01 -
Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add 1 yellow onion, diced, and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in 4 cloves garlic, minced, and 1 tbsp tomato paste, cooking for another minute until fragrant. This builds a rich base for your Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup: Cozy & Easy Slow Cooker Meal.
02 -
Transfer the sautéed aromatics to a 6-quart slow cooker. Add 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth, 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes, 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes (undrained), 1 tbsp dried Italian seasoning, 1 tsp dried basil, and 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional). Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste.
03 -
Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 5 hours (300 minutes), or on HIGH for 2.5-3 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shredded. This slow cooking process allows all the flavors to meld beautifully for your Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup: Cozy & Easy Slow Cooker Meal.
04 -
Carefully remove the cooked chicken breasts from the slow cooker and place them on a cutting board. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker, stirring it into the soup base.
05 -
Stir in 4 oz cream cheese, softened and cut into cubes, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, and 1/2 cup half-and-half until fully melted and combined. Continue to cook on LOW for another 15-20 minutes, or until the soup is heated through and creamy.
06 -
Taste the Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup: Cozy & Easy Slow Cooker Meal and adjust salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Garnish each serving with additional grated Parmesan cheese and 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped.