If you’re craving comfort food that’s both hearty and hassle-free, you’ll absolutely want to try this Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe. I love this because it takes all the flavors of classic chicken parmesan but warms you up in a bowl instead of on a plate—perfect for those cozy nights when you want something satisfying without standing over the stove. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Slow Cooking: Dump everything in the slow cooker and go about your day—minimal hands-on time with maximum flavor.
- Rich, Comforting Flavors: Classic Italian seasonings and parmesan cheese make this soup taste like a cozy Italian restaurant meal.
- Perfect for Busy Families: The whole family goes crazy for this easy, filling soup that’s ready when you are.
- Versatile and Customizable: You can tweak ingredients and add your favorite toppings to make it your own.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This soup brings together simple pantry staples with fresh touches that blend perfectly after a slow cook. Here’s what I use and why each ingredient really works well in this Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: I prefer using breasts because they shred beautifully and stay tender with slow cooking.
- Minced garlic: Adds that unmistakable Italian aroma that fills your kitchen and makes your mouth water.
- Dried minced onion flakes: They give a subtle sweetness that mellows during the long cook time.
- Italian seasoning: This blend brings all those herby, savory notes together effortlessly.
- Tomato paste: Thickens the soup and adds deep, rich tomato flavor.
- Tomato sauce: Smooth and saucy, it balances the chunkier diced tomatoes.
- Diced tomatoes: Fresh bursts of tomato pieces that add texture and acidity.
- Chicken broth: The base for this soup gives it a gentle savory foundation.
- Spaghetti sauce: This personal touch builds layers of flavor reminiscent of your favorite pasta dinner.
- Grated parmesan cheese: Stirred in at the end for that classic cheesy finish and some lovely umami.
- Campanelle pasta: Its ruffled edges hold onto the soup sauce perfectly—though you can swap it for your favorite pasta, just watch cooking time.
Variations
I love how flexible this Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe is—you can mix and match to fit your mood or dietary needs. Here are some ways I’ve personalized it over time.
- Vegetable boost: I sometimes add chopped spinach or kale toward the end of cooking to sneak in some greens without changing the flavor too much.
- Low-carb version: Swap the pasta for zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice if you’re watching carbs—just add them at the very end to keep texture.
- Spicy kick: Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce gives a fun little heat that my family secretly loves.
- Dairy-free option: Leave out the parmesan or try a dairy-free cheese alternative, and the soup still shines.
How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe
Step 1: Dump, Stir, and Set It to Slow Cook
This is the beauty of this recipe—you literally just place the chicken breasts, minced garlic, onion flakes, Italian seasoning, tomato paste, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and jar of spaghetti sauce right into your 6-quart slow cooker. Give everything a good stir so those flavors start mingling early. Cover that baby up and cook it low and slow for 6 to 8 hours. I usually do this in the morning on a weekend or start early on a busy day; your house will smell incredible by dinnertime.
Step 2: Shred the Chicken and Add the Parmesan and Pasta
Once the slow cooker time’s up, remove the chicken breasts carefully (they’ll be so tender they almost fall apart). Shred them using two forks—that’s always my favorite part because it’s like magic watching the chicken transform. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker, then stir in the grated parmesan cheese and uncooked campanelle pasta. Be sure to spread the pasta evenly so it cooks perfectly in that flavorful broth during the final 15–20 minutes on high heat.
Step 3: Final Simmer and Serve
Cook on high for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until the pasta is tender but still has a little bite. Keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking the pasta, which can get mushy fast in soup. Once it’s done, give the soup one last stir, taste for seasoning, and it’s ready to serve.
Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe
- Layering Flavors: Don’t skip the spaghetti sauce— it adds a sweet and spicy depth that can’t be beat.
- Pasta Timing Matters: Adding pasta at the end prevents it from turning mushy, so watch the time closely for perfectly al dente bites.
- Shred While Warm: Shredding the chicken hot from the slow cooker makes it silky and easy—cold chicken is tricky to shred finely.
- Avoiding Wateriness: Use full-flavored broth and paste for richer taste, and don’t overcook pasta to keep soup from getting too watery.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe
Garnishes
I always top my bowl with a sprinkle of extra parmesan and a few fresh basil leaves when I have them on hand—that bright herby note is such a treat. Sometimes I even add dollops of ricotta cheese or shredded mozzarella right when it’s hot and let it melt in, creating little pockets of cheesy goodness you’ll love.
Side Dishes
Crusty garlic bread is my go-to side for this soup. It’s perfect for dipping and soaking up every last bit. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness beautifully too. And if you’re in the mood, roasted veggies like asparagus or broccoli make a lovely addition.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist at family dinners, I’ve served this soup in bread bowls—that wow factor everyone loves without extra effort. You can also ladle it into colorful bowls and sprinkle chopped sun-dried tomatoes or red pepper flakes on top for some visual and flavor flair. Presentation is all about making it feel special, even on ordinary nights.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store any leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. I’ve found the pasta continues to soak up liquid, so the soup thickens quite a bit—just add a splash of broth or water when reheating to loosen it back up.
Freezing
Freezing this soup works best if you leave out the pasta and add it fresh when reheating. I portion the soup base into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. It reheats beautifully and feels like a homemade meal in minutes.
Reheating
I reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to bring back the perfect soup consistency. If you’ve frozen the base without pasta, add the pasta during reheating and cook until tender for best texture.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts in this Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative if you prefer darker meat. They tend to be even more tender and flavorful after slow cooking. Just be sure to shred them well, and adjust the cooking time if your thighs are bone-in.
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What can I substitute if I don’t have campanelle pasta?
Any small to medium pasta shape works here, like penne, rigatoni, or rotini. Just keep an eye on cooking times since different pasta can cook faster or slower in soup—adding it at the end remains key.
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Can I make this soup in an Instant Pot?
You can! Use the sauté function to combine ingredients, then pressure cook for about 15 minutes before shredding the chicken and adding pasta. Follow your Instant Pot’s instructions for cooking pasta to avoid overcooking.
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How do I prevent pasta from getting mushy in this Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe?
The trick is to add the pasta only during the last 15 to 20 minutes of cooking on high heat. This keeps it al dente and avoids that gummy texture that can happen if pasta cooks too long in soup.
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Can I make this soup ahead for a dinner party?
Definitely! You can prepare the base ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze it without the pasta. Add the pasta and reheat just before serving so everything tastes fresh and perfect.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe has become a favorite in my home—and I’m confident it’ll earn a spot in yours too. There’s something so comforting about that cheesy, tomatoey broth combined with tender chicken and pasta that just feels like a warm hug. Plus, the ease of the slow cooker means you spend less time stressed in the kitchen and more time enjoying your meal and company. So go ahead, give it a try and watch it become your go-to dinner on busy nights or chilly weekends. You’re going to love it, I promise!
Print
Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Soup is a hearty and comforting dish combining tender shredded chicken, Italian herbs, tomato-based broth, and tender campanelle pasta. Easy to prepare with minimal effort, this soup simmers all day in the slow cooker, melding robust flavors for a satisfying Italian-inspired meal perfect for cozy nights.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 to 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp dried minced onion flakes
- 1 Tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 (6-oz) can tomato paste
- 1 (8-oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (15-oz) can diced tomatoes
- 2 (14.5-oz) cans chicken broth
- 1 (24-oz) jar spaghetti sauce
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 8 oz campanelle pasta (about 3 cups uncooked)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Place the chicken breasts, minced garlic, dried minced onion flakes, Italian seasoning, tomato paste, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and spaghetti sauce into a 6-quart slow cooker. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the chicken to become tender.
- Shred Chicken: Remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and shred them using two forks until finely pulled apart.
- Return Chicken and Add Cheese & Pasta: Add the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and uncooked campanelle pasta.
- Cook Pasta: Set the slow cooker to HIGH and cook for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and cooked through.
Notes
- This soup is deeply flavorful and comforting, perfect for a cozy meal.
- For an extra touch, top the soup with mozzarella and ricotta cheeses before serving.
- Pair with crusty garlic bread to complete the meal.
- All the ingredients cook together in the slow cooker, making it an effortless recipe.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 65mg