The warmth of creamy Parmesan and tender shredded chicken come together in this comforting and hearty slow-cooker soup. Infused with Italian herbs, garlic, and a touch of richness from milk and cream, it’s the perfect cold-weather dish for cozy evenings.
This recipe is a time-saver that doesn’t skimp on flavor. With just 10 minutes of prep, your crock pot takes over and does the heavy lifting. You’ll come home to a bowl of goodness that feels like a warm hug — perfect for busy weeknights, lazy weekends, or whenever you’re craving classic comfort.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
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1 tablespoon minced garlic
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½ onion, finely chopped
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1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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½ teaspoon salt
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¼ teaspoon pepper
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3 cups chicken broth
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2 cups milk
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¼ cup heavy cream
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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8 oz penne pasta (or your preferred pasta)
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2 tablespoons cornstarch + 2 tablespoons cold water
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Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
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Additional grated Parmesan for topping (optional)
Directions:
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Place chicken breasts, garlic, onion, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and chicken broth into a slow cooker.
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Cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until chicken is fully cooked and tender.
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Remove the chicken, shred it with two forks, then return to the crock pot.
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Add the pasta, milk, and heavy cream. Stir to combine.
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Cook on high for an additional 30-40 minutes, or until pasta is cooked al dente.
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Mix cornstarch and water together in a small bowl, then stir into the soup to thicken it.
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Stir in Parmesan cheese and let melt through the soup.
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Serve hot, garnished with parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 7 hours | Total Time: 7 hours 10 minutes
Kcal: 430 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
A Cozy Classic with a Twist: Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup
When it comes to comfort food, few dishes offer the same satisfying, cozy richness as Chicken Parmesan. With its familiar flavors of seasoned chicken, melty cheese, and savory tomato or cream-based sauces, it’s long been a family favorite. But what if you could capture the magic of Chicken Parmesan in a warm, spoonable form that simmers to perfection while you go about your day? That’s exactly what this Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup delivers.
This soup brings together the soul-soothing properties of a slow-cooked meal with all the bold, indulgent notes of the traditional Italian-American classic. Rich Parmesan cheese melts into a creamy broth, tender shredded chicken soaks up layers of flavor, and al dente pasta adds the hearty satisfaction we crave — especially on busy weeknights or cold afternoons.
Unlike the traditional oven-baked dish, this recipe gives you the ease of a crockpot meal with minimal prep and no breading or frying required. It’s simple, elegant, and adaptable for families, entertaining, or meal prep.
Why This Soup Stands Out
At a glance, this might seem like just another creamy soup, but there’s something truly special about combining slow-cooked chicken with Italian herbs, garlic, milk, and Parmesan. The result is a rich, flavorful broth that tastes like it simmered on the stovetop for hours — because it did, only without constant supervision.
It’s a crowd-pleaser that works for any level of cooking experience. Whether you’re a home chef who enjoys spending hours in the kitchen or someone who prefers “set it and forget it” meals, this recipe is user-friendly, budget-conscious, and yields generous portions. Plus, there’s the bonus of fewer dishes to wash.
What elevates this soup is the balance of comfort and sophistication. It’s creamy but not overly heavy, cheesy but not greasy, savory but still versatile enough to tweak based on what you have in your pantry.
Flavor Profile: Creamy, Savory, and a Touch of Italian Flair
The backbone of the dish is slow-cooked chicken breast — lean, tender, and ready to absorb flavor. Simmered with onion, garlic, Italian herbs, and broth, the chicken becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender after hours in the crockpot. Once shredded, it distributes evenly through the broth, so each bite gets a bit of meat, pasta, and creamy soup.
The broth is both light and rich. Milk and a splash of cream offer smoothness without making the soup overly thick or heavy. Parmesan adds its unmistakable umami kick — salty, nutty, and luxurious. It gives the soup the signature “Chicken Parmesan” taste while keeping the texture silky.
A final cornstarch slurry helps thicken the soup to the ideal consistency, ensuring it’s satisfying enough to serve as a full meal. When finished, it’s sprinkled with fresh parsley and even more Parmesan for a bright and cheesy finish.
Customizing the Recipe to Fit Your Needs
One of the best things about this soup is how easy it is to adjust for dietary preferences, ingredient availability, or just your personal taste.
Pasta swaps: You can use penne, rotini, small shells, or even gluten-free pasta if needed. Avoid overcooking the pasta in the slow cooker — adding it during the last 30–40 minutes is key to preventing mushiness.
Add vegetables: This soup plays well with extra add-ins like baby spinach, chopped kale, mushrooms, or diced zucchini. Toss them in during the last 30–45 minutes of cooking so they maintain some texture.
Make it dairy-free: For those with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies, swap out the milk and cream for unsweetened almond milk or oat milk. Nutritional yeast or dairy-free Parmesan alternatives can mimic the umami richness without using cheese.
Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to give it a gentle kick. Cracked black pepper and smoked paprika also layer well with the existing flavor profile.
Make it vegetarian: Replace chicken with chickpeas or white beans and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add more veggies for extra bulk.
Serving Suggestions for Maximum Enjoyment
Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup is hearty enough to stand on its own, but it shines even brighter with a few thoughtful sides or toppings. Here are some ideas to complete your meal:
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Serve with crusty bread or garlic toast for dipping into the creamy broth.
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Top with shredded mozzarella or provolone for extra cheesiness — you can even broil the soup in oven-safe bowls for a “melted top” experience.
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Pair with a fresh green salad tossed in balsamic or Italian vinaigrette to add brightness and balance to the richness of the soup.
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Add a drizzle of olive oil or a few chili oil drops for a bit of heat and depth right before serving.
This dish is also perfect for potlucks, weeknight dinners, or game-day gatherings. It’s warm, easy to eat, and comforting without being overly filling.
Storage and Reheating Tips
This soup stores beautifully and may even taste better the next day once the flavors have had time to meld. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until hot throughout. Add a splash of milk or broth if the soup has thickened too much in the fridge.
For longer storage, freeze the soup in individual portions — just be sure to cook the pasta separately and add it fresh when reheating, as frozen pasta can become overly soft when thawed.
Nutritional Highlights
This soup is not just comforting, it’s also balanced and nourishing. With lean protein from the chicken, calcium and healthy fats from the Parmesan and milk, and energy-sustaining carbs from the pasta, it makes for a well-rounded meal.
Here’s what you can expect per serving:
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Around 430 calories, making it hearty without being excessive.
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A solid source of protein, ideal for post-workout meals or growing kids.
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Rich in calcium and B vitamins from the dairy components.
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Easily adaptable to low-carb or gluten-free diets with minor swaps.
It also keeps you full and satisfied for hours, which is ideal for busy weekdays or meal prepping.
Conclusion: Comfort Food Redefined
Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup is more than just a recipe — it’s a reminder that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s a dish that invites you to slow down, savor the process, and enjoy a warm bowl of goodness with the people you love.
What makes this soup particularly appealing is how effortlessly it blends old-world Italian flavors with modern-day convenience. It respects tradition while embracing practicality, making it perfect for today’s fast-paced lifestyles. Whether you’re cooking for your family, prepping meals for the week, or serving guests on a cozy evening, this soup offers something for everyone.
From its rich aroma to its creamy spoonfuls, every bite delivers on flavor, warmth, and satisfaction. It’s destined to become a staple in your kitchen — one of those go-to meals you’ll come back to again and again. Simple, soulful, and irresistibly delicious.