Crock Pot Chicken Parmesan Soup

Everything you love about Crock Pot Chicken Parmesan Soup is captured in this hearty dish. It’s an easy-to-make recipe that brings together comforting flavors, making it perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings. This soup combines the classic taste of chicken parmesan with the convenience of a slow cooker, ensuring you spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying a delicious meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Preparation: Just throw all the ingredients into your slow cooker and let it do the work.
• Flavorful Comfort: Each bowl is packed with rich flavors from tomatoes, herbs, and tender chicken.
• Versatile Dish: Perfect as a main course or as a starter before a big meal.
• Family-Friendly: A crowd-pleaser, this soup is great for both kids and adults alike.
• Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to adjust spices or add extra veggies based on your preferences.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth, having the right tools is essential. Here’s what you’ll need to prepare this delightful crock pot chicken parmesan soup.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Mixing spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: This is key for achieving tender chicken and deep flavors without constant supervision.
• Cutting board & Knife: Essential for preparing your vegetables quickly and safely.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements ensure balanced flavors in your soup.

Ingredients

Everything you love about Chicken Parm, but in soup form and made easily in the Slow Cooker.

For the Base

• 32 ounce container chicken broth (can use low or no sodium)
• 28 ounce can crushed tomatoes with basil, undrained
• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed (can use thighs or tenderloins)
• 1 cup diced red bell pepper
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 1/8 cup tomato paste

For Seasoning

• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon honey (optional, can use sugar)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1/4-1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

For Serving

• 1/2 cup uncooked orzo pasta
• Croutons
• Shredded or grated Parmesan cheese
• Freshly chopped parsley

How to Make Crock Pot Chicken Parmesan Soup

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Gather all your ingredients to ensure everything is ready for cooking. Dice the vegetables and cube the chicken to make the process seamless.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker

Add all of these ingredients into a 5-6 quart slow cooker:
1. Pour in 32 ounces of chicken broth.
2. Add 28 ounces of undrained crushed tomatoes with basil.
3. Stir in 1 pound of cubed boneless skinless chicken breasts along with 1 cup diced red bell pepper and 1/2 cup diced onion.
4. Include 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon dried basil, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.

Step 3: Cook on Low or High

Stir everything together well. Cover the slow cooker:
– Cook on high for 2-3 hours, or
– On low for 4-5 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked.

Step 4: Add Orzo Pasta Before Serving

About 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve:
– Stir in 1/2 cup uncooked orzo pasta.
– Cover again and cook on high until the orzo reaches al dente texture.

Step 5: Serve Your Soup

Ladle the soup into bowls. Top each serving with croutons, shredded or grated Parmesan cheese, and freshly chopped parsley for added flavor.

Enjoy your comforting bowl of Crock Pot Chicken Parmesan Soup, perfect for any occasion!

How to Serve Crock Pot Chicken Parmesan Soup

Crock Pot Chicken Parmesan Soup is a delightful dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you want to keep it simple or elevate your meal, here are some serving suggestions that will enhance your dining experience.

With Croutons

• Add a generous handful of croutons on top of each bowl for an extra crunch that complements the creamy soup.

Topped with Cheese

• Sprinkle shredded or grated Parmesan cheese over the soup just before serving. The cheese melts slightly, adding richness and flavor.

Fresh Herbs

• Garnish each bowl with freshly chopped parsley. This adds a pop of color and freshness, brightening up the flavors of the soup.

With Garlic Bread

• Serve alongside warm garlic bread for dipping. This combination makes for a comforting and hearty meal.

As a Main Dish

• Enjoy the soup as a complete main dish by itself. Pair it with a light salad to balance out the meal.

In Bread Bowls

• For a fun twist, serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls. This not only looks great but also adds to the flavor as you eat.

How to Perfect Crock Pot Chicken Parmesan Soup

To make your Crock Pot Chicken Parmesan Soup truly exceptional, consider these helpful tips:

• Use Quality Broth: A good-quality chicken broth enhances the overall flavor of the soup significantly.

• Adjust Seasonings: Feel free to tweak seasonings according to your taste preferences; more red pepper flakes can add heat if desired.

• Cook Time Matters: Ensure you cook the chicken until it’s tender and fully cooked through; this will make shredding easier if you prefer shredded chicken.

• Add Veggies: Incorporate other vegetables like zucchini or spinach for added nutrition and texture.

• Experiment with Pasta: While orzo is perfect, try other small pasta shapes if you prefer something different.

Best Side Dishes for Crock Pot Chicken Parmesan Soup

Pairing side dishes with your Crock Pot Chicken Parmesan Soup can elevate your meal even further. Here are some great options:

1. Garlic Bread
   A classic choice, garlic bread pairs wonderfully, allowing you to soak up every bit of soup.

2. Caesar Salad
   The crisp romaine paired with creamy dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the warm soup.

3. Steamed Vegetables
   Simple steamed veggies add color and nutrition, balancing out the richness of the soup.

4. Caprese Salad
   Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil create a light side that complements the Italian flavors in your soup.

5. Antipasto Platter
   An assortment of olives, cheeses, and marinated vegetables brings variety and exciting flavors to your table.

6. Simple Green Salad
   A mixed green salad with vinaigrette offers brightness and crunch, enhancing your dining experience.

7. Pasta Salad
   A cold pasta salad can be a nice contrast to the warm soup while also providing additional carbs for those hungry appetites.

8. Cheesy Biscuits
   Flaky biscuits loaded with cheese are perfect for dipping into the delicious broth of your soup!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Crock Pot Chicken Parmesan Soup, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Overcooking the chicken: Ensure you don’t leave the chicken in the slow cooker for too long, as it can become dry. Monitor cooking times based on your slow cooker settings.
• Skipping the seasoning: Don’t forget to season your soup well. Using just salt and pepper may not be enough; add herbs and spices for a flavor boost.
• Not stirring before serving: Failing to stir the ingredients before serving can lead to uneven flavors. Make sure everything is mixed thoroughly before ladling into bowls.
• Using the wrong pasta: Avoid using large pasta shapes that won’t cook well in the soup. Opt for smaller shapes like orzo, which cooks quickly and integrates nicely into the dish.
• Ignoring dietary preferences: Be mindful of ingredient substitutions based on dietary needs. Always check labels and consider alternatives when necessary.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keeps for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Crock Pot Chicken Parmesan Soup

• Allow the soup to cool completely before freezing.
• Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Crock Pot Chicken Parmesan Soup

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat until warmed through.
• Microwave: Transfer soup to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through for even heating.
• Stovetop: Pour soup into a saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Crock Pot Chicken Parmesan Soup:

What is Crock Pot Chicken Parmesan Soup?

This dish combines all the delicious flavors of traditional chicken parmesan in a comforting soup format, perfect for any day of the week.

Can I use different types of pasta?

Yes! While orzo is recommended, you can substitute with other small pasta shapes like ditalini or small shells that will cook well in soup.

How long does it take to make this soup?

The total cooking time ranges from 2-5 hours depending on whether you choose high or low heat settings in your slow cooker.

Is there a vegetarian option for this soup?

Absolutely! You can substitute chicken with a plant-based protein like chickpeas or tofu and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Final Thoughts

Crock Pot Chicken Parmesan Soup is a delightful twist on a classic favorite, offering warmth and comfort with minimal effort. This versatile recipe allows you to customize ingredients according to your taste preferences and dietary needs. Give it a try and enjoy hearty, delicious servings any night of the week!