Simple Hearty Crockpot Soup Recipes for Busy Days (Print Version)

Discover easy crockpot soup recipes perfect for busy weeknights. Just toss ingredients in for a comforting meal.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 3-8 Hours minutes
Total Time: 18 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American Comfort
Dietary: Gluten-Free Option (omit pasta)

# Ingredients:

→ Soup Base Essentials

01 - 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cubed
02 - 6 cups low sodium chicken broth
03 - 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained

→ Veggies & Aromatics

04 - 2 large carrots, chopped
05 - 2 celery stalks, chopped
06 - 1 large yellow onion, chopped
07 - 4 cloves garlic, minced

→ Flavor Builders

08 - 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
09 - 1 bay leaf
10 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Finishing Touches

11 - 1 cup small pasta (like ditalini, orzo, or egg noodles)
12 - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

# Instructions:

01 - Okay, so first things first, get those carrots, celery, and onion chopped. I usually go for about half-inch pieces, nothing too tiny, because I like my veggies chunky in soup. Then, cube your boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Some folks brown the chicken first, and honestly, it does add a little extra something, a deeper flavor note, but for truly <b>Easy Crockpot Soup Recipes</b>, I often skip it to save time. Just toss everything into your slow cooker, no judgment here, we're all about convenience!
02 - Now, pour in that chicken broth. Make sure it covers everything nicely; if it looks a bit low, add a splash more. Then, add your diced tomatoes, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and that lone bay leaf. Give it a gentle stir, making sure all those beautiful aromatics are submerged. This is where all those flavors start to mingle, even before the heat hits. I always take a moment to just smell everything—it’s already promising, you know? So comforting!
03 - Put the lid on your crockpot and set it to low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. This is the beauty of <b>Easy Crockpot Soup Recipes</b>! Go live your life, run errands, read a book, or just stare blankly at the wall like I sometimes do. The house will start to smell amazing, I promise. That's your cue that dinner is well on its way, filling your home with warmth and deliciousness.
04 - Once the cooking time is up, the chicken should be super tender, practically falling apart. Carefully take it out of the pot using tongs or a slotted spoon and place it on a cutting board. Grab two forks and shred it easily. It should practically fall apart with minimal effort, which is the magic of slow cooking! Then, just pop it right back into the soup. This step makes sure every spoonful has some lovely, tender chicken in it, which is my favorite part.
05 - Now for the pasta! Stir in your small pasta of choice. Cook it right in the crockpot for about 20-30 minutes on high, or until it’s al dente. Keep an eye on it; you don't want mushy pasta, that's a kitchen disaster I've experienced too many times! If the soup seems a bit thick, add a splash more broth or water, because the pasta will absorb a lot of liquid as it cooks.
06 - Before serving, remove the bay leaf—very important! Stir in your fresh chopped parsley. Taste it and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. This is your moment to make it perfect for <em>you</em>. Ladle it into bowls, and just breathe in that comforting aroma. These <b>Easy Crockpot Soup Recipes</b> are truly a treat, a simple pleasure after a long day, and so incredibly satisfying.

# Notes:

01 - Don't peek into the crockpot too often; it extends the cooking time.
02 - Always let the soup cool completely before storing in the fridge or freezer.
03 - If you're out of small pasta, a can of cannellini beans works wonders for a hearty, pasta-free version.
04 - Serve with a crusty baguette or a grilled cheese sandwich for the ultimate comfort meal.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - 6-quart or larger slow cooker
02 - cutting board
03 - knife
04 - measuring cups and spoons
05 - forks for shredding chicken

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 350-400 kcal
Total Fat: 15-20g
Total Carbohydrate: 30-40g
Protein: 25-30g