Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe
Introduction
This Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for chilly days. It combines tender chicken, cheesy goodness, and fresh spinach in a rich broth, all made effortlessly in your slow cooker. Enjoy a cozy bowl of this satisfying soup any time you crave a warm, hearty meal.
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream (For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half.)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 1 cup tortellini (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup fresh spinach
- For garnish: fresh basil
Instructions
- Step 1: Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the Crock Pot.
- Step 2: Add the diced onions and minced garlic on top of the chicken.
- Step 3: Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes. Stir gently to combine.
- Step 4: Sprinkle Italian seasoning over the mixture and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Step 5: Cover the Crock Pot and cook on low for 6 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Step 6: Once cooked, remove the chicken breasts from the pot and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the soup.
- Step 7: Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese until well combined.
- Step 8: Add the tortellini and spinach to the soup, then cook on high for an additional 30 minutes, or until the tortellini is heated through and tender.
- Step 9: Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil if desired.
Tips & Variations
- For a lighter soup, swap heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk.
- Add crushed red pepper flakes for a mild spicy kick.
- Use fresh tortellini for a tender texture, or frozen if you prefer convenience.
- Try substituting the chicken breasts with thighs for a richer flavor and juicier texture.
Storage
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to maintain creaminess. The tortellini may absorb some liquid when stored; adding a splash of broth or water while reheating can restore the soup’s consistency.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta instead of tortellini?
Yes, you can substitute tortellini with small pasta shapes like rotini, shells, or penne. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the pasta is cooked through without becoming mushy.
Is it possible to make this soup in an Instant Pot?
Absolutely. Use the sauté function to brown the onions and garlic, then add all ingredients except the cream, cheese, tortellini, and spinach. Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes, then quick release. Stir in the cream, Parmesan, tortellini, and spinach, and use the sauté mode to finish cooking until tortellini is tender.
PrintCrock Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe
This Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup is a comforting and hearty meal perfect for chilly days. Combining tender shredded chicken, creamy Parmesan-infused broth, fresh spinach, and cheesy tortellini, this slow cooker soup offers rich flavors with minimal effort. Perfect for busy weeknights, the soup brings the classic flavors of Chicken Parmesan into a warm, delicious bowl.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream (For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half.)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Additional Ingredients
- 1 cup tortellini (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup fresh spinach
- Fresh basil, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Crock Pot: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of your Crock Pot or slow cooker. This will serve as the base for the soup and keep the chicken moist as it cooks.
- Add Aromatics: Layer the diced onions and minced garlic evenly over the chicken. These ingredients will impart a fragrant depth of flavor to the soup.
- Add Liquids and Tomatoes: Pour in the chicken broth and canned diced tomatoes over the chicken and aromatics. Stir gently to mix the liquids with the aromatics, ensuring even flavor distribution.
- Season: Sprinkle the mixture with Italian seasoning, then add salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your taste preferences for balanced seasoning.
- Slow Cook: Cover the Crock Pot with its lid and cook on low for 6 hours. This long, slow cooking time allows the chicken to become tender and infuses the soup with robust flavors.
- Shred the Chicken: After cooking, carefully remove the chicken breasts and shred them with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the soup pot, stirring to combine with the broth and vegetables.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese until the soup becomes creamy and the cheese is fully melted and incorporated.
- Add Tortellini and Spinach: Add the fresh or frozen tortellini and fresh spinach to the soup. Increase the slow cooker setting to high and cook for an additional 30 minutes, or until the tortellini is cooked through and spinach has wilted.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired. Serve hot for a comforting and satisfying meal.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a light cream alternative.
- Fresh tortellini cooks faster than frozen; adjust cook time accordingly if using fresh only.
- Spinach can be substituted with kale or Swiss chard for a different leafy green option.
- Feel free to add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle spicy kick.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently to avoid curdling the cream.
Keywords: Creamy chicken parmesan soup, crock pot soup, slow cooker chicken soup, chicken tortellini soup, comfort food soup, Parmesan cheese soup
