Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup

There’s something deeply comforting about the aroma of Chicken Parmesan—rich tomato sauce, melted cheese, and golden chicken. So when I found a way to turn that classic into a cozy, slow-cooked soup, I couldn’t resist. This Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup is everything I love about the original dish, but with less work and more warmth in every spoonful. Perfect for chilly nights or busy weekdays, it’s hearty, cheesy, and deeply satisfying.

I created this recipe during one of those weeks when I craved comfort food but didn’t have the time (or energy) to bread and fry chicken. Toss everything into the crockpot, walk away, and come back to a bubbling pot of creamy tomato-based soup loaded with tender chicken, rotini pasta, and all the cheesy goodness you’d expect from a Chicken Parmesan. It’s like a hug in a bowl.

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Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup

This soup captures the essence of Chicken Parmesan but in the easiest way possible—slow-cooked and spoon-ready. You don’t need to fuss over a skillet or bake anything. The chicken turns fall-apart tender, the pasta soaks in all the tomatoey flavor, and the cheese? It melts right into the broth like a dream.

It’s family-friendly, freezer-friendly, and made from pantry staples. Whether you need an easy dinner idea, a quick meal prep option, or just want something soul-warming without turning on the oven, this recipe checks all the boxes.

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What Kind of Pasta Works Best in Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup?

For this soup, I love using rotini pasta. The spiral shape grabs onto all that flavorful tomato broth and cheesy goodness, making every bite rich and satisfying. However, if you don’t have rotini on hand, penne, fusilli, or elbow macaroni are great alternatives. Just keep in mind that pasta can overcook in the slow cooker if left too long, so it’s best to stir it in during the last 20–30 minutes of cooking.

You can also cook the pasta separately and add it to individual bowls just before serving. This way, the noodles stay perfectly al dente and the soup stores better if you’re planning on leftovers.

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Options for Substitutions

This recipe is wonderfully flexible, and you can easily tailor it to your taste or dietary needs:

• Chicken: Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts for a richer flavor. Already have rotisserie chicken? Shred and add it in during the last 30 minutes.
• Cheese: Mozzarella and Parmesan are traditional, but provolone or even a sprinkle of sharp cheddar will still taste delicious.
• Pasta: Swap out traditional pasta for gluten-free options or even zucchini noodles if you’re cutting carbs.
• Creaminess: Add a splash of heavy cream or a swirl of cream cheese at the end for an extra velvety texture.
• Tomato base: You can use crushed tomatoes instead of diced for a smoother soup or add fire-roasted tomatoes for a smoky edge.
• Herbs: Dried basil and oregano work well, but a handful of fresh basil before serving adds a bright finish.

Let this soup be your canvas—once you have the base, the possibilities are endless.

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Ingredients for This Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup

Each ingredient in this soup plays a comforting and flavorful role. Here's what you'll need and why it matters:

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts – These cook up tender in the crockpot and shred beautifully into the soup, giving it that classic chicken parmesan feel.
• Diced tomatoes (with juice) – A must-have for the tomato-rich base; they add both acidity and a bit of sweetness.
• Tomato sauce – Deepens the flavor of the broth and brings a smooth, velvety consistency to the soup.
• Chicken broth – The savory base that ties everything together and keeps the soup light but full of flavor.
• Yellow onion – Adds subtle sweetness and aromatic depth after slow cooking.
• Garlic cloves – Essential for that warm, classic Italian flavor.
• Dried basil and dried oregano – These herbs provide that signature Italian seasoning, mimicking traditional Chicken Parmesan.
• Salt and black pepper – Enhances every ingredient and balances the richness of the cheese.
• Rotini pasta – Holds onto the broth and gives the soup its hearty, satisfying texture.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese – Melts into the soup, creating gooey pockets of cheese just like in traditional Chicken Parm.
• Grated Parmesan cheese – Adds sharp, nutty richness and gives the soup its iconic cheesy profile.
• Fresh parsley (optional) – For a pop of color and a fresh finish right before serving.

Each ingredient adds comfort, texture, and flavor—just what you need in a bowl of cozy soup.

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Step 1: Prepare Your Crockpot Base

Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, chicken broth, onion, garlic, dried basil, oregano, salt, and pepper to your crockpot. Stir everything together until well combined. Then, nestle the chicken breasts into the mixture.

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Step 2: Slow Cook the Chicken

Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreddable. Your kitchen will smell incredible by now.

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Step 3: Shred the Chicken

Carefully remove the chicken breasts, shred them using two forks, and return the meat to the crockpot. Stir to combine all that tender chicken with the tomato-rich broth.

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Step 4: Add the Pasta

Pour the rotini pasta directly into the soup and cook on high for another 20–30 minutes, or until the pasta is just tender. Stir occasionally so the pasta doesn’t stick to the bottom.

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Step 5: Stir in the Cheese

Once the pasta is cooked, add shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until melted and creamy throughout the soup. This is where it turns into something magical.

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Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Ladle the soup into bowls and top with extra cheese, a pinch of black pepper, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Serve warm with crusty bread or garlic toast.

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How Long to Cook Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup

This soup is designed to be low-effort with big flavor payoff. Here’s a quick breakdown of the cook time:

• Low setting: 6 to 7 hours
• High setting: 3 to 4 hours
• Add pasta: In the last 20–30 minutes of cooking
• Total time: Around 6.5 to 7.5 hours on low, or 3.5 to 4.5 hours on high

Pasta cooks fast, so be sure to add it toward the end to avoid overcooking. If you plan to use pre-cooked or leftover pasta, stir it in right before serving.

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Tips for Perfect Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup

• Season as you go: Taste before serving and adjust salt or herbs if needed. Slow cooking mellows flavor, so don’t be afraid to brighten things up at the end.
• Shred finely: Shred the chicken into small pieces so it blends nicely with the pasta and doesn't overwhelm each spoonful.
• Cheese last: Stir in the cheese just before serving for a silky, melt-in-your-mouth finish.
• Avoid mushy pasta: Only add pasta in the final 20–30 minutes or cook it separately if you’re planning leftovers.
• Add creaminess: For an even richer soup, add a splash of heavy cream or a spoonful of cream cheese at the end.
• Garnish like a pro: Top each bowl with extra Parmesan, cracked black pepper, and fresh herbs for that restaurant-style finish.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Even though this Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup is simple, a few common missteps can affect the final result:

• Adding pasta too early – Pasta cooks fast in a crockpot. If added too soon, it can turn mushy and soak up too much broth.
• Overcooking the chicken – While the crockpot is forgiving, chicken can become dry if left too long, especially on high. Stick to the recommended times.
• Not seasoning enough – Slow cooking can dull flavors. Always taste and adjust before serving.
• Skipping the cheese step – The cheese is what transforms this into a true Chicken Parmesan experience. Don’t skimp!
• Stirring too little after adding pasta – Pasta can clump or stick to the bottom if not stirred once or twice.
• Using watery tomatoes – If your diced tomatoes are extra watery, consider draining a bit or adding a spoon of tomato paste to thicken the base.

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What to Serve With Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup?

Crusty Garlic Bread

A must! Perfect for soaking up the cheesy tomato broth.

Caesar Salad

That crisp romaine and creamy dressing balances the richness of the soup beautifully.

Roasted Vegetables

Simple roasted zucchini, bell peppers, or carrots work as a light, healthy side.

Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Take things up a notch with a gooey grilled cheese on the side.

Italian Chopped Salad

Packed with olives, salami, pepperoncini, and chickpeas—it complements the soup’s Italian vibes.

Bruschetta

A fresh tomato topping over toasted baguette adds brightness to the meal.

Mozzarella Sticks

If you're leaning fully into comfort food, serve with a side of these crispy cheese sticks.

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

A heavier side, but totally worth it on cozy nights when you want a hearty meal.

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Storage Instructions

Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup stores wonderfully, making it a great meal prep option. Here’s how to handle leftovers:

• Refrigerator: Let the soup cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days. Keep in mind, the pasta will continue to absorb the broth and may soften over time.
• Freezer: For longer storage, freeze without the pasta (it doesn’t freeze well and tends to get mushy when reheated). Freeze the soup base in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat, then add freshly cooked pasta and cheese before serving.
• Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop over medium heat or microwave in 1–2 minute intervals, stirring often. Add a splash of broth if it has thickened too much.

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Estimated Nutrition (per serving)

These values are estimates and can vary depending on ingredients used and portion size.

• Calories: 410
• Protein: 34g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 5g
• Cholesterol: 95mg
• Sodium: 860mg

This soup is a satisfying balance of protein, carbs, and fat—making it ideal for a hearty dinner, post-workout meal, or cozy weeknight comfort food.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of chicken should I use?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best for this recipe—they’re lean, easy to shred, and cook evenly in the crockpot. Chicken thighs are also a flavorful option if you prefer a richer taste.

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Can I use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken?

Yes! If you're using cooked chicken, add it during the last 30 minutes of cooking just to heat through. This avoids overcooking and keeps the chicken tender.

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Can I cook the pasta separately?

Absolutely. Cooking pasta separately is a great option, especially if you’re planning to freeze the soup or want to avoid overly soft noodles in leftovers.

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How do I make the soup creamier?

Stir in a splash of heavy cream, half-and-half, or a couple tablespoons of cream cheese after the pasta is cooked. It adds a velvety texture and enhances the richness.

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Can I make this soup vegetarian?

You can! Swap the chicken for white beans or chickpeas, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and add some chopped spinach or mushrooms for more depth.

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Is this soup spicy?

Not at all. The flavor is rich and cheesy with a mild tomato base. If you want some heat, try adding crushed red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne.

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Can I double the recipe?

Yes, as long as your crockpot can handle the volume. This soup scales well, and leftovers are even better the next day.

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What’s the best cheese to use?

Mozzarella and Parmesan are classic for that Chicken Parm flavor. You can also add provolone, fontina, or even a touch of sharp cheddar for a twist.

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Conclusion

Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup takes everything you love about the Italian classic and transforms it into a one-pot, comforting meal—without the need for breading, frying, or baking. It’s hearty, cheesy, and packed with flavor, making it perfect for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or simply warming up on a chilly day. Whether you serve it with crusty bread or a crisp salad, this dish is bound to become a staple in your kitchen. Easy to customize and made with everyday ingredients, this is comfort food made effortless.

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