Description

This hearty Parmesan Soup combines tender chicken, savory tomatoes, and melted cheeses for a comforting and cheesy bowl of warmth. Perfect for chilly days, it features slow-cooked chicken and rich flavors, complemented by tender pasta and a creamy finish.

Ingredients

Scale

Proteins

1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs

Vegetables and Aromatics

1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids

1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
4 cups chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half (optional)

Herbs and Spices

1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste

Carbohydrates

1 cup uncooked small pasta (ditalini or elbow macaroni)

Cheeses

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Garnish

Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish

Instructions

Combine Ingredients: Place the chicken, diced onion, minced garlic, crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, dried basil, dried oregano, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper into a slow cooker.
Cook the Soup: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
Shred the Chicken: Remove the cooked chicken from the slow cooker, shred it finely using two forks, and then return the shredded chicken to the soup.
Add Pasta: Stir in the uncooked pasta and cook the soup on high for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente.
Melt Cheeses and Add Cream: Add the grated Parmesan cheese and shredded mozzarella to the soup, stirring until the cheeses are completely melted. If desired, stir in the heavy cream or half-and-half to add richness.
Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh basil or parsley, and additional cheese or croutons if desired. Serve hot for best enjoyment.

Notes

Using boneless skinless chicken thighs will result in a moister texture compared to chicken breasts.
Crushed red pepper flakes are optional and can be omitted or adjusted to control spiciness.
For a lighter version, omit the heavy cream or use half-and-half.
You can substitute small pasta shapes with any bite-sized pasta for ease of eating.
This soup can be prepared in advance and reheated; pasta may absorb more broth, so additional chicken broth can be added when reheating.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
Category: Soup
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: Italian-American

Keywords: Parmesan soup, cheesy chicken soup, slow cooker soup, comforting soup, tomato chicken soup, creamy soup