Description
A rich and comforting slow cooker soup inspired by chicken Parmesan, featuring tender shredded chicken, tomato broth, creamy cheeses, and pasta for a cozy, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup small pasta (ditalini or small shells)
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion until softened, about 4–5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Transfer the onion and garlic mixture to the crock pot.
- Add chicken breasts, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, chicken broth, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.
- Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is tender.
- Remove the chicken, shred with two forks, and return it to the slow cooker.
- Stir in heavy cream, cream cheese, grated Parmesan, and shredded mozzarella until melted and smooth.
- Meanwhile, cook the pasta separately according to package instructions. Drain.
- Stir the cooked pasta into the soup just before serving.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
Notes
- Cook pasta separately to prevent it from becoming overly soft.
- Freeze the soup without pasta for up to 2 months; add fresh pasta when reheating.
- Add fresh spinach near the end of cooking for extra greens.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
- Use rotisserie chicken to shorten cooking time.
- If the soup thickens too much, add a splash of broth or milk when reheating.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1 1/2 cups)
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 880 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 135 mg
