Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup: A Comforting Delight for Fall
As the crisp autumn air settles in and leaves twirl gently to the ground, there’s nothing quite like a warm, heartwarming bowl of soup to embrace the season. Thank you for allowing me to share this incredibly cozy and delightful recipe for Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup! This recipe captures all the rich, comforting flavors of traditional chicken Parmesan, transformed into a luscious, creamy soup that’s perfect for a chilly November day. Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup is a game-changer for your fall dinner rotations. It’s incredibly flavorful, featuring tender chicken, vibrant tomatoes, and a hint of Italian herbs that dance on your palate. The best part? It’s made conveniently in a crock pot! Imagine coming home after a long day to a home filled with the irresistible aroma of soup, and the knowledge that dinner is already ready. It’s family-friendly, effortlessly creamy, and fills the soul with warmth—who could resist that?
Ingredients
– 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 tsp Italian seasoning
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 cup orzo pasta
– 2 cups fresh spinach
– Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Necessary Tools
– Crock pot
– Cutting board
– Sharp knife
– Measuring cups and spoons
– Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
– Shredding forks for chicken
Ingredient Swaps and Additions
Feel free to customize your soup! Swap chicken breasts for thighs if you prefers a richer flavor. Want a kick? Add red pepper flakes or crush some garlic bread into it for added texture! You could also replace the orzo with rice or quinoa. And if you want to sneak in more veggies, try tossing in chopped zucchini or carrots!
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Place the chicken breasts, diced onion, minced garlic, undrained diced tomatoes, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in your crock pot. It’s okay if things look a little bit messy—this is going to be delicious!
2. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. We want the chicken perfectly cooked through and tender, so the more time, the better!
3. When the chicken is done, remove it from the crock pot and shred it with two forks. It’s a tasty mess, trust me!
4. Return the shredded chicken to the crock pot, and add in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and orzo pasta. Stir well to combine all those yummy flavors!
5. Cover and let it cook on high for an additional 30 minutes, until the orzo is tender and soaking up all the creamy goodness.
6. Finally, stir in the fresh spinach until it has wilted just enough to be perfectly vibrant and tender!
7. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves that add a pop of color and flavor to the dish.
Serving Suggestions
This soup is a delightful meal on its own, but if you want to elevate the experience, consider serving it with a side of crusty garlic bread or a simple mixed greens salad. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan on top is always a hit too!
Pro Tips for Success
– Don’t rush the cooking time! For the best flavor, allow it to cook low and slow.
– Feel free to taste and adjust seasoning before serving. Sometimes a bit more salt or a pinch of Italian seasoning can elevate the flavor even more.
– Add the spinach just before serving to ensure it retains its vibrant green color.
Storing and Reheating
Leftovers? Yes, please! Store any extra soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it up if it thickens too much.
FAQ Section
Can I make this soup gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free pasta or skip the pasta altogether and add more veggies.
What can I use instead of chicken?
Feel free to experiment with diced turkey or even beans for a vegetarian option.
Can this soup be frozen?
Yes! Just remember to leave out the heavy cream and pasta for freezing. Add those ingredients when you reheat!
Conclusion
In summary, this Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup is not just food—it’s a hug in a bowl, perfect for crisp fall evenings. Its rich flavors and creamy texture will make it a family favorite in no time!
We’d love to hear how your soup turns out—leave a review, share photos, or tag us on Pinterest or Instagram! Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
Approximately per serving:
– Calories: 410
– Protein: 30g
– Carbs: 25g
– Fat: 25g
– Fiber: 2g
– Sugar: 2g
Warm up your November with this delightful soup!
