1. Prepare the Chicken:

    • Place the chicken breasts or thighs into the bottom of the slow cooker.

  2. Add Vegetables and Seasonings:

    • Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper.

  3. Pour in Liquids:

    • Add the chicken broth and marinara sauce, stirring gently to combine.

  4. Set the Cooker:

    • Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours.

Step 2: Shred the Chicken

  1. Check the Chicken:

    • After the cooking time, the chicken should be tender and easily shredded.

  2. Shred the Chicken:

    • Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.

Step 3: Add Pasta and Cream

  1. Cook the Pasta:

    • Stir the uncooked pasta directly into the slow cooker.
    • Cover and cook on high for an additional 15–20 minutes, or until the pasta is tender.

  2. Incorporate the Cream:

    • Stir in the heavy cream, allowing the soup to take on a creamy texture.

Step 4: Add Parmesan and Thicken (Optional)

  1. Stir in the Parmesan Cheese:

    • Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese to the soup, stirring until it melts completely and blends into the broth.

  2. Thicken the Soup:

    • For a thicker consistency, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to form a slurry. Stir this into the soup and cook for 5–10 minutes until thickened.

Step 5: Taste and Adjust

  1. Taste Test:

    • Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if desired.

  2. Remove Excess Fat (Optional):

    • If the soup has excess fat, skim it off the surface using a ladle.

Serving Suggestions

  1. Ladle and Garnish:

    • Serve the soup hot in individual bowls. Garnish with shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley.

  2. Pair with Bread:

    • Accompany the soup with crusty bread, garlic bread, or breadsticks to soak up the creamy, flavorful broth.

  3. Side Salad:

    • Pair with a simple green salad dressed with olive oil and balsamic vinegar for a complete meal.

Tips for Success

  1. Don’t Overcook the Pasta:
    • Add the pasta toward the end of the cooking process to prevent it from becoming mushy.
  2. Use Freshly Grated Parmesan:
    • Fresh Parmesan melts better and provides a richer flavor than pre-packaged grated cheese.
  3. Customize the Protein:
    • Swap chicken with turkey or even Italian sausage for a flavorful variation.
  4. Make It Gluten-Free:
    • Use gluten-free pasta or skip the pasta entirely and add cooked rice or quinoa instead.

Storage and Reheating

  • Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Freezing: For best results, freeze the soup without the pasta, as pasta can become mushy when reheated. Add freshly cooked pasta when serving.
  • Reheating: Reheat gently on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or cream if the soup has thickened too much.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  1. Rich and Hearty: This soup is packed with Italian-inspired flavors and creamy comfort.
  2. Effortless: The slow cooker takes care of most of the work, making it perfect for busy days.
  3. Customizable: Easily adjust ingredients to suit your preferences or dietary needs.
  4. Family-Friendly: The familiar flavors of chicken Parmesan in soup form make this a hit with kids and adults alike.

Final Thoughts

Crock Pot creamy chicken Parmesan soup is a cozy, flavorful dish that’s perfect for any time of year. With its creamy base, tender chicken, and hearty pasta, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your home. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just want a comforting bowl of goodness, this recipe delivers every time. Give it a try, and enjoy the warm embrace of Italian-inspired comfort food!