Name: Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Pasta
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 4 h 30 min
Total time: 4 h 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: Boneless skinless chicken breasts; Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper; Crushed tomatoes; Onion, diced; Dried basil; Dried oregano; Dried parsley; Crushed red pepper flakes (optional); Penne pasta; Shredded mozzarella cheese; Freshly grated Parmesan cheese; Fresh parsley, chopped

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This slow cooker version of Chicken Parmesan Pasta is a time-saver that doesn’t compromise on flavor. With tender chicken, a savory tomato sauce, and gooey melted cheese, this dish is a comforting, one-pot meal that the whole family will love. Plus, it’s super easy to make and the leftovers (if there are any) are just as delicious!

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

boneless skinless chicken breasts
kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
crushed tomatoes
onion, diced
dried basil
dried oregano
dried parsley
crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
penne pasta
shredded mozzarella cheese
freshly grated Parmesan cheese
fresh parsley, chopped

directions

Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Place them into a 6-quart slow cooker.
In a large bowl, combine the crushed tomatoes, diced onion, basil, oregano, parsley, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well and pour the mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker. Toss gently to combine.
Cover and cook on low heat for 4 hours.
After 4 hours, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks.
In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain the pasta well.
Add the shredded chicken and cooked pasta to the slow cooker, stirring to combine. Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
Cover and cook on low for an additional 10-20 minutes, or until the cheese has melted.
Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

Servings and timing

Servings: 8
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 4 hours 30 minutes
Total time: 4 hours 45 minutes

Variations

Use Different Pasta: Swap out the penne for rigatoni, ziti, or spaghetti for a different texture.
Add Veggies: Stir in some sautéed spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.
Chicken Thighs: Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a slightly richer flavor.
Spicy Chicken Parmesan: Increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for a spicy kick.

storage/reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual servings or warm in a skillet with a splash of water or broth until heated through. This dish can also be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Just be sure to cook it on low for about 5-6 hours instead of 4 hours.

Can I cook this on high heat?

Yes, you can cook it on high heat for about 2-2.5 hours if you’re short on time, but cooking on low ensures the chicken becomes tender and flavorful.

What if I don’t have penne pasta?

You can use any type of pasta you like, such as rigatoni, ziti, or rotini. Just be sure to cook the pasta separately and add it to the slow cooker toward the end.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it up to the point of adding the pasta and cheese. Store the slow-cooked chicken and sauce in the fridge and add the pasta and cheese when you’re ready to serve.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can use a mix of mozzarella and provolone or even add some ricotta for a creamier texture.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes, you can skip the chicken and substitute it with a plant-based protein or simply load up on extra veggies for a vegetarian version.

How do I avoid overcooking the chicken?

To avoid overcooking the chicken, remove it from the slow cooker as soon as it’s fully cooked and tender (after about 4 hours on low) and shred it immediately.

Can I use store-bought marinara sauce instead of crushed tomatoes?

Yes, you can substitute store-bought marinara or pasta sauce for the crushed tomatoes if you prefer.

How can I make this dish even cheesier?

Add more mozzarella on top when serving or mix in some ricotta or provolone cheese before the final cook.

Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, you can freeze this dish. After cooking, let it cool completely and then transfer to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Pasta is a comforting, cheesy, and hearty meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or a meal prep favorite. With tender chicken, flavorful tomato sauce, and melted cheese, this dish is guaranteed to satisfy everyone at the table. It’s an easy and hands-off way to enjoy a classic Italian favorite!