Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Soup: 5 Delicious Reasons to Try

Name: Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 7 h 30 min
Total time: 7 h 40 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 tsp olive oil; 1 cup diced onion; 3 cloves garlic, grated; 1/2 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts; 28 oz can crushed tomatoes; 8 oz can tomato sauce; 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar; 1 tbsp chopped fresh basil; 1 tsp dried oregano (rubbed between palms); 1 tsp dried parsley (rubbed between palms); 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes; 3 cups low sodium chicken broth; 1 parmesan cheese rind (optional, but recommended); Kosher salt & fresh ground black pepper (to taste); 6 oz uncooked rotini or penne pasta; 1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

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A Comforting Bowl for a Special Weekend: Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Soup

This past weekend was a double celebration—my husband’s birthday and our wedding anniversary. We kept it low-key: a cozy night in, our favorite bottle of wine, and something warm simmering in the kitchen. It wasn’t a fancy roast or a five-course dinner. Nope. It was this Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Soup.

Now, let me tell you—my husband isn’t a “soup is dinner” kind of guy. He’s more of a “where’s the steak?” eater. But this hearty chicken soup? He went back for seconds. Then thirds. And then he asked me to pack it for lunch the next day. That’s how good this is.

Flavor-Packed Chicken Parmesan Soup with Hearty Texture

This isn’t your average watery chicken soup recipe. It’s thick, rich, and loaded with flavor—more like a stew than a soup. The kind of creamy chicken soup that hugs your insides and fills your kitchen with that classic Italian comfort smell.

A few details that really elevate it:

Sautéing the onions and garlic first for a softer, sweeter base (this is key).
Using a parmesan cheese rind while it simmers to infuse that deep umami flavor.
Topping with mozzarella and broiling until it’s bubbly and golden. That’s where the real magic happens.

Ingredients for Chicken and Pasta Soup

Here’s everything you need for this Italian chicken soup:

2 tsp olive oil
1 cup diced onion
3 cloves garlic, grated
1/2 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
28 oz can crushed tomatoes
8 oz can tomato sauce
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 tbsp chopped fresh basil
1 tsp dried oregano (rubbed between palms)
1 tsp dried parsley (rubbed between palms)
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
3 cups low sodium chicken broth
1 parmesan cheese rind (optional, but recommended)
Kosher salt & fresh ground black pepper (to taste)
6 oz uncooked rotini or penne pasta
1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Step-by-Step Instructions for Slow Cooker Chicken

Follow these steps and you’ll end up with a perfect bowl of chicken and pasta soup:

Hearty chicken parmesan soup with pasta, melted cheese, and basil garnish.

Sauté aromatics: In a skillet, heat olive oil and cook the onion for 3 minutes until translucent. Add garlic and cook another minute (don’t burn it!).
Load the slow cooker: Add sautéed onion and garlic, chicken, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, balsamic vinegar, herbs, red pepper flakes, chicken broth, and the parmesan rind to the slow cooker. Season with salt and pepper. Stir to combine.
Cook it low and slow: Set the slow cooker to high for 3.5 hours or low for 7 hours.
Shred the chicken: Remove the boneless chicken breast, shred it (you want juicy, shredded chicken—not mush), and return it to the pot.
Add pasta: Stir in the uncooked pasta and cook on high for 30 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente.
Finish with cheese: Stir in the shredded parmesan cheese for that creamy finish.
Serve and broil (optional): Ladle soup into oven-safe bowls, top with shredded mozzarella, and broil for 2-3 minutes until golden and bubbly.

Freezer-Friendly Chicken Parmesan Recipe Tips

If you’re planning to freeze this soup:

Skip the pasta. It turns mushy after thawing.
Instead, cook pasta separately and stir it into each reheated portion. Problem solved.

FAQ: Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Soup

Can I use chicken thighs instead of boneless chicken breast?

Absolutely. Chicken thighs offer more flavor and stay super tender after slow cooking.

What’s the benefit of using a parmesan rind?

It melts slowly into the broth, adding a deep, savory flavor that makes this taste like it simmered for hours.

Can I make this creamy chicken soup dairy-free?

Skip the cheese, or use a plant-based alternative. It won’t be exactly the same, but still delicious.

How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge. Pasta will continue to absorb liquid, so add a splash of broth when reheating.

Can I make this without a slow cooker?

Yes. Simmer everything on the stovetop in a Dutch oven for about 45 minutes, then follow the same steps to add pasta and cheese.

Bowl of slow cooker chicken parmesan soup with melted mozzarella and basil.

Conclusion: Your New Favorite Chicken Soup Recipe

This Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Soup is everything you want in a cozy, hearty chicken soup—it’s got tender shredded chicken, cheesy comfort, and that Italian chicken soup flavor that hits all the right notes. Whether you’re craving a creamy chicken soup or looking for a slow cooker chicken dinner that’s hands-off but packed with flavor, this one’s a keeper.

Give it a try, and don’t forget to follow my Pinterest page for more crave-worthy dinners: https://www.pinterest.com/emiliorecipes/