There is something incredibly comforting about the Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe that just wraps you in a cozy hug of flavors. This dish combines tender, juicy chicken simmered in a rich, herb-infused tomato sauce with perfectly cooked pasta, all topped with melty mozzarella and sharp Parmesan cheese. It’s a one-pot wonder that makes weeknight dinners feel special without any fuss, perfect for sharing with family or friends. The slow cooker does most of the work, infusing every bite with deep, homemade taste that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is the secret to this dish’s magic. Each component plays a crucial role—seasoned chicken brings protein and tenderness, crushed tomatoes and herbs deliver robust, Italian-inspired flavor, and the cheeses add that irresistible gooey finish.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: The lean protein that absorbs the sauce beautifully while staying juicy.
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing the natural flavors of the chicken and sauce.
- Crushed tomatoes: The rich base of this dish’s sauce, providing tang and sweetness.
- Onion, diced: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth when slow-cooked with the tomatoes.
- Dried basil: Brings classic Italian herbal notes to brighten the sauce.
- Dried oregano: Complements basil with a slightly peppery, aromatic touch.
- Dried parsley: Adds freshness and balance to the rich tomato sauce.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For those who like a little kick without overpowering the dish.
- Penne pasta: The perfect pasta shape to hold on to the sauce and cheese in every bite.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into gooey, stretchy goodness that makes the pasta irresistible.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Adds sharpness and depth, enhancing the overall flavor complexity.
- Fresh parsley, chopped: A bright, colorful garnish that adds a fresh finish to the dish.
How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Season and Layer the Chicken
Start by seasoning your boneless skinless chicken breasts generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. This simple step is crucial because it ensures the chicken is flavorful throughout, not just on the surface. Then, place these seasoned breasts directly into your slow cooker.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
Next, in a large bowl, combine the crushed tomatoes with diced onion and the dried herbs: basil, oregano, and parsley. If you want to add a subtle heat, sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes. Stir everything together and pour the vibrant mixture evenly over the chicken in the slow cooker. Give it a gentle toss to coat the chicken with the sauce evenly.
Step 3: Slow Cook for 4 Hours
Cover the slow cooker and let the chicken simmer on low for 4 hours. During this time, the chicken becomes tender enough to shred, and the sauce develops a gorgeous, deep flavor. The slow cooking method is what makes this Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe so special and effortless.
Step 4: Shred the Chicken
After cooking, remove the chicken breasts carefully and shred them using two forks. This step transforms the chicken into tender, bite-sized pieces that will mingle perfectly with the pasta and sauce in the next steps.
Step 5: Cook the Pasta
While the chicken cooks, boil a large pot of salted water and cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta well, making sure it’s al dente to hold up nicely when mixed with the sauce.
Step 6: Combine Everything in the Slow Cooker
Add the shredded chicken and cooked penne to the slow cooker with the remaining sauce. Stir everything together so the pasta is fully coated. Then sprinkle the mozzarella and freshly grated Parmesan cheeses evenly over the top.
Step 7: Melt the Cheese
Cover the slow cooker again and cook on low for another 10 to 20 minutes, just until the cheeses are melted and bubbly. This final step creates the luscious, cheesy finish that makes this Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe truly irresistible.
Step 8: Serve and Garnish
Serve immediately, garnished with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness that balances out the rich flavors nicely.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley never hurts—it adds a lovely herbal brightness and makes the dish pop visually. For extra flair, you could also add a few basil leaves or a drizzle of good quality olive oil on top just before serving.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs beautifully with a light green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette, garlic bread to mop up the sauce, or even some roasted vegetables for a hearty touch. These sides complement the richness of the Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe without overwhelming it.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this dish family-style straight from the slow cooker in the center of the table for a warm, inviting experience. Alternatively, plate individual servings with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan and a fresh basil leaf on top to impress guests visually.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen as they sit, making for a delicious next-day meal.
Freezing
This dish freezes well before adding the cheeses. Store the chicken and pasta mixture without cheese in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight and then add fresh cheeses before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat individual servings gently in the microwave or warm the entire batch in a covered skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Adding a splash of water or broth can help loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken breasts in this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but cooking time might increase by about 1 to 2 hours on low. Just make sure the chicken is cooked through before shredding.
What type of pasta works best for this recipe?
Penne is ideal because its shape holds the sauce well, but you can also use rigatoni, fusilli, or even shells—any pasta with ridges or tubes will do the trick.
Is it possible to make this recipe spicy?
Absolutely! Adding crushed red pepper flakes during the sauce preparation or a splash of hot sauce before serving can dial up the heat according to your preference.
Can I make this Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe dairy-free?
Yes, substitute the mozzarella and Parmesan with your favorite dairy-free cheese alternatives. Be aware that the texture and flavor will differ somewhat, but it will still taste delicious.
How can I make this recipe quicker if I don’t have a slow cooker?
You can cook the chicken breasts in a covered pan on the stovetop over low heat until tender, then proceed with shredding and combining with cooked pasta and sauce. Just keep in mind the slow cooker develops a richer flavor and more tender texture.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe is one of those go-to dishes that feels like a warm hug after a long day. It’s straightforward to prepare, demands minimal hands-on time, and delivers impressive flavor that will quickly elevate your dinner rotation. Don’t be surprised if it becomes a family favorite you find yourself making again and again!
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Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Pasta is a comforting and easy-to-make dish perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken breasts are slowly cooked in a flavorful tomato sauce with herbs, then shredded and combined with penne pasta and mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. The dish is finished in the slow cooker until the cheese melts into a creamy, cheesy pasta bake that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Chicken and Sauce
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup onion, diced
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Pasta and Cheese
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Season Chicken: Season the boneless skinless chicken breasts evenly with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides, then place them into a 6-quart slow cooker.
- Prepare Sauce: In a large bowl, mix the crushed tomatoes, diced onion, dried basil, dried oregano, dried parsley, and optional crushed red pepper flakes. Stir well to combine all the herbs and spices thoroughly.
- Cook Chicken and Sauce: Pour the tomato and herb mixture over the chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Toss gently to coat the chicken with the sauce. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 4 hours until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
- Shred Chicken: Remove the cooked chicken breasts from the slow cooker and use two forks to shred the meat into bite-sized pieces.
- Cook Pasta: Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta well.
- Combine Chicken and Pasta: Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and add the cooked pasta. Stir everything together evenly to combine.
- Add Cheese and Melt: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the chicken and pasta mixture in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for an additional 10 to 20 minutes until the cheese melts and becomes bubbly.
- Serve: Once the cheese has melted, serve the chicken parmesan pasta immediately. Garnish with the chopped fresh parsley for a fresh finish.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, do not omit the crushed red pepper flakes or increase the amount according to taste.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten free.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently in the microwave or on the stovetop.
- For a lower-fat option, use reduced-fat mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- If you don’t have a slow cooker, you can make the sauce and chicken on the stovetop and bake the combined pasta and cheese in the oven.
