Name: Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 240 min
Total time: 250 min
Ingredients: 16 oz boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon pepper; 1/2 cup onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 28 oz can crushed tomatoes; 1 Tablespoon dried basil; 1 Tablespoon dried parsley; 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper, optional; 4 cups chicken broth; 1/2 cup uncooked ditalini pasta; 1/4 cup butter; 1 cup Italian style panko bread crumbs; 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded; 1/2 cup mozzarella; Fresh chopped basil

Introduction to Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup

Why choose Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup?

If you’re searching for a comforting and flavorful meal that fits seamlessly into your busy schedule, Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup is an excellent choice. This hearty dish combines the classic flavors of chicken parmesan but in a warm and inviting soup form, perfect for chilly nights. Imagine coming home to the delicious aroma of tender chicken, rich tomatoes, and aromatic herbs wafting through your living space—all thanks to your trusty slow cooker.

Easy Preparation: One of the joys of using a crockpot is the simplicity it brings to meal prep. You can toss in the chicken, tomatoes, and spices in the morning and let everything meld together as you go about your day.

Healthy and Satisfying: Not only is this soup delicious, but with ingredients like lean chicken and fresh herbs, it's also packed with nutrients. With its ditalini pasta and optional red pepper flakes, it strikes the perfect balance between comfort and health.

And let’s not forget, Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup is perfect for meal prepping! Serve it with crusty bread or a side salad to complete the meal. Why not treat yourself and explore more comforting soup recipes while you're at it? You can find more delicious options here.

Ingredients for Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup

Essential ingredients for a hearty soup

To create a delicious Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup, you'll want to gather these essential ingredients:

16 oz boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
1 teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper
½ cup chopped onion
3 cloves minced garlic
1 28 oz can of crushed tomatoes
1 tablespoon dried basil
1 tablespoon dried parsley
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper (optional for a bit of heat)
4 cups of chicken broth
½ cup uncooked ditalini pasta

These ingredients combine to form a rich and flavorful broth that warms your soul.

Optional toppings for added flavor

Elevate your Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup with tasty toppings! Consider adding:

¼ cup butter for richness
1 cup Italian-style panko bread crumbs for a crunchy texture
½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese for that classic cheesy goodness
½ cup mozzarella that melts beautifully
Fresh chopped basil for a pop of color and freshness

These toppings not only enhance the flavor but also add a delightful crunch and creaminess that will make your soup unforgettable. If you're eager to try more comforting soups, check out this resource for inspiration!

Step-by-step preparation for Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup

Preparing a comforting bowl of Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup is a breeze when you follow these straightforward steps. It's perfect for anyone looking to whip up a delicious meal with minimal effort, so let’s dive in!

Gather and prepare the ingredients

First things first: you need to gather all your ingredients. This is a critical step to ensure smooth sailing once you start cooking. Here's what you'll need:

16 oz boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper
½ cup onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 tablespoon dried basil
1 tablespoon dried parsley
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper (optional)
4 cups of chicken broth
½ cup uncooked ditalini pasta

For toppings, gather:

¼ cup butter
1 cup Italian style panko bread crumbs
½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
½ cup mozzarella
Fresh chopped basil

Make sure to chop the onion and mince the garlic ahead of time, as this will help speed things up when you're layering your ingredients.

Layer the ingredients in the crockpot

Now that you have everything ready, it’s time to layer your ingredients in the crockpot. Start by placing the chicken pieces at the bottom. Season them with salt and pepper. Next, add the chopped onions, minced garlic, and the entire can of crushed tomatoes. Sprinkle in the herbs—dried basil, dried parsley, and crushed red pepper if you're feeling spicy. Finally, pour in the chicken broth to envelop all those delicious flavors.

Cooking the soup to perfection

With everything layered, cover your crockpot and set it to cook. You can choose the LOW setting for 6 hours or the HIGH setting for 3 to 4 hours, depending on your schedule. As it simmers, your kitchen will fill with the delightful aroma of Italian spices mixed with savory chicken and tomatoes. If you’re curious about the benefits of slow cooking, you can learn more about it in this detailed guide on The Spruce Eats.

Adding pasta and finishing touches

About 30 minutes before you're ready to serve, it's time to add the uncooked ditalini pasta into the soup. This will thicken your soup and give it that cozy, hearty texture. Cover and let it cook on HIGH for about 30 minutes, until the pasta is tender.

While that’s happening, melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat and add the panko bread crumbs, stirring frequently until they turn a golden brown. This crunchy topping will elevate your soup!

Serve and enjoy!

Once the pasta is tender and everything is cooked through, it's showtime. Ladle the soup into bowls and top it with the toasted bread crumbs, shredded Parmesan, mozzarella, and a sprinkle of fresh basil for a pop of color.

Now you have a comforting, delicious Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup that's ready to enjoy! Perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in, this soup is sure to warm you up and satisfy your cravings. What will you pair it with? A crispy salad or some garlicky bread? The options are endless!

Variations on Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup

Creamy Version with Added Dairy

For a rich and indulgent twist, try adding some creamy goodness to your Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup. Simply mix in 1 cup of heavy cream or half-and-half about 30 minutes before serving. Not only does this enhance the flavor, but it also makes the soup luxuriously velvety. You can sprinkle some extra Parmesan cheese on top for that classic Italian touch!

Vegetarian Alternative Options

Craving that comforting essence without the chicken? No problem! Substitute with chickpeas or lentils for protein and add more veggies like zucchini and bell peppers. For a heartier base, use vegetable broth and toss in some tortellini for that satisfying bite. Check out this guide for more vegetarian swapping tips. It’s all about enjoying delicious, cozy soup in whatever way suits your needs!

Cooking tips and notes for Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup

Best practices for even cooking

To ensure your Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup cooks evenly, cut chicken into uniform bite-sized pieces before adding it to the slow cooker. This helps all the ingredients cook at the same rate. Layering is also essential; place heavier items like chicken at the bottom and lighter ingredients like herbs and cheese near the top. This technique promotes more consistent heat distribution throughout the cooking process.

Tips for maximizing flavor

To elevate the flavor of your Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup, don't hesitate to sauté the onions and garlic in a little olive oil before adding them to the crockpot. This simple step can intensify their natural sweetness and aroma. Additionally, using homemade chicken broth or a high-quality store-bought option can significantly impact the final taste. Experiment with fresh herbs instead of dried for an extra burst of flavor when topping your soup. For more guidance on aromatic cooking, check out this resource from Food Network.

These tips will help you create a delicious, comforting soup that feels genuinely homemade!

Serving suggestions for Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup

What to pair with your soup?

For a hearty meal, pair your Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup with a side of crusty garlic bread or a fresh garden salad. You could also serve it alongside a creamy risotto to balance the flavors beautifully. If you want to add a twist, try a simple caprese salad featuring fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and fragrant basil. These pairings enhance the delightful Italian flavors and will leave your guests raving!

Creative ways to serve leftovers

Leftovers from your Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup are a blessing! Consider turning them into a delicious pasta bake by layering the soup with cooked pasta and parmesan cheese in a baking dish. Another fun idea is to use it as a sauce for stuffed bell peppers, adding some extra veggies and perhaps some turkey bacon or chicken ham for added protein. Just remember, creative cooking is all about having fun and experimenting!

Time Breakdown for Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup

Preparation Time

Getting started with your Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup is a breeze! You’ll need about 10 minutes to chop the ingredients and gather everything you’ll need.

Cooking Time

Once your prep is done, let your slow cooker do the magic. Set it on the LOW heat setting for approximately 4 hours (or 3 hours on HIGH).

Total Time

In total, you’re looking at about 4 hours and 10 minutes from start to finish. That's a small investment of time for such a delicious and hearty soup! Perfect for busy professionals needing a wholesome meal.

For a deeper dive into easy prep tips and tasty variations on this recipe, you might want to check out resources from reputable cooking sites like Serious Eats or Food Network for more inspiration!

Nutritional Facts for Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup

Calories

A hearty bowl of Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup contains approximately 421 calories. This makes it a satisfying meal option without overwhelming your daily intake.

Protein

Packed with flavor and nutrition, this soup offers about 35 grams of protein per serving, thanks to the tender chicken. This quality protein keeps you feeling full and energized throughout the day.

Sodium

While it's delicious, be mindful of the sodium content in your Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup. Each serving has around 800 mg of sodium. To reduce this, consider using low-sodium chicken broth and adjusting the added salt to suit your taste.

FAQs about Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can absolutely use frozen chicken in your Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup! Just place the frozen chicken directly into your crockpot, and increase the cooking time by an hour or so, depending on your slow cooker model. It’s a great option for those nights when you forgot to defrost your chicken.

What can I substitute for pasta?

If you're looking to make this soup gluten-free or just want a healthier alternative, consider substituting the ditalini pasta with options like quinoa, cauliflower rice, or even spiralized zucchini. Each choice adds a unique texture while keeping the soup hearty and delicious.

How can I make this soup spicier?

To elevate the heat in your Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup, you can add more crushed red pepper or even toss in some diced jalapeños. Additionally, a splash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper can deliver that extra kick you're looking for without overpowering the dish. Spice it up to suit your taste!

Conclusion on Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup

In wrapping up, Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup is a delightful fusion of comfort and convenience. This savory dish not only warms the soul but also simplifies mealtime with its hands-off cooking style. For busy individuals, it’s the perfect way to savor wholesome flavors without the fuss. Enjoy!