A cozy and creamy slow cooker soup that captures the essence of classic chicken parmesan, perfect for busy weeknights.
Author:Robert
Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:6 hours
Total Time:6 hours 15 minutes
Yield:6 servings 1x
Category:Soup
Method:Slow Cooker
Cuisine:Italian
Diet:Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
1.5 to 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
2 to 3 cups marinara sauce (about 24 ounces)
4 cups chicken broth
1 small onion, diced
3 to 4 cloves garlic, minced
1 to 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
1 bay leaf (optional)
3/4 to 1 cup heavy cream
1 to 1.5 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
1 to 1.5 cups small dry pasta (ditalini, macaroni, or small shells)
Salt and pepper to taste
Red pepper flakes (optional)
2 cups fresh spinach (optional)
Instructions
Add chicken, onion, garlic, marinara, broth, Italian seasoning, bay leaf, 1 teaspoon salt, and a few grinds of pepper to your slow cooker. Cover and cook on Low for 5 to 6 hours, or High for 2.5 to 3.5 hours.
Shred the chicken right in the pot with two forks, checking for tenderness and seasoning. Add a pinch more salt if needed.
Stir in the dry pasta and cook on High for 20 to 30 minutes, just until the pasta is tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Turn the heat to Warm. Stir in the cream and Parmesan until smooth. Add spinach if using and let it wilt.
Taste and finish with more Parmesan, a squeeze of lemon if desired, and a sprinkle of red pepper for extra kick.