Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe
If you’re dreaming of cozy, bubbling comfort with minimal effort, Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Pasta will be your new weeknight hero. Tender chicken breasts slowly simmer in a savory marinara bath, seasoned to perfection, before uniting with pasta and a glorious blanket of melty mozzarella and Parmesan. This dish captures classic Italian-American flavors with the unbeatable ease of slow cooking, making it perfect for both busy families and anyone craving a soul-warming meal without a mountain of dishes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe comes together with just a handful of easy-to-find ingredients, each playing a starring role in the taste and texture of your Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Pasta. A few pantry staples and fresh accents combine for that signature cheesy, saucy, and satisfying bite everyone loves!
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts (1.5 lbs): Go for lean, fresh chicken to ensure fork-tender, juicy shredded pieces.
- Marinara sauce (1 jar, 24 oz): Use your favorite store-bought or homemade sauce—it sets the flavor foundation for the whole dish.
- Italian seasoning (1 tsp): A fragrant blend that infuses the chicken and sauce with nuanced herby notes.
- Garlic powder (1/2 tsp): For that irresistible, mellow garlic backbone without any peeling or chopping needed.
- Red pepper flakes (1/4 tsp, optional): Adds a subtle kick of heat if you like a touch of spice in your pasta.
- Penne pasta (8 oz, uncooked): This sturdy, tube-shaped pasta holds up well to slow cooking and soaks up the sauce beautifully.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1.5 cups): Melts into gooey perfection, giving you that classic Chicken Parmesan cheesiness.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): Delivers bold, salty umami and helps create a gorgeous golden topping.
- Fresh parsley (2 tbsp, chopped): A bright, fresh pop of color and flavor for garnishing your finished pasta.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning the chicken and rounding out all the flavors in the pot.
How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Pasta
Step 1: Prepare & Season the Chicken
Start by patting your chicken breasts dry, then sprinkle them generously with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. This seasoning is the secret to flavor-packed chicken that shines through every bite of your Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Pasta. Arrange the seasoned chicken evenly in the bottom of your slow cooker, ready to soak up all those simmering delicious juices.
Step 2: Add the Marinara and Cook the Chicken
Pour your marinara sauce right over the chicken, making sure each piece gets a thick, saucy blanket. Put the lid on and set your slow cooker to low for 4 to 5 hours or high for 2 to 3 hours, depending on your schedule. This gentle, patient simmer is where the chicken turns irresistibly tender and deeply flavorful, as it slowly absorbs all the rich tomato and herb notes.
Step 3: Shred the Chicken and Add Pasta
Once your chicken is fully cooked and easy to pull apart, take it out with tongs and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to your slow cooker and gently mix it into the sauce. Now, pour in your uncooked penne pasta, stirring so every tube is well coated and submerged. If your sauce is quite thick, add 1/2 to 1 cup of chicken broth to help the pasta cook evenly and absorb all those savory flavors.
Step 4: Cook Until Pasta Is Tender
Cover the slow cooker again and switch to high. Let the pasta cook for 20 to 30 minutes, stirring once about halfway through. Keep a close eye—they should be perfectly al dente, with a lovely bite, not mushy. The magic here is that the pasta absorbs the sauce as it cooks, making every forkful extra flavorful.
Step 5: Top with Cheese and Finish
Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese liberally over the warm chicken pasta, then cover and let everything sit for about 5 minutes. The residual heat melts the cheese into a bubbly, irresistible topping. If you want to go the extra mile, transfer the dish to a baking pan, add extra cheese, and pop under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes for a golden, bubbly finish.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Scatter fresh chopped parsley over the top right before serving. The vibrant green lifts the whole dish, and the herby aroma makes it feel restaurant-worthy. Grab your favorite serving spoon and get ready to dig into a bowl full of cozy, saucy comfort!
How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Pasta
Garnishes
Nothing completes Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Pasta like a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley and an extra shower of Parmesan right before serving. A crack of black pepper and a drizzle of good olive oil can also elevate the flavors and provide a pretty finishing touch straight from Nonna’s kitchen.
Side Dishes
This hearty pasta shines alongside a simple green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette, or some garlic bread perfect for scooping up any leftover sauce. Roasted veggies like broccoli or zucchini make a colorful, healthy addition, while classic Caesar salad always wins with a crowd.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, pile your Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Pasta into a big, family-style platter and shower with extra cheese. If you’re serving kids (or just love fun presentations), ladle into individual ramekins and broil a cheesy cap on each. For a casual night, simply serve straight from the slow cooker for laid-back comfort food bliss.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Pasta holds up beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors meld wonderfully overnight, making your next-day lunch or dinner just as delicious, if not even better.
Freezing
Yes, you can freeze this dish! Scoop cooled portions into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. It’ll keep for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, understanding that the pasta may soften slightly but the flavor will still be spot-on comforting.
Reheating
Gently reheat leftovers on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or water if the pasta has thickened too much. Microwave works too—cover loosely and heat in 1-minute bursts, stirring in between, until everything is piping hot and the cheese is melty once again.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a hearty, flavorful swap and will shred just as easily as breasts, giving a slightly richer taste to your Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Pasta.
Can I substitute the pasta shape?
Yes, most tube-shaped or short-cut pasta works well. Try rigatoni, ziti, or rotini—just keep a close eye on cooking time since different shapes cook at slightly different rates.
What if my sauce is too thick?
If the sauce seems thick when it’s time to add your pasta, stir in up to 1 cup of chicken broth. This helps the pasta cook evenly and keeps the finished dish creamy rather than dry.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It’s easy to make gluten-free by swapping the regular penne for your favorite gluten-free pasta. Just note that some gluten-free pastas cook faster, so check for doneness a bit earlier.
Can I assemble everything ahead for meal prep?
You sure can! Season and refrigerate the chicken overnight, or even store the pre-shredded cheese and chopped parsley in containers. When you’re ready to cook, all you have to do is dump and go—true meal prep magic!
Final Thoughts
I have a feeling this Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Pasta will find a cozy spot in your regular dinner rotation. It’s the ultimate blend of comfort and convenience, and there’s just something wonderful about those simple flavors coming together with so little fuss. If you try it, gather your favorites around the table and get ready to fall in love with every cheesy, saucy bite!
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Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a comforting and flavorful dish with this Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Pasta recipe. Tender chicken simmered in marinara sauce, mixed with al dente pasta, and topped with gooey cheeses – a perfect family meal.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Sauce and Pasta:
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 8 oz penne pasta, uncooked
Cheese Blend:
- 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Season and Cook Chicken: Season chicken with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Place in slow cooker, pour marinara sauce over, and cook until tender.
- Shred Chicken and Add Pasta: Shred cooked chicken, return to slow cooker. Add uncooked pasta, stir well to submerge in sauce.
- Cook Pasta: Cover and cook until pasta is al dente. Sprinkle cheeses over and let melt.
- Finish and Serve: Garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- If sauce is thick, add chicken broth for even cooking. For a crispy top, broil finished dish with extra cheese for a few minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 890 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 41 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
