Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Soup is a warm, cozy twist on the classic Italian favorite, made easy with the magic of a slow cooker. It’s packed with tender shredded chicken, hearty pasta, and rich tomato flavor, all finished with melty Parmesan cheese. I love how it captures all the comfort of Chicken Parmesan in spoonable form—perfect for chilly nights or busy days.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it’s incredibly easy to throw together and full of comforting, familiar flavors. The slow cooker does all the work, and by dinnertime, I have a rich, hearty soup ready to serve. It’s a fun and unique way to enjoy a beloved classic, and it always gets rave reviews at my table.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
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Crushed tomatoes
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Chicken broth
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Tomato paste
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Onion, chopped
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Garlic, minced
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Italian seasoning
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Dried basil (optional)
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Salt
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Black pepper
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Pasta (small shapes like ditalini, rotini, or elbow)
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Shredded Parmesan cheese
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Shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
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Fresh basil or parsley (optional, for garnish)
Directions
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I add the chicken, crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, tomato paste, onion, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker.
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I cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
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I remove the chicken, shred it with two forks, and return it to the soup.
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About 30 minutes before serving, I stir in the uncooked pasta and let it cook until tender.
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Once the pasta is done, I stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined.
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I ladle the soup into bowls and top each serving with a sprinkle of mozzarella and a bit of chopped basil or parsley, if I want to dress it up.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 6 servings.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 6–7 hours on low or 3–4 hours on high
Total time: 6.5–7.5 hours
Variations
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I sometimes use crushed fire-roasted tomatoes for a smoky flavor.
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To make it creamy, I stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half before serving.
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I add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
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If I’m out of pasta, I use cooked rice or even tortellini for a different texture.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
To reheat, I warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if it thickens too much. The pasta may continue to absorb liquid, but it’s still delicious. This soup also freezes well if I leave the pasta out and add it fresh when reheating.
FAQs
Can I use precooked chicken?
Yes, I’ve made this with shredded rotisserie chicken—just reduce the cook time and add the chicken in the last hour.
What kind of pasta works best?
I like using small shapes like ditalini, elbows, or shells because they hold up well in soup and don’t overwhelm the texture.
Can I make this on the stovetop?
Yes, I simmer the ingredients in a large pot, cook the chicken until tender, shred it, and add pasta just like in the slow cooker version.
Is this soup freezer-friendly?
Absolutely. I freeze it without the pasta, then thaw and reheat with freshly cooked pasta stirred in.
How can I make it gluten-free?
I use gluten-free pasta or serve it without pasta entirely—it’s still hearty and flavorful.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Soup is everything I love about a warm, comforting meal—easy to make, full of bold flavor, and perfect for busy days. It turns a classic into a spoonful of cozy, cheesy goodness, and it’s a hit every time I serve it. This is one recipe I always come back to when I need something hearty and hassle-free.
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