If you’re looking for an easy, comforting meal with all the flavors of a classic Italian dish, this Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Pasta is the perfect go-to. Tender chicken, a rich tomato sauce, and melty cheese all come together effortlessly in your slow cooker, making it ideal for busy days. Plus, it’s all finished with a satisfying toss of pasta for a complete dinner in one pot.
Table of Contents:
Yield: 8 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
Total Time: 4 hours 45 minutes
Tools for this recipe:
Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe Video:
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups marinara sauce (your favorite)
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 12 oz penne pasta (any pasta)
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
Instructions:
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Place them at the base of your slow cooker.
Step 2: Add Marinara Sauce
Pour the marinara sauce over the seasoned chicken. Make sure the chicken is fully covered in sauce so it stays moist as it cooks.
Step 3: Cook in the Slow Cooker
Cover the slow cooker with the lid and choose the low setting to cook for 4 to 5 hours, or opt for the high setting for 2 to 3 hours. The chicken will turn out tender and thoroughly cooked.
Step 4: Cut the chicken into small pieces
When the chicken is fully cooked, grab two forks and shred it right in the slow cooker. You can also leave the chicken in larger pieces if you prefer chunkier bites.
Step 5: Cook the Pasta Separately
While the chicken is finishing up, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Prepare the pasta by following the instructions on the package until it reaches an al dente texture. Drain and set aside.
Step 6: Add Cheese to the Slow Cooker
Stir the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan into the chicken and sauce mixture. Let the cheese melt and combine, turning the slow cooker to warm if needed. This will make the sauce creamy and cheesy.
Step 7: Toss with Pasta
Once the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is nice and thick, add the cooked pasta to the slow cooker. Toss everything together so the pasta is well coated with the cheesy chicken sauce.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Serve your Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Pasta hot, garnished with fresh basil or parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if you like.
Tips:
- Make it Crispy: If you want the classic crunch of chicken Parmesan, you can top the finished dish with breadcrumbs and bake it under the broiler for a few minutes to get a crispy topping.
- Add Veggies: Toss in some spinach or mushrooms during the last 30 minutes of cooking for a heartier dish.
- Leftovers: Keep your leftovers in the refrigerator for a maximum of three days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a little extra marinara sauce to keep it moist.
This Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Pasta gives you all the cozy, cheesy goodness of chicken Parmesan with the ease of slow-cooked comfort food. Ideal for hectic days when you crave a fulfilling meal without much hassle.
Nutrition Information:
| Nutrient | Amount |
| Calories | 550 kcal |
| Total Fat | 20 g |
| Saturated Fat | 9 g |
| Cholesterol | 120 mg |
| Sodium | 950 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 55 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugars | 6 g |
| Protein | 40 g |
| Vitamin A | 15% of Daily Value |
| Vitamin C | 10% of Daily Value |
| Calcium | 35% of Daily Value |
| Iron | 20% of Daily Value |
Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Pasta Health Benefits:
- High in Protein: Chicken is a great source of lean protein, which supports muscle growth and repair.
- Bone Health: Parmesan and mozzarella provide a good amount of calcium, which strengthens bones and teeth.
- Immune Support: Garlic powder and marinara sauce are rich in antioxidants that help boost the immune system.
- Heart Health: The use of olive oil-based marinara sauce provides heart-healthy fats.
- Energy Boost: Pasta offers a steady source of carbohydrates, giving you sustained energy.
- Rich in Vitamins: The marinara sauce adds vitamin C, which supports immune health and skin health.
- Healthy Digestion: The fiber from the pasta and any added vegetables helps promote a healthy digestive system.
- Muscle Recovery: Chicken breast provides key amino acids necessary for muscle recovery post-workout.
- Lowers Blood Pressure: Basil and parsley, used as garnishes, have compounds that may help regulate blood pressure.
- Promotes Eye Health: Parmesan cheese is rich in vitamin A, which supports good vision and eye health.
Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Pasta Storage Instructions:
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Let the dish cool before sealing to prevent excess moisture.
- Freezing: Freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen or thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheat & Reuse Instructions:
Reheating:
- Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave. Add a little extra marinara sauce or chicken broth to prevent the pasta from drying out.
Reuse:
- Use leftovers as a filling for a chicken Parmesan sandwich on a toasted hoagie roll.
- Add extra veggies like spinach or mushrooms to the reheated pasta for a different twist.
- Incorporate the chicken Parmesan pasta into a baked casserole by adding more cheese and baking it until golden and bubbly.
FAQ’s
Q. How do you make Chicken Parmesan Pasta in a slow cooker?
To make this dish, add raw chicken breasts, marinara sauce, and seasonings (like garlic, Italian seasoning, and salt) to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours. Once the chicken is cooked through, shred it, and add cooked pasta along with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Let it melt and combine before serving.
Q. Do I need to cook the pasta before adding it to the slow cooker?
Yes, it’s best to cook the pasta separately and stir it in at the end. Adding uncooked pasta to the slow cooker can result in overcooked, mushy pasta because it doesn’t hold up well during long slow cooking times.
Q. Can I use frozen chicken in this slow cooker recipe?
While it’s technically safe to use frozen chicken in the slow cooker, it will increase the cooking time significantly. For best results, thaw the chicken before adding it to the slow cooker to ensure even cooking and better texture.
Q. What kind of pasta is best for Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Pasta?
Short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or rotini works best because it holds up well and soaks up the sauce nicely. Avoid long pasta like spaghetti as it might not mix as well with the other ingredients in the slow cooker.
Q. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time in the slow cooker and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, cook the pasta and mix it in, then heat everything through in the slow cooker or on the stovetop.
Q. What can I add to Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Pasta for extra flavor?
You can add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for more texture and nutrition. A sprinkle of fresh basil or crushed red pepper flakes at the end adds extra flavor. For a heartier dish, you can also mix in cooked sausage or ground beef.
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