Crockpot Creamy Italian Chicken & Tomato Soup

I can't even begin to describe to you how much I LOVE the crockpot! Seriously. The fact alone that you can throw in multiple ingredients and hours later come back to a complete, delicious meal is more than my make-everything-from-scratch mind can handle. 

It's like this magical way to get the time back in the your day because you don't have to prep much to get something ready for dinner and washing dishes is a cinch. 

I saw this next recipe on Pinterest and adapted it for a quicker assemble. Don't be nervous about using the coconut milk. It doesn't stand out or distract the taste. There are A LOT of alterations you could do with this recipe so be sure to check out those below. 

Also look for my secret tip on getting ALL of the tomato paste out of the can WITHOUT using any kitchen tool! It's amazing. 

Enjoy this recipe...It's yummy AND easy! ;)

Crockpot Creamy Italian Chicken & Tomato Soup

(Gluten Free, Dairy Free)
Adapted by jalene from a recipe by River North Paleo Girl

Serves 4-6
Ingredients: 

• 2 frozen skinless, boneless chicken breasts
• 1 Tbsp Italian Seasoning
• 1 & 1/2 tsp dried basil
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder or 1 clove fresh garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp dried minced onion or 1/2 large fresh onion, minced
• 3 oz (1/2 can) tomato paste (freeze the leftover)*Also-see note
• 1 (14 oz) can of diced tomatoes with their juices
• 1 (14 oz) can of coconut milk (I suggest using Thai Kitchen's and don't use lite)
• 1 cup gluten free chicken broth
• sea salt and pepper to taste

Directions: 

1. Place all of the ingredients into your crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Shred the chicken just before serving. 

Store leftovers in a covered container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This soup can also be frozen. 

Notes: 

*You can add the entire can (6 oz) of tomato paste. It creates a stronger tomato flavor. We prefer just the 3 oz. 

*Did you know you can scrape out a can of tomato paste without any utensils? (See picture to the upper right.) Using a can opener, simply open the top AND the bottom, then push up the paste like a push-up pop! Easy. 
 

Variations: 

This soup is very versatile! You can add corn or gluten free pasta to it before serving. It's also great over rice, spinach, squash, or served with cheese (if you can have dairy). 

Like I mentioned above you can slightly alter the flavor by increasing the tomato paste. You can also intense the savory by using my Italian Dressing Seasoning instead of Italian Seasoning. Let me know your favorite way to eat this! 

Add 2 chicken breasts

Toss in the seasonings

Add 3 oz of the tomato paste

Then add the diced tomatoes

Pour in the coconut milk and chicken broth

To make this recipe I used: