as you check your chicken broth ingredients, as some brands may contain gluten. Just be careful with your side choices – serve with gluten-free bread instead of regular bread.
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken in this recipe, but you should increase the cooking time by about 1-2 hours. Also, make sure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before shredding it.
What is the best way to reheat leftovers?
The best way to reheat this soup is slowly on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. This prevents the cream from separating. If using a microwave, use 50% power and stir every 30 seconds until heated through.
Can I freeze this soup?
While you can freeze this Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup, cream-based soups sometimes separate when thawed. If you plan to freeze it, consider doing so before adding the dairy ingredients. Then add the cream and cheese when reheating. If you do freeze the completed soup, stir it well when reheating.
Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup
Equipment
- Crock Pot
- Mixing Bowl
- Wooden Spoon
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts whole
- 4 cups chicken broth low sodium
- 1 can crushed tomatoes 28 oz can
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 small onion diced
Dairy Ingredients
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 4 oz cream cheese softened
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Seasoning
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Place the chicken breasts in the crock pot.
- Add chicken broth, crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion, salt, and pepper.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Shred the chicken using two forks and mix it into the soup.
- Add the cream cheese and heavy cream, stirring until melted and fully incorporated.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and cook for another 10 minutes until fully combined.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
This Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup is truly the perfect comfort food for any day of the week. If you loved this recipe, be sure to try Marry Me Chicken Pasta for another rich and creamy chicken dish!
Furthermore, with just a few simple ingredients, you can create a meal that your whole family will love. Plus, the leftovers taste even better the next day!
So why not try this delicious soup this week? Your family will thank you, and you’ll love how easy it is to make!