01 -
First things first, get those carrots, celery, and onion chopped. I usually aim for a pretty uniform dice so they cook evenly, but let's be real, sometimes they're a bit wonky. It's fine! Just toss them into the bottom of your crockpot. I love the smell of fresh onion hitting the air; it always signals that something delicious is about to happen. This is where I always make sure I've got all my chopping done, because once it's in the crockpot, it's hands-off time!
02 -
Next, nestle your chicken breasts right on top of the veggies. Then, pour in the diced tomatoes and the chicken broth. I try not to overfill my crockpot, because I learned the hard way that a bubbling, overflowing soup is not fun to clean up. Oops! Make sure the chicken is mostly submerged. This step feels so satisfying, seeing all the vibrant colors come together, knowing it's going to transform into something amazing.
03 -
Now for the flavor magic! Sprinkle in your drained and rinsed cannellini beans, minced garlic, and a generous amount of Italian seasoning. Give it a gentle stir – nothing too crazy, just enough to get those spices mingling. I always take a deep sniff right here; the mix of herbs and garlic is just heavenly. Don't be shy with the Italian seasoning; it's what gives this easy crockpot soup its comforting, familiar taste. You can always add a pinch more later if you feel it needs it!
04 -
Put the lid on your crockpot, set it to low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Honestly, I mostly use the low setting because I love that slow, gentle simmer that really develops the flavors. Go about your day! Do laundry, read a book, conquer the world – whatever you need to do. The best part? The whole house starts to smell absolutely incredible, a true preview of the deliciousness to come. Just let it do its thing; no peeking allowed for the first few hours!
05 -
Once the cooking time is up, carefully remove the cooked chicken breasts from the crockpot. They should be super tender and easy to shred with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot. Stir in the fresh spinach until it wilts into the hot soup, which usually only takes a couple of minutes. This is where the soup gets its final beautiful pop of green. I always take a little taste here to check for seasoning, adding more salt or pepper if needed.
06 -
Ladle your warm, inviting soup into bowls. Top with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese – trust me on this one, it's essential! A side of crusty bread for dipping is highly recommended. The steam rising from the bowl, the vibrant colors, the rich aroma... it's just pure comfort. This easy crockpot soup is truly a hug in a bowl, perfect for warming you from the inside out. Enjoy every delicious, effortless spoonful!