If you’re craving a comforting, hearty meal that brings all the flavors of classic Italian cooking together without the fuss, the Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe is here to be your new best friend. It marries tender, juicy chicken simmered in a rich, herby tomato sauce with perfectly cooked pasta and melty, golden cheese that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, making this dish a breeze to prepare any day of the week. Trust me, once you try this, it will become your go-to for fuss-free family dinners that taste like you spent hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—just a handful of everyday ingredients that work together to create a dish bursting with flavor, texture, and color. Each component plays a crucial role, from the savory chicken to the vibrant herbs and cheeses that make every bite unforgettable.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: The star protein that cooks tender and juicy in the sauce.
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential to season the chicken just right and bring out the natural flavors.
- Crushed tomatoes: Provide a rich, tangy base for the sauce that’s full of comfort.
- Onion, diced: Adds sweetness and depth to the slow-cooked sauce.
- Dried basil: Brings a subtle, aromatic herbal note reminiscent of Italian classics.
- Dried oregano: Gives an earthy flavor that pairs perfectly with tomatoes and cheese.
- Dried parsley: Offers a mild freshness that brightens the slow cooker sauce.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a gentle hint of heat if you like a little kick.
- Penne pasta: The ideal pasta shape for holding onto the thick, cheesy sauce and tender chicken.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully to create that gooey, cheesy texture everyone loves in chicken parmesan.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Provides a sharp, nutty finish that elevates the dish.
- Fresh parsley, chopped: A bright, fresh garnish that adds color and a slight herbal crunch.
How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Season and Prepare the Chicken
Start by generously seasoning your boneless skinless chicken breasts with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. This simple step is crucial because it ensures every bite of the chicken is flavorful. Place the chicken breasts into your 6-quart slow cooker, creating a perfect base for the sauce to infuse into the meat during cooking.
Step 2: Mix and Add the Sauce Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the crushed tomatoes, diced onion, dried basil, oregano, parsley, and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes if you’re up for a little heat. Stir everything together until well combined, then pour this vibrant, herby mixture right over the chicken in the slow cooker. Give it a gentle toss, letting the flavors mingle while the slow cooker does its magic.
Step 3: Slow Cook the Chicken and Sauce
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 4 hours. This slow simmer allows the chicken to absorb all those wonderful flavors and become tender enough to shred easily. It’s the key to getting that melt-in-your-mouth texture that feels so special.
Step 4: Shred the Chicken
Once the chicken is perfectly cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks. Shredding helps the chicken blend seamlessly with the sauce and pasta later, ensuring every bite is packed with protein and flavor.
Step 5: Cook the Penne Pasta
While the chicken is resting, cook the penne pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water according to the package instructions. Make sure to drain it well so it doesn’t dilute the sauce when added later. This pasta is perfect for this dish because its ridges and tubes hold onto the sauce beautifully.
Step 6: Combine Chicken, Pasta, and Cheese
Add the shredded chicken and cooked pasta back into the slow cooker, stirring gently to coat everything evenly with the rich tomato sauce. Then, sprinkle the top generously with shredded mozzarella and freshly grated Parmesan cheeses. This cheesy layer will soon turn golden and bubbling, making the dish utterly irresistible.
Step 7: Melt the Cheese
Cover the slow cooker again and cook on low heat for another 10 to 20 minutes. This step lets the cheeses melt into gooey perfection, creating a creamy, cheesy topping that makes this recipe a true crowd-pleaser.
Step 8: Serve Your Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Serve your dish hot and fresh from the slow cooker. A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley on top adds a lovely burst of color and freshness that brightens every bite. Get ready for compliments!
How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is the classic garnish that adds a pop of green and a hint of herbal brightness—perfect to contrast the rich, cheesy sauce. For an extra touch, a drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a few basil leaves would also be delicious.
Side Dishes
Because the slow cooker chicken parmesan pasta is so hearty and filling, simple sides like a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette or steamed garlic broccoli make excellent accompaniments. They add a refreshing crunch and lighten up the meal without competing with the bold flavors on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this dish family-style in a large rustic bowl for a cozy dinner vibe, or plate individual portions with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan and a fresh basil leaf for a dinner party feel. You can even spoon it into hollowed-out bread bowls for a fun, carb-on-carb treat your guests won’t forget.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers from your Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen with time, making for an excellent next-day lunch or dinner.
Freezing
This dish also freezes well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and store for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best texture and taste.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to keep the pasta from drying out. Cover while warming to ensure that cheesy goodness melts back smoothly and the sauce remains luscious.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While penne is recommended for its hearty shape, other pasta forms like rigatoni or rotini work beautifully as well since they’re great at holding sauce and cheese.
What if I don’t have dried herbs?
Fresh herbs can be a lovely substitution. Use about three times the amount of fresh herbs as dried. Just add them towards the end of cooking to maintain their bright flavor.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Definitely. The Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe is excellent for meal prep because it holds up well in storage and can be quickly reheated for a satisfying, home-cooked meal any day of the week.
Can I make this recipe spicy?
Yes! Simply increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the tomato mixture for some heat that complements the cheesy richness perfectly.
Do I have to shred the chicken?
Shredding the chicken helps it mix evenly with the pasta and sauce and makes for a better texture throughout the dish. However, if you prefer larger pieces, you can slice or cube the chicken before serving.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something so comforting about the Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe that makes it an absolute winner for busy nights or when you simply want a cozy meal without the fuss. The juicy chicken, rich tomato sauce, and melty cheeses come together in such a beautiful way that each bite feels like a warm hug. Give this recipe a try, and I promise it will quickly become a beloved staple in your dinner rotation!
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Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Pasta is a comforting and hearty dish that combines tender, slow-cooked chicken breasts simmered in a flavorful tomato sauce with aromatic herbs and spices. Paired with perfectly cooked penne pasta and topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, this easy slow cooker recipe delivers a deliciously cheesy Italian-inspired meal with minimal hands-on time, perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners.
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 medium 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
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 3/4 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. Place the chicken breasts into a 6-quart slow cooker, ensuring they are spread out evenly on the bottom.
- Prepare Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine crushed tomatoes, diced onion, dried basil, dried oregano, dried parsley, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Stir well to blend all the flavors together.
- Add Sauce to Slow Cooker: Pour the tomato and herb mixture over the seasoned chicken inside the slow cooker. Gently toss or stir to ensure the chicken breasts are well coated with the sauce.
- Slow Cook Chicken: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 4 hours. This allows the chicken to become tender and infused with the tomato herb flavors.
- Shred Chicken: After 4 hours, carefully remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker. Using two forks, shred the chicken 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 the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta well and set aside.
- Combine Pasta and Chicken: Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and add the cooked penne pasta. Stir gently to blend the pasta thoroughly with the chicken and sauce.
- Add Cheeses: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and freshly grated Parmesan cheeses evenly over the pasta and chicken mixture in the slow cooker.
- Melt Cheese: Cover and cook on low for an additional 10 to 20 minutes, or until the cheeses have melted and the dish is hot throughout.
- Serve: Serve the chicken Parmesan pasta immediately, garnished with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
Notes
- You can customize the spiciness by adjusting or omitting the crushed red pepper flakes.
- For a creamier texture, add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half when combining the pasta with the sauce.
- If you prefer, substitute penne with other pasta shapes like rigatoni or ziti.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently in a microwave or stovetop, adding a little water if the pasta seems dry.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
