Chicken Parmesan is a beloved classic for good reason. The crispy chicken, rich tomato sauce, and melted parmesan create an explosion of flavor that’s hard to resist. For years, homemade Chicken Parmesan might have felt like a weekend project, something saved for special occasions. And let’s be honest, when it comes to authentic Chicken Parmesan, The Pioneer Woman’s Chicken Parmigiana recipe is often hailed as a gold standard. But what if you could capture those iconic flavors in a simple, weeknight-friendly soup?
Chicken parmesan soup in a white bowl
Enter the Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Soup. This recipe takes all the delicious elements of traditional Chicken Parmesan – the savory parmesan, the tangy tomato sauce, the fragrant basil, and tender chicken – and transforms them into a comforting and incredibly easy-to-make soup. Imagine coming home after a long day to the aroma of Italian comfort food, without the fuss of breading and frying chicken. This soup delivers all that familiar Chicken Parm satisfaction with minimal effort.
Key Ingredients for Authentic Chicken Parm Soup Flavor
To truly replicate the taste of Chicken Parmesan in a soup, certain ingredients are essential. Don’t be tempted to skip them! The foundation of this soup is built on a flavorful base of chicken broth, crushed tomatoes, and aromatics. Onion and green bell pepper provide a subtle sweetness and depth, while fresh basil and dried oregano are the cornerstones of that classic Italian herb profile. Fresh basil really shines in this recipe, bringing a bright, peppery note, while dried oregano adds a deeper, more robust oregano flavor. A touch of tomato paste is crucial for intensifying the tomato flavor and adding a touch of sweetness to balance the acidity of the tomatoes. And of course, Parmesan cheese is a must-have right from the start, infusing the broth with its salty, umami richness.
Chicken parmesan soup in a white bowl
Adaptable for Gluten-Free and Vegetarian Diets
One of the beauties of this Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Soup is its versatility. Need a gluten-free option? Simply omit the pasta! The soup is wonderfully satisfying even without noodles, allowing the other flavors to truly take center stage. And for vegetarians, a simple swap transforms this soup into a hearty meat-free meal. Substituting the chicken with a can of white beans, such as cannellini or butter beans, adds protein and a creamy texture while maintaining that delicious Italian parmesan flavor. Butter beans are particularly delightful, adding a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth quality to the soup.
Chicken Parmesan Soup in a white bowl
Looking for more ways to enjoy your favorite dishes in soup form? Be sure to check out recipes like Classic Cheeseburger Soup and Lasagna Soup for more comforting and innovative meal ideas.
Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe {Slow Cooker}
This slow cooker soup is incredibly versatile. Enjoy it with or without pasta, and easily make it vegetarian with a simple bean substitution.
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: slow cooker, Soup, Pioneer Woman Chicken Parm
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
Total Time: 3 hours 35 minutes
Servings: 6 cups
Calories: 65
Author: Sally Humeniuk
Ingredients
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- ½ cup onion, chopped
- 1 Tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ cup (plus extra for garnish) Parmesan cheese, shredded
- 14.5 ounces crushed tomatoes
- 1 Tablespoon tomato paste
- 4 cups chicken broth
- ⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ pound chicken breast
- 3 ounces pasta (optional, such as ditalini or small shells)
- White beans (optional, for vegetarian version)
Instructions
- Combine garlic, bell pepper, onion, basil, oregano, ½ cup Parmesan cheese, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, chicken broth, and red pepper flakes (if using) in a slow cooker. Stir well.
- Nestle chicken breast into the slow cooker. Do not add pasta at this stage.
- Cook on high for 3 hours or on low for 6 hours.
- Remove chicken breast and shred into bite-sized pieces. If using pasta, set chicken aside and cover to keep warm.
- If adding pasta, stir pasta into the soup and cook on high for 30 minutes, or until pasta is al dente.
- Return shredded chicken to the soup. Stir to combine and heat through for about 5 minutes.
- Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil.
Recipe Notes
- Pasta is optional. The soup is delicious with or without it. Avoid adding too much pasta as it can overpower the soup.
- Don’t skip adding Parmesan cheese at the beginning of cooking. It’s key to the authentic flavor and adds a subtle thickness to the soup. For extra cheesy flavor, add a Parmesan rind (removed before serving).
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken with a 14.5-ounce can of white beans (cannellini, butter beans, or lima beans). Add beans at the beginning of cooking.
Nutrition Facts
Chicken Parmesan Soup {Slow Cooker}
Amount Per Serving
Calories: 65 | Calories from Fat: 18
**% Daily Value*
Fat: 2g 3% | Saturated Fat: 1g 6%
Cholesterol: 3mg 1%
Sodium: 775mg 34%
Potassium: 413mg 12%
Carbohydrates: 9g 3% | Fiber: 1g 4% | Sugar: 4g 4%
Protein: 4g 8%
Vitamin A: 340IU 7%
Vitamin C: 35.2mg 43%
Calcium: 106mg 11%
Iron: 1.4mg 8%**
- Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
