📑 Table of Contents ▶
- Chicken Parmesan Soup: The Basics
- Fundamentals
- Preparation/Setup
- Directions
- Elevating Chicken Parmesan Soup
- Technique
- Tips/Tricks
- Perfecting the Chicken Parmesan Soup
- Perfecting Results
- Troubleshooting/Variations
- Presentation and Serving of Chicken Parmesan Soup
- Serving/Presentation
- Pairings/Storage
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Chicken Parmesan Soup
The aroma of simmering soup fills the kitchen, wrapping everyone in warmth and comfort. Chicken Parmesan Soup hold a special place in dinner time, especially during cozy family gatherings. It conjures memories of chilly evenings where bowls of creamy, cheesy goodness bring everyone together, seated around the table sharing laughter and stories.
Using chicken breasts, pasta, and a medley of ingredients, this recipe transforms standard soup into a delightfully rich experience. The blend of heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning creates a sauce that perfectly coats the chicken and pasta. Each bite offers a comforting hug, making it a dish to cherish.
What’s more, this Chicken Parmesan Soup is incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal prep and a slow-cooking process that allows flavors to meld beautifully. The soup provides nourishment and satisfaction, ensuring that it’s not only a meal but a family tradition that continues to grow with time. Let the magic unfold as you embark on this culinary adventure!
Chicken Parmesan Soup: The Basics
Fundamentals
Understanding the basics of Chicken Parmesan Soup starts with recognizing its foundation — which lies in a few key ingredients. Chicken breasts provide a hearty base, while the combination of diced tomatoes, onions, and garlic builds depth of flavor. The addition of chicken broth is crucial, as it infuses the soup with savory notes that enhance every spoonful.
The choice of pasta plays a significant role in the overall texture too. Small shapes like ditalini or shells hold onto the creamy broth beautifully, making each bite enjoyable. When you think of it, Chicken Parmesan Soup is more than just a dish; it’s a delightful blend of flavors and comfort food that warms the heart.
Preparation/Setup
To get started with your Chicken Parmesan Soup, gather all the necessary ingredients. When using a crock pot, there’s no need for elaborate preparations — simply chop, measure, and layer your ingredients. Start by placing your chicken breasts at the bottom of the crock pot.
Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and Italian seasoning on top of the chicken. This method allows the flavors to meld beautifully over time. Cooking on low for six to eight hours or on high for three to four hours ensures the chicken becomes tender enough to shred easily. Say goodbye to fuss — with this setup, you can walk away and let your crock pot do the work.
Ingredients
To prepare Chicken Parmesan Soup, be sure to have the following ingredients ready:
- 1 pound chicken breasts
- 1 cup pasta (like ditalini or small shells)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
These ingredients come together to create a delightful and satisfying bowl of soup.
Directions
Creating Chicken Parmesan Soup is straightforward. Start by placing the chicken breasts, chopped onion, minced garlic, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and Italian seasoning in the crock pot. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is cooked through.
Next, remove the chicken, shred it, and return it to the pot. Stir in the pasta, allowing it to cook for another 20-30 minutes until tender. To finish, add the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve hot, garnished with fresh basil, if desired.
Elevating Chicken Parmesan Soup
Technique
Perfecting Chicken Parmesan Soup centers around technique. This recipe calls for a slow-cooked approach, which provides time for the flavors to develop. As ingredients mingle in the crock pot, they create a depth that quick-cooking methods fail to achieve. Embrace the magic of slow cooking to elevate your soup.
When shredding the chicken, ensure that it’s fully cooked and tender. Use two forks to pull apart the meat, mixing it back into the broth afterward. This technique helps distribute the chicken throughout the soup, ensuring a delightful bite every time.
Tips/Tricks
Consider adding a touch of extra flavor by sautéing the onion and garlic in a separate pan before incorporating them into the pot. This allows the aromatics to caramelize slightly, contributing to a richer taste.
For those who enjoy a bit of heat, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can introduce an exciting kick to the dish without overwhelming it. Adjust the Italian seasoning according to your preference. Taste as you go to create a balanced flavor profile.
Perfecting the Chicken Parmesan Soup
Perfecting Results
To perfect your Chicken Parmesan Soup, monitor the pasta’s doneness closely. Pasta can quickly become mushy in a slow cooker, so keep an eye on the cooking time once you add it to the pot. Aim for al dente, as it will continue to soften slightly as it cools.
Consistency matters too! If you prefer a thicker soup, consider blending a portion of the ingredients after cooking. This creates a creamy base that enhances the overall texture while still allowing for the delightful bites of chicken and pasta.
Troubleshooting/Variations
If you find your soup too thick, simply add more chicken broth until you reach your desired consistency. On the other hand, if it’s too runny, let it cook uncovered for a bit longer to allow some liquid to evaporate.
Feel free to get creative with variations. Adding spinach or kale introduces additional nutrients and color while offering a slight change of flavor. Different types of cheese can also brighten up the dish; experiment with mozzarella for a more traditional Italian twist.
Presentation and Serving of Chicken Parmesan Soup
Serving/Presentation
Presenting your Chicken Parmesan Soup shouldn’t be overlooked. Ladle the soup into colorful bowls and sprinkle Parmesan and fresh basil on top for an appealing finish. A fresh loaf of bread or a side salad pairs beautifully, creating a complete meal experience.
As you serve, allow everyone to customize their bowls with additional toppings if desired, such as crushed red pepper flakes or extra cheese. This element of personalization makes the dining experience more engaging and special.
Pairings/Storage
While this Chicken Parmesan Soup shines on its own, it pairs excellently with crusty bread or a light green salad to round out the meal. When it comes to storage, let any leftover soup cool completely before transferring it into an airtight container.
Store it in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze for longer preservation. To reheat, thaw if frozen and warm gently on the stove, adding a touch of chicken broth if necessary to restore its creamy consistency.
Creating Chicken Parmesan Soup offers a delightful culinary experience. From the development of flavors during the slow cook to the joy it brings around your table, this recipe stands as a testament to comfort food at its best.
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Chicken Parmesan Soup
- Total Time: 255 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A rich and creamy soup infused with flavors of chicken, Parmesan, and Italian seasonings, perfect for cozy family gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breasts
- 1 cup pasta (like ditalini or small shells)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Place the chicken breasts, chopped onion, minced garlic, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and Italian seasoning in the crock pot.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is cooked through.
- Remove the chicken, shred it, and return it to the pot.
- Stir in the pasta, cooking for another 20-30 minutes until tender.
- Add the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until well combined.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve hot, garnished with fresh basil if desired.
Notes
For a thicker soup, consider blending part of the soup after cooking. Use extra chicken broth for a thinner soup consistency.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 240 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: chicken soup, parmesan soup, Italian soup, comfort food, slow cooker
