Slow Cooker Italian Chicken Noodle Soup: A Creamy Comfort Food Classic
This Slow Cooker Italian Chicken Noodle Soup is a delightful twist on the traditional favorite. It’s incredibly creamy, bursting with amazing Italian flavors, and packed with tender chicken, making it a hearty and satisfying comfort food that the entire family will adore. Preparing this soup in a slow cooker not only simplifies the cooking process but also intensifies the flavors, creating a truly memorable meal.
Imagine coming home after a long day to the inviting aroma of a home-cooked meal. With this slow cooker Italian chicken soup recipe, that dream becomes a reality. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when time is short, and the best part is, it tastes even more incredible the next day, making it ideal for meal prepping or enjoying leftovers.
Over time, I’ve realized that using a slow cooker is the ultimate way to make soup, especially during soup season. Simply toss all the ingredients in, set the timer, and let the slow cooker work its magic. The low and slow cooking method allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, resulting in a rich and flavorful soup that’s far superior to anything you can make on the stovetop in a hurry.
The only extra step required for this creamy Italian chicken noodle soup is boiling the noodles separately and then adding them to the slow cooker. This prevents the noodles from becoming mushy and ensures they retain their perfect texture. Talk about an easy dinner recipe! It’s a truly effortless way to enjoy a flavorful and comforting bowl of soup.
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Italian Chicken Noodle Soup
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need to create this delicious soup:
- Broth: Use high-quality chicken broth from the store or, for an even richer flavor, opt for homemade chicken broth. The broth is the foundation of the soup, so choosing a flavorful one is key.
- Chicken: Raw chicken breasts work best for this homemade chicken noodle soup. They become incredibly tender during the slow cooking process and shred easily.
- Seasonings: A blend of minced garlic, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes creates the signature Italian flavor profile. Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to your desired level of spice.
- Thickener: A small amount of cornstarch mixed with water creates a slurry that thickens the soup to the perfect consistency. This step is crucial for achieving that creamy texture.
- Water: Use cold water from the tap to create the cornstarch slurry. Ensure the cornstarch is fully dissolved to prevent lumps in the soup.
- Cream: To make this soup extra creamy, use heavy cream or heavy whipping cream. The cream adds richness and depth of flavor, making it a truly indulgent experience.
- Pasta: Elbow pasta is a classic choice, but you can use any small pasta shape you have on hand. Egg noodles also work well and add a delightful texture to the soup.
- Vegetables: Chopped fresh spinach adds a burst of color and nutrients to this easy slow cooker recipe. Other leafy greens like kale or Swiss chard can also be used.
- Cheese: Grated Parmesan cheese adds a salty, savory element that complements the other flavors perfectly. Stir it in just before serving for the best results.
How to Make This Slow Cooker Italian Chicken Noodle Soup: Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these easy steps to create a comforting and flavorful Slow Cooker Italian Chicken Noodle Soup:
- In a large slow cooker, combine the chicken broth, raw chicken breasts, minced garlic, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes.
- Place the lid on the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds with a fork.
- About 30 minutes before the cooking time is up, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside. Cooking the pasta separately prevents it from becoming mushy in the slow cooker.
- Carefully remove the cooked chicken breasts from the slow cooker. Use two forks to shred the chicken into smaller pieces. Alternatively, you can chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces if you prefer.
- Return the shredded or chopped chicken to the slow cooker.
Now, let’s prepare the thickening slurry:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water until the cornstarch is fully dissolved. This mixture will help thicken the soup to a creamy consistency.
- Pour the cornstarch slurry into the slow cooker. Stir well to combine and ensure the slurry is evenly distributed throughout the soup.
- Add the heavy cream, cooked pasta, and chopped fresh spinach to the slow cooker. Stir gently to incorporate all the ingredients.
- Let the soup cook for an additional 10 minutes to allow the spinach to wilt and the flavors to meld together.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese just before serving. The Parmesan cheese adds a final touch of flavor and richness to the soup.
- Serve the Slow Cooker Italian Chicken Noodle Soup hot and enjoy!
How to Store This Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup
Proper storage ensures your leftover soup stays fresh and flavorful.
Fridge: Once the creamy soup has cooled to room temperature, transfer it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
Freezer: For longer storage, use a freezer-safe bag or an airtight container. Store the soup in the freezer for up to 90 days. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Tips and Tricks for This Tender Chicken Soup
Here are some helpful tips and tricks to ensure your Slow Cooker Italian Chicken Noodle Soup turns out perfectly every time:
Do I Need to Cook the Pasta Before Adding It to the Soup?
Yes! Cooking the pasta separately is crucial to prevent it from becoming mushy in the slow cooker. Cook the pasta in a large pot according to the package directions until al dente, then drain it and add it to the soup during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
What Type of Chicken Should I Use?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the most common choice for this recipe. However, you can also use skinless chicken thighs or chicken tenders. Chicken thighs tend to be more flavorful, while chicken tenders cook more quickly.
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Absolutely! One of the best things about soup is its versatility. Feel free to add any fresh vegetables that you and your family enjoy. Here are a few more options to try with this slow cooker chicken noodle soup:
- Bell peppers (red, yellow, or green)
- Green onions
- Carrots
- Celery
- Green beans
What Should I Serve with This Hearty Soup?
A delicious green salad is a refreshing accompaniment to this soup. Dinner rolls, croissant rolls, or breadsticks are also great options for soaking up the flavorful broth.
More Soup Recipes to Explore
If you enjoy this Slow Cooker Italian Chicken Noodle Soup, be sure to check out these other delicious soup recipes:
- Ham and Potato Soup: A hearty and comforting soup perfect for a cold day.
- Italian Vegetable Pasta One-Pot Dinner: A quick and easy one-pot meal packed with vegetables and pasta.
- Sausage Orzo Soup: A flavorful and satisfying soup with Italian sausage and orzo pasta.
- Spanish Rice Soup: A vibrant and flavorful soup with Spanish rice and spices.
Slow Cooker Italian Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
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