Crockpot Italian Chicken Soup

Some days you want dinner to feel like a hug… but you also don’t have the time (or energy) to make the hug from scratch. That’s exactly why Crockpot Italian Chicken Soup is one of my favorite “busy day” wins. You toss everything in, go live your life, and come back to a house that smells like you’ve been cooking all afternoon—without actually cooking all afternoon. That’s my kind of kitchen magic.

I’m all about chicken dinners that work for real people with real schedules. If you’ve got picky eaters, meetings that run late, or a laundry pile that’s giving you side-eye, this soup is here to save the day.

Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Italian Chicken Soup

• Set-it-and-forget-it comfort. The crockpot does the heavy lifting while you handle… everything else.
• Family-friendly flavors. Italian seasoning, tomatoes, and parmesan are basically the “everybody calm down and eat” combo.
• Great for leftovers. It reheats like a dream (and might taste even better tomorrow).
• One pot, less chaos. Fewer dishes = a happier you.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what goes into this cozy bowl of goodness:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 can diced tomatoes (15 oz)
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 4 carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic salt
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• 8 cups chicken broth
• 16 oz rotini pasta
• 1 cup parmesan cheese, shredded (for topping)

Quick notes from my kitchen:

• Rotini is great because it grabs the broth in all those little spirals. (Like tiny soup scoops. Adorable and effective.)
• Parmesan on top is not optional in my house. Technically it’s optional. Emotionally? It’s required.

How to Make Crockpot Italian Chicken Soup Step-by-Step

Step 1: Load up the crockpot

Grab a 6-quart crockpot and add everything except the pasta and parmesan cheese.

That means: chicken breasts, onion, diced tomatoes, bell pepper, carrots, Italian seasoning, garlic salt, bay leaf, salt, pepper, and chicken broth.

Give it a gentle stir so the seasonings don’t just sit on top like they’re refusing to participate.

Step 2: Let it cook low and slow (or fast and furious)

Cook:

• On LOW: 8–10 hours
• On HIGH: 4–5 hours

Low is best if you’re heading out for the day. High works if you started at lunchtime and still want dinner that doesn’t come from a drive-thru.

Step 3: Shred the chicken

Once the chicken is cooked through and tender, take it out and shred it (two forks work perfectly). Then return it to the crockpot.

This is where the soup starts looking like something you want to dive into with a spoon.

Step 4: Add pasta at the end

Stir in the uncooked rotini, cover, and cook on HIGH for 20–30 minutes, just until the pasta is cooked through.

Give it a final stir to combine everything, then serve it hot with a generous sprinkle of shredded parmesan.

And yes, you may “accidentally” add extra parmesan. I support you.

Tips for the Best Soup (Without Stress)

• Don’t add pasta too early. Pasta that cooks for hours in a crockpot can go from “perfect” to “why is it mush?” pretty fast.
• Shred chicken the easy way. If you have a stand mixer, you can shred cooked chicken with the paddle attachment in seconds. It feels like cheating—in the best way.
• Taste at the end. Broths vary. If it needs a little more salt or pepper after the pasta goes in, adjust then.
• Bay leaf reminder. Bay leaves are like glitter: they show up everywhere and nobody wants to bite one. Fish it out before serving.

A Little Story From My Kitchen

The first time I made this, it was one of those weeks where everything felt loud—work, errands, meals, and that mysterious sticky spot on the kitchen floor that appeared out of nowhere. I needed dinner to be comforting, but I also needed it to be easy.

So I tossed the ingredients into the crockpot in the morning and forgot about it until late afternoon. When I came back, the whole kitchen smelled warm and herby, like something you’d get at a cozy little café. My family wandered in like cartoon characters floating toward a smell trail. That’s when I knew this soup was going into my “repeat forever” folder.

Serving Ideas (Because Soup Night Can Be a Whole Mood)

This Crockpot Italian Chicken Soup is hearty on its own, but if you want to turn it into a full cozy spread:

• Garlic bread or toasted bread with butter (classic for a reason)
• Simple salad with vinaigrette to balance the richness
• Extra parmesan at the table (always)
• Red pepper flakes for anyone who wants a little kick

Easy Variations (If You Want to Switch It Up)

• More veggies: Add zucchini or spinach near the end (spinach wilts fast, so it only needs a few minutes).
• Swap the pasta shape: Penne, shells, or bowties work too—use what you’ve got.
• Make it creamier: Stir in a splash of half-and-half at the end for a richer broth.
• Boost the protein: Add a can of white beans (drained and rinsed) during the last hour of cooking.

FAQs About Crockpot Italian Chicken Soup

Your Next Cozy Bowl Awaits

If your day feels like it needs a reset button, this Crockpot Italian Chicken Soup is a pretty delicious way to hit “refresh.” It’s warm, filling, and simple enough for a weeknight—yet it still feels like something special when you ladle it into bowls and shower it with parmesan.

If you make it, I hope it brings a little calm to your kitchen (and maybe earns you a few “Wow, this is so good” comments). Because that’s the real magic of Crockpot Italian Chicken Soup—it tastes like effort, even when you barely lifted a finger.

More Cozy Soups to Try Next

If this cozy bowl of Crockpot Italian Chicken Soup just made your day a little easier (and tastier), don’t stop here—I’ve got a few more warm, comforting favorites that hit the same “dinner = hug” feeling:

• Garlic Parmesan Chicken Soup for extra cheesy comfort – rich, cozy, and perfect when you want that savory, garlicky goodness in every spoonful.
• Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup (aka creamy Italian magic) – creamy, hearty, and basically made for parmesan lovers.
• Creamy Chicken Tortellini Soup that feels like a restaurant treat – pillowy tortellini + creamy broth = pure comfort-food joy.
• Italian Wedding Soup for a classic, cozy dinner night – a timeless favorite that’s warm, satisfying, and family-approved.

If you try this recipe (or any of these), I’d love to hear what you think! Scroll down and leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review—your stars and comments help other home cooks find their next favorite dinner, and they truly mean the world to me.

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