There’s something about creamy Italian soup bubbling away in the slow cooker that makes the whole kitchen feel like a hug. Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup brings together tender chicken, tomatoes, garlic, and that unmistakable Parmesan richnessno standing at the stove required.
I started making this back in 2019 when I needed dinners that didn’t ask much of me after long days sourcing ingredients at farmers’ markets. The smell when you walk in the door is pure comfortgarlicky, a little tangy, deeply savory. The key is stirring in the cream and cheese at the end so they stay silky instead of splitting. When I don’t feel like cooking, this saves the whole evening.
Yesica Andrews
Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup Easy Cozy Dinner
This Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup combines the comforting classic flavors of Chicken Parmesan into a smooth and hearty slow cooker soup. It’s perfect as an easy dinner or weeknight meal, delivering cheesy, rich comfort food that the whole family will love.
2 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp cold water optional for thickening
Fresh parsley chopped for garnish
Salt and pepper to taste
Method
Put the raw chicken pieces into the base of your crock pot.
Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes if using, and crushed tomatoes on top.
Pour the chicken broth evenly over all the ingredients.
Cover the crock pot and let it cook on low heat for about 6 to 7 hours, or on high heat for 3 to 4 hours.
Take the chicken out and shred it finely using two forks, then return the shredded chicken back into the crock pot.
Stir in the heavy cream thoroughly.
If you’d like the soup thicker, mix cornstarch with cold water, add this slurry gradually, and stir well.
Slowly incorporate the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until it has melted into the soup.
Allow the soup to cook uncovered on low for another 20 to 30 minutes to thicken and blend the flavors.
Season with salt and pepper according to your taste and garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
You can use either chicken breasts or thighs based on your preference. For extra thickness, don’t skip the cornstarch slurry. This soup also keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days and tastes great reheated.
Why You’ll Love This Soup
This is one of those reliable weeknight wins that gets you back into a rhythm when you’re too tired to think. Everything goes into the crock pot in the morning, and dinner takes care of itself.
Minimal prep: Just chop an onion and mince some garlic, then walk away.
Rich, familiar flavors: All the comforting tastes of chicken Parmesantomatoes, garlic, Italian herbs, and plenty of Parmesanin a creamy, spoonable form.
Tender, shredded chicken: The slow cooker does all the work, turning chicken breasts into pull-apart pieces.
Feeds a crowd or meal preps beautifully: Six servings mean leftovers for lunch or an easy dinner later in the week.
Key Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient here is something you can grab at any grocery store. No specialty shopping required.
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs): Thighs add a little extra richness, but breasts work perfectly and shred beautifully.
Low-sodium chicken broth: Keeps the base flavorful without getting too salty once the Parmesan goes in.
Crushed tomatoes: The backbone of that tangy, tomatoey depth.
Heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan cheese: These two make the soup velvety and rich. Freshly grated melts smoother than pre-shredded.
Italian seasoning, garlic, and red pepper flakes: Warm, aromatic, with just a little heat if you want it.
Pro Tip: Grate your own Parmesan from a block. The pre-shredded stuff has anti-caking agents that can make the soup grainy.
How to Make It (Step-by-Step)
The beauty of Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup is how hands-off it is. Here’s the simple flow:
Step
What to Do
1
Place raw chicken in the crock pot. Add onion, garlic, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and crushed tomatoes.
2
Pour chicken broth over everything. Cover and cook on low 6–7 hours or high 3–4 hours.
3
Remove chicken, shred with two forks, and return to the pot.
4
Stir in heavy cream. If you want it thicker, add cornstarch slurry now.
5
Gradually stir in freshly grated Parmesan until melted and smooth.
6
Cook uncovered on low for 20–30 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, garnish with parsley.
Note: Add the cream and cheese at the end to keep the texture silky. If you add them too early, they can separate or get grainy.
Swaps and Tweaks
You can adjust this soup based on what’s in your fridge or what you’re in the mood for.
Ingredient
Swap Option
Chicken breasts
Use boneless, skinless thighs for extra flavor and moisture
Heavy cream
Try half-and-half for a lighter version (won’t be as rich)
Parmesan cheese
Use a mix of Parmesan and mozzarella for extra melt and stretch
Crushed tomatoes
Swap in diced tomatoes if that’s what you havejust expect a chunkier texture
Pro Tip: If you like a little more texture, toss in a handful of spinach or kale during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
How to Serve and Store
Ladle this into bowls and serve with crusty bread, garlic toast, or a simple green salad. It’s hearty enough to stand on its own, but a little crunch on the side is always nice.
Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The flavors get even better the next day.
Freeze: This soup freezes well for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the stove.
Reheat: Warm on low heat, stirring often. Add a splash of broth or cream if it thickens too much.
Note: The soup may thicken as it sits. Just thin it out with a little extra broth when you reheat.
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FAQs (Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup)
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, you can add frozen chicken breasts directly to your slow cooker. They’ll need about 1-2 extra hours of cooking time. The chicken will cook through safely and shred beautifully once tender.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
Half-and-half works well for a lighter version, though the soup will be less rich. You can also use cream cheese (8 oz) mixed with milk for similar creaminess. Avoid regular milk as it may curdle during slow cooking.
How long does this soup keep in the refrigerator?
This dish stays fresh in the fridge for 3-4 days when stored in airtight containers. The flavors actually improve overnight. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of broth if it thickens too much.
Should I add the Parmesan cheese at the beginning?
No, always add Parmesan cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Adding it too early can cause the cheese to become grainy or separate. Fresh grated Parmesan works better than pre-shredded for smooth melting.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prep ingredients the night before and refrigerate them in your slow cooker insert. Start cooking in the morning for dinner. The finished soup also reheats beautifully for meal prep purposes.
You’ve Got a Keeper Here
There’s nothing like lifting the lid after a long day and finding dinner readycreamy, garlicky, rich with Parmesan. Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup gives you all that without the fuss. The chicken shreds beautifully, the tomatoes bring just enough tang, and the cream pulls it all together into something truly comforting. You’ll love how it turns out every single time.
If you want to stretch this a little further, toss in some cooked pasta or serve it over riceit becomes a full casserole-style meal. You can also freeze half for one of those nights when you just can’t think. I learned from a neighbor to stir in a little extra Parmesan right before serving if you want that salty, nutty punch. And honestly? Day two tastes even better. Just thin it with a splash of broth when you reheat.
I’d love to see how yours turns outtag me if you make it, or drop a note if you added your own spin. Did you grow up eating something like this on busy weeknights? There’s something about soups like these that hold entire seasons of memory. Save this one for your family, share it with a friend who needs an easy win, or keep it bookmarked for your next cozy night in. Here’s to dinners that help you get back into a rhythm.
With a passion for wholesome cooking inspired by family traditions, I create healthy, simple recipes focused on sourdough, shrimp, chicken, and balanced meals for everyday wellness.
Every recipe here is tested in my kitchen using U.S. measurements and easy-to-find ingredients, so you can cook confidently.
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