Ingredients

1 pound Boneless Chicken Breasts (or rotisserie chicken for quicker prep)

4 cloves Minced Garlic (fresh is best, but jarred works too)

28 oz Crushed Tomatoes (canned)

15 oz Tomato Sauce (canned)

1 teaspoon Salt (adjust according to taste)

1 teaspoon Ground Black Pepper (freshly ground)

2 tablespoons Italian Seasoning (make your own blend for a personal touch)

4 cups Chicken Broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian option)

1 cup Parmesan Cheese (freshly shaved)

1 cup Heavy Whipping Cream (or half-and-half as a lighter alternative)

8 oz Rotini Pasta (uncooked, any preferred shape can be swapped in)

½ cup Breadcrumbs (gluten-free breadcrumbs for gluten sensitivities)

1 tablespoon Butter (used to sauté breadcrumbs for extra flavor)

1½ cups Shredded Mozzarella (feel free to experiment with other melting cheeses)

Instructions

Step 1: In your crock pot, combine the boneless chicken breasts, minced garlic, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, salt, ground black pepper, Italian seasoning, and chicken broth. Stir gently to mix all ingredients evenly.

Step 2: Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.

Step 3: Once cooked, shred the chicken directly in the pot using two forks. Stir in the freshly shaved Parmesan cheese, heavy whipping cream, and uncooked rotini pasta.

Step 4: Cover again and cook on high for 15 minutes or low for 30 minutes, until the pasta is tender but not mushy.

Step 5: Meanwhile, melt the butter in a separate saucepan and sauté the breadcrumbs over medium heat until golden and fragrant.

Step 6: Ladle the soup into bowls, then top each serving with shredded mozzarella cheese and the sautéed breadcrumbs for added texture and flavor.

Tips & Variations

For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy whipping cream without losing creaminess.

Try using gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs to make this dish gluten-free.

Mix in fresh basil or oregano for a brighter, fresher flavor.

Use rotisserie chicken to reduce cooking time if you’re short on time.

If you prefer a thicker soup, add more pasta or reduce the broth slightly before adding pasta.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?

Yes, but cooking times may need to be extended slightly. It’s important to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.

What can I substitute for rotini pasta?

You can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne, shells, or elbow macaroni. Just adjust cooking time as needed to avoid overcooking.