If you’re after the ultimate comfort dinner that practically cooks itself, Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Pasta is calling your name. Imagine irresistibly tender chicken simmered low and slow in a blanket of garlicky, herby marinara, then tossed with pasta and gooey cheese for that signature Italian-American flair. The beauty is in its simplicity—this is the kind of recipe that magically comes together even on your busiest days, yet delivers big flavors, lots of cheese, and joy in every bite. There’s something so nostalgic (and undeniably delicious) about this pasta, especially when it’s bubbling and ready with barely more effort than pushing a button on your slow cooker!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredient list for Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Pasta is short yet perfectly balanced, and every item truly earns a spot in the pot. Each one brings its own special texture, flavor, or color to create the loving, cheesy hug you crave at dinner time.
- Chicken breasts or thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken gives hearty protein and shreds beautifully after a few hours of slow cooking.
- Garlic powder: For a mellow garlicky warmth without any chopping required.
- Onion powder: Adds savory depth and amplifies the Italian flavors.
- Italian seasoning: This classic dried herb blend infuses the dish with herby, aromatic notes.
- Salt: Essential for bringing all the flavors together; adjust to your preference.
- Black pepper: Just enough to give a gentle kick and enhance overall taste.
- Marinara sauce: A jar of your favorite brand becomes the luscious tomato base that ties everything together.
- Chicken broth: Keeps the chicken moist and flavorful as it cooks.
- Mozzarella cheese: For that classic, melty, cheesy pull in every forkful.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds a savory, nutty richness you expect in Chicken Parmesan pasta.
- Penne or rotini pasta: Choose a sturdy shape to soak up the sauce and avoid mushiness—just cook it a little less than al dente first!
- Fresh basil or parsley (optional): Chopped herbs make everything feel and taste fresh and vibrant.
- Seasoned breadcrumbs (optional): Sprinkle on top for an irresistible, crispy finish that mimics true Chicken Parmesan.
How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Pasta
Step 1: Season and Arrange the Chicken
First things first: grab your slow cooker and give it a quick spray with nonstick cooking spray (or brush with oil). Nestle the chicken breasts or thighs right into the bottom, then shower them evenly with garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. This seasoning blend is your flavor foundation, so don’t skip this step—it sets the stage for everything else.
Step 2: Add Marinara and Broth
Take your favorite jarred marinara sauce and pour it gently over the seasoned chicken, making sure every piece gets coated. Next, add the chicken broth. This not only introduces juiciness and depth, but also ensures there’s enough liquid to infuse and tenderize the chicken as it slow cooks. No stirring needed; the magic happens as the slow cooker does its thing.
Step 3: Slow Cook Until Shreddable
Cover and set your slow cooker to low for 4–5 hours or high for 2–3 hours. All you have to do is wait until the chicken is fall-apart tender—ready to shred with just the touch of a fork. This is when those delicious tomato and herb flavors really seep into the chicken, making it incredibly juicy and tasty.
Step 4: Shred the Chicken and Add Pasta & Cheese
When the chicken is cooked through and wonderfully tender, use two forks to shred it directly in the slow cooker. Now’s the best part: stir in your cooked and drained pasta, followed by the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Mix everything well until the cheese starts to melt and cloak that chicken and pasta in cheesy, saucy goodness.
Step 5: Finish with Breadcrumbs (Optional)
If you want to channel classic Chicken Parmesan vibes, sprinkle seasoned breadcrumbs over the top. You can leave the slow cooker on warm for 10–15 minutes so the crumbs soften slightly in the residual heat, or pop them under the broiler for a few minutes if you want an extra-crispy, golden finish. Totally up to your mood!
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Right before serving, toss on a handful of fresh basil or parsley for a burst of color and herby freshness. This little sprinkle brightens up the whole dish, elevating flavors and presentation in seconds.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Pasta
Garnishes
A generous shower of fresh basil or parsley is an absolute must for Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Pasta. If you love extra cheese, add a last-minute dusting of grated Parmesan right before serving—the more, the merrier! A dash of red pepper flakes also goes a long way for anyone who likes a subtle spicy kick.
Side Dishes
This cheesy pasta is filling on its own, but it happily welcomes a crisp green salad or lemony steamed broccoli on the side for a bit of balance. Don’t forget crusty bread or garlic knots to mop up any leftover sauce—it’s practically non-negotiable when homemade marinara and cheese are in the mix!
Creative Ways to Present
You can ladle Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Pasta straight from the slow cooker for an easy, crowd-pleasing family dinner. Or, get fancy by twirling portions into shallow bowls, topping each with extra breadcrumbs and herbs. For parties, serve it in a big platter with a little bowl of extra Parmesan and chopped fresh herbs on the side so everyone can customize their plate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Pack up any leftover pasta in airtight containers and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to meld and develop overnight, so leftovers are genuinely something to look forward to! Let the pasta cool to room temperature before storing to avoid excess moisture.
Freezing
If you want to freeze portions for later, spoon the cooled Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Pasta into freezer-safe containers or bags. Try to remove as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2 months for best flavor and texture. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
For best results, reheat leftover pasta in a covered skillet or saucepan on medium-low heat, stirring with a splash of chicken broth or water to restore creaminess. You can also microwave individual portions; cover them loosely and heat in 60-second bursts, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken in my slow cooker?
For safety reasons, it’s best to start with thawed chicken when making Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Pasta. Frozen chicken may not reach a safe temperature quickly enough, which could pose a food safety risk. Thaw chicken in the refrigerator overnight before cooking for best results.
What kind of pasta works best in this dish?
Penne or rotini are ideal choices—they’re sturdy enough to hold up to the sauce and slow cooking process. Other short shapes like rigatoni or ziti work well too. Just be sure to cook your pasta just shy of al dente before mixing it in, which helps it stay perfectly textured.
Can I make the dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and sauce in the slow cooker a day ahead, then stir in cooked pasta and cheeses just before serving. If reheating, add a splash of broth to loosen things up and ensure it stays creamy and cheesy.
Can I substitute the cheeses or use less cheese?
Feel free to mix up the cheeses—try swapping some mozzarella for provolone or even fontina if you have it. You can also reduce the cheese quantities if you want a lighter dish, but the signature gooeyness and rich flavor might not be quite as pronounced.
Is it possible to add vegetables to the slow cooker?
Definitely! Bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms make excellent additions. Simply chop and add them in with the chicken and marinara at the beginning of cooking. They’ll blend in beautifully, adding color, nutrients, and a subtle extra layer of flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Pasta checks every box when it comes to a dreamy weeknight dinner: easy, cheesy, and packed with classic Italian flavor. I can’t recommend it enough for anyone looking to create serious comfort with minimal work—so give it a try and watch it vanish from your dinner table. Happy slow cooking!
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Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in this comforting Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Pasta, a delicious Italian-American dish that combines tender chicken, gooey cheese, and flavorful marinara sauce. Perfect for busy days, this hearty meal is a family favorite!
Ingredients
For Chicken:
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For Pasta:
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 12 oz penne or rotini pasta, cooked and drained
- ¼ cup chopped fresh basil or parsley (optional)
- ½ cup seasoned breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Place chicken in the slow cooker, season with spices.
- Cook: Pour marinara sauce and broth, cook until chicken is tender.
- Shred Chicken: Shred chicken, add pasta, cheeses, mix well.
- Finish: Add breadcrumbs, cook briefly, garnish with herbs.
Notes
- Use rotini or penne for best results.
- Cook pasta just shy of al dente to prevent mushiness.
- Substitute mozzarella with provolone for variation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 470
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 690mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
