Description
Hearty crockpot chicken parmesan soup combines classic Italian flavors with comforting slow-cooker convenience. Italian herbs and melted cheese create a satisfying meal perfect for chilly evenings. You’ll savor each spoonful of this delightful culinary experience.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (453.6 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1 (28 oz / 793.8 g) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz / 425.2 g) can diced tomatoes
- 4 cups (0.95 L) chicken broth (low sodium)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup (237 mL) small pasta (ditalini, rotini, or penne)
- ½ cup (50 g) Parmesan cheese, grated
- ½ cup (56 g) mozzarella cheese, shredded (for serving)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar (optional, adds depth)
- ¼ cup (15 g) fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preparation: Assemble chicken, tomatoes, and broth in the crockpot, establishing a flavorful foundation for the soup.
- Seasoning Blend: Layer minced onion, garlic, Italian seasoning, basil, and oregano throughout the liquid mixture, creating an aromatic profile with depth and complexity.
- Flavor Enhancement: Introduce red pepper flakes for a subtle heat, then season with salt and black pepper to amplify the overall taste dimensions.
- Slow Cooking Process: Cover crockpot and set to low heat, allowing ingredients to gently simmer and harmonize over several hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even flavor distribution.
- Chicken Transformation: As the soup develops, the chicken will gradually tenderize and naturally break down, creating a rustic, shredded texture that integrates seamlessly with the liquid base.
- Final Touch: During the last cooking hour, delicately fork-shred the chicken into smaller, manageable pieces, ensuring a cohesive and satisfying soup consistency.
- Serving Suggestion: Once the soup reaches a rich, melded state, serve piping hot and optionally garnish with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese for an elevated culinary experience.
Notes
- Chicken Selection: Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for the most tender and easy-to-shred meat, ensuring a smooth texture in the soup.
- Seasoning Adjustment: Taste and modify Italian herbs midway through cooking, adding more if the flavor seems mild or reducing if too intense.
- Thickening Technique: For a creamier consistency, stir in a small amount of heavy cream or sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese during the last hour of cooking.
- Low-Sodium Option: Use low-sodium broth and control salt content to make the recipe more diet-friendly and heart-healthy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-6 hours (low) / 2-3 hours (high)
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 31 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 21 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg