Description
This Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup is a comforting, hearty dish perfect for cozy meals. Tender chicken breasts simmer slowly with onions, garlic, tomatoes, and Italian seasoning in a flavorful chicken broth, then enriched with creamy Parmesan and heavy cream. Fresh tortellini and spinach add texture and nutrition, making this soup a complete and satisfying meal served garnished with fresh basil.
Ingredients
Scale
Soup Base
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Creamy Ingredients
- 1 cup heavy cream (For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half.)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Add-ins
- 1 cup tortellini (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup fresh spinach
Garnish
- Fresh basil
Instructions
- Prepare the Crock Pot: Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the Crock Pot to create the soup’s protein base.
- Add Aromatics: Layer the diced onions and minced garlic on top of the chicken, allowing flavors to build during cooking.
- Add Liquids and Tomatoes: Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes, then stir gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Season the Soup: Sprinkle the Italian seasoning across the mixture, then add salt and pepper to taste for balanced flavor.
- Cook Low and Slow: Cover the Crock Pot and set it to low heat. Cook for 6 hours until the chicken is fully cooked and tender, infusing the broth with flavor.
- Shred the Chicken: Remove the chicken breasts and shred them thoroughly with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the soup to evenly distribute protein.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, mixing well to create a rich and creamy texture.
- Incorporate Tortellini and Spinach: Add the tortellini and fresh spinach to the soup. Cook on high for an additional 30 minutes, allowing tortellini to soften and spinach to wilt perfectly.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh basil leaves to add brightness and aroma. Serve hot for the best comforting experience.
Notes
- For a lighter soup, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half.
- Fresh or frozen tortellini both work well; adjust the cooking time if using fresh to avoid overcooking.
- Adjust salt and pepper according to your taste preference after adding the Parmesan cheese, as it can add saltiness.
- This soup can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days; reheat gently on the stove before serving.
- Consider gluten-free tortellini if you want a gluten-free version of this recipe.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: creamy chicken parmesan soup, crock pot soup, slow cooker recipes, chicken soup, Italian soup, comfort food
