Transform the classic Italian comfort dish into a warm, fuss-free soup with this Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Soup. This recipe takes all the beloved flavors—tender chicken, rich tomato sauce, herbs, and melted cheese—and lets them simmer low and slow. The result is a deeply flavorful broth that requires minimal effort. Just toss the ingredients in the crockpot in the morning, and come home to a house smelling of garlic and basil.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Set It and Forget It
Unlike traditional Chicken Parmesan which involves breading, frying, and baking, this soup does all the work for you. The slow cooker tenderizes the chicken while melding the flavors of the tomatoes and herbs. It’s the perfect hands-off meal for busy days.
Cozy & Cheesy
The soup is finished with a generous topping of mozzarella and parmesan cheese, plus croutons to mimic the breaded crust. It’s hearty, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying, offering all the “parmesan” experience in a spoonable format.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs chicken breasts
- 1 jar (24oz) marinara sauce
- 1 can (14oz) crushed tomatoes
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 cup pasta (ditalini or penne)
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup croutons
Instructions
- Place chicken, onion, garlic, sauces, broth, and spices in slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on Low for 6-7 hours or High for 3-4 hours.
- Shred chicken. Add pasta and cook on High for 20 mins (or cook pasta separately).
- Serve topped with mozzarella and croutons.
Ingredient Highlights & Substitutions
Essential Ingredients
Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless breasts cook until shreddable.
Crushed Tomatoes & Marinara: A mix gives the best texture and flavor depth.
Chicken Broth: The savory base.
Onion & Garlic: Aromatics for flavor.
Italian Seasoning: Basil, oregano, and thyme.
Pasta: Short pasta like ditalini or penne (added at the end).
Cheese: Mozzarella and Parmesan for topping.
Smart Substitutions
You can use chicken thighs for richer meat. If you want a creamy tomato soup, stir in a splash of heavy cream at the end. For a low-carb version, skip the pasta and add zucchini noodles or spinach instead.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prep Phase
Dice the onion and mince the garlic.
Cooking Phase
Place the raw chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker.
Add the diced onion, minced garlic, crushed tomatoes, marinara sauce, chicken broth, and Italian seasoning. Stir gently to combine.
Cover and cook on Low for 6-7 hours or High for 3-4 hours.
Remove the chicken and shred it with two forks. Return the chicken to the pot.
Pasta Step: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the uncooked pasta. Turn the slow cooker to High and cook until the pasta is tender (check after 20 minutes). Alternatively, cook pasta separately on the stove and add it to bowls to prevent mushiness if you expect leftovers.
Serve hot, topped with shredded mozzarella, parmesan cheese, and garlic croutons.
Pro Tips for Perfect Results
Technique Secrets
If you plan to have leftovers, cook the pasta separately. Pasta left in the slow cooker will continue to absorb liquid and turn into a mushy casserole by the next day. Adding it fresh to each bowl preserves the soup texture. Also, using a good quality marinara sauce adds more flavor than plain tomato sauce alone.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Cooking the chicken too long on High can dry it out. Low and slow is always best for chicken breast.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 380 kcal |
| Protein | 30g |
| Carbohydrates | 35g |
| Fat | 12g |
Serving Ideas & Pairings
Presentation & Plating
The cheese garnish is essential! Let it melt into strings. Fresh basil adds a nice pop of color.
Pairing Suggestions
Serve with garlic bread or a simple green salad. If you love slow cooker soups, try our Chicken Wild Rice Soup (Slow Cooker) for a creamy, non-tomato option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1? Can I put frozen chicken in the crockpot?
It is generally not recommended for food safety reasons. Thaw it first.
Q2? Can I add cream?
Yes, adding 1/2 cup of heavy cream at the end makes it a “Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup.”
Q3? Is it spicy?
No, but red pepper flakes are a great addition for heat.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Soup is the easy button for Italian night. It delivers all the flavor you crave with none of the work.
