- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup uncooked pasta (shells, bowties, or ditalini work well)
- 1 cup fresh spinach (optional, added at the end)
- Fresh basil and additional Parmesan for garnish
Preparation
Step 1: Place the chicken breasts in the crock pot. Add the chicken broth, marinara sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
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Step 2: Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
Step 3: Remove the chicken from the crock pot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.
Step 4: Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and uncooked pasta. Cover and cook on high for 20–30 minutes, or until the pasta is tender.
Step 5: If using fresh spinach, stir it in during the last 5 minutes of cooking until it wilts.
Step 6: Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil and additional Parmesan cheese.
Variations
- Low-Carb Version: Skip the pasta and add more spinach or zucchini noodles for a low-carb alternative.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with chickpeas or white beans and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce for extra heat.
Cooking Note
For the best results, choose a high-quality marinara sauce to enhance the soup’s flavor. If you prefer a thicker consistency, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and stir it into the soup during the final cooking stage.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this creamy chicken parmesan soup with crusty garlic bread, a fresh side salad, or a simple bowl of steamed vegetables. It’s also perfect on its own for a satisfying, one-pot meal.
Tips
- Avoid overcooking the pasta by adding it only toward the end of the cooking process.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a richer, more authentic flavor.
- Freeze leftovers for up to three months, but leave out the pasta and spinach for better reheating results.
Time Breakdown
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 6–8 hours (low) or 3–4 hours (high)
Total Time: 6–8 hours 10 minutes (low) or 3–4 hours 10 minutes (high)
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Calories: 320
Protein: 28g
Sodium: 780mg
FAQs
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
A: Absolutely! Chicken thighs are just as flavorful and work well in this recipe.
Q: Can I make this soup dairy-free?
A: Yes, substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese.
Q: What’s the best pasta for this soup?
A: Small pasta shapes like ditalini, mini shells, or bowties are ideal as they cook evenly in the soup.
Q: Can I cook the soup on the stovetop instead?
A: Yes, simmer all the ingredients in a large pot on low heat for 1–2 hours, then follow steps 3–6.
Conclusion
Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup is the epitome of comfort food made easy. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends, this recipe delivers a rich and creamy flavor profile that’s hard to resist. With simple ingredients and a hands-off cooking method, it’s a meal the whole family will love. Serve it up and watch as this comforting dish becomes a staple in your home!
