Comfort in a Crock Pot

There’s something magical about a slow cooker meal that fills your home with warmth and mouthwatering aromas. Inspired by the hearty creations of Creative’s Cookery, Eating on a Dime, and Slow Cookers Recipes, this Chicken Parmesan Soup brings together the beloved flavors of a classic Italian dish with the ease of crock pot cooking. Imagine tender shredded chicken swimming in a rich tomato broth, swirled with cream and melted cheese, and finished with a sprinkle of pasta for that extra comfort factor.

This soup is a creamy, cheesy, and soul-satisfying bowl of goodness. It’s the kind of meal that wraps you in a culinary hug after a long day. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or prepping meals for the week ahead, this recipe delivers on flavor and convenience. With minimal prep and maximum payoff, it’s a go-to for busy weeknights or cozy weekends at home.

Why This Soup Works

This Chicken Parmesan Soup is a weeknight hero, thanks to the magic of the slow cooker. With just a few minutes of prep, you can toss everything into the pot and let it simmer to perfection while you go about your day. The result? A deeply flavorful, Italian-inspired soup that tastes like it’s been simmering on the stove for hours—because it has, just without the effort.

The combination of tomato paste and diced tomatoes creates a rich, tangy base, while the addition of heavy cream and two cheeses—Parmesan and mozzarella—adds a luscious, velvety finish. It’s indulgent without being overwhelming, striking the perfect balance between hearty and comforting.

This soup is also incredibly versatile. It’s a hit with kids and adults alike, freezes beautifully, and can be customized with your favorite pasta or veggies. Whether you’re meal prepping or hosting a casual dinner, this dish is sure to please.

Ingredient List

To make this comforting Chicken Parmesan Soup, you’ll need:

2–3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juice)
2 tablespoons tomato paste
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1½ cups cooked pasta (optional: penne or rotini)
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing, optional)

This ingredient list keeps things simple while delivering bold, comforting flavors. The diced tomatoes and tomato paste provide a robust base, while the Italian seasoning brings in that classic herbaceous aroma. The chicken becomes fall-apart tender after hours in the slow cooker, and the cheeses melt into a creamy, dreamy finish.

Bold Tip: Use freshly grated Parmesan instead of pre-shredded for better melting and a richer, nuttier flavor. It makes a noticeable difference in both texture and taste.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Sauté Garlic and Onion (Optional) For an extra layer of flavor, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent—about 3–4 minutes. This step is optional but adds depth to the soup.

Step 2: Load the Crock Pot Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker. Add the sautéed garlic and onion (if using), diced tomatoes with juice, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, and chicken broth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir gently to combine.

Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender enough to shred.

Step 4: Shred the Chicken and Add Cream & Cheese Remove the chicken breasts and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the crock pot. Stir in the heavy cream, freshly grated Parmesan, and shredded mozzarella.

Bold Tip: Always add cream and cheese at the end of cooking to prevent curdling and ensure a smooth, creamy texture.

Step 5: Add Cooked Pasta (Optional) If you’re including pasta, cook it separately according to package instructions. Add the cooked pasta to the soup and stir to combine. This prevents the pasta from becoming mushy during the long cook time.

Step 6: Simmer and Serve Let the soup simmer on low for another 10–15 minutes, just until the cheese is fully melted and the soup is creamy and well-blended. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Ladle into bowls and garnish with extra Parmesan or fresh basil if desired. Serve with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.