If you’re craving a meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, the Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe is here to become your new best friend in the kitchen. This dish combines tender, juicy chicken slow-cooked to perfection with a rich tomato sauce and perfectly cooked penne pasta, layered with melty mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. It’s the ultimate comfort food that’s surprisingly effortless to make, delivering Italian-inspired flavors with minimal fuss—making weeknights feel a little more special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients. Each one plays a key role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color that make this dish irresistible from first bite to last.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: The star protein, which becomes tender and shreddable after slow cooking.
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural flavors of the chicken and sauce.
- Crushed tomatoes: Provide a rich, tangy base that simmers down to a luscious sauce.
- Onion, diced: Adds subtle sweetness and depth to the sauce.
- Dried basil: Infuses a classic Italian herb aroma.
- Dried oregano: Offers an earthy note that complements the tomato and chicken beautifully.
- Dried parsley: Brightens the sauce and adds freshness.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For those who love a touch of heat to balance the richness.
- Penne pasta: Perfect for soaking up the sauce and holding those cheesy bites.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into gooey, creamy layers on top.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty finish that’s signature to any Chicken Parmesan dish.
- Fresh parsley, chopped: For a pop of color and fresh herbal lift when serving.
How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Season and Layer Your Chicken
Start by generously seasoning the boneless skinless chicken breasts with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. This simple seasoning is crucial because it enhances the natural flavor of the chicken so that every bite is perfectly balanced. Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of your slow cooker—it’s important to create a flavorful foundation for the sauce.
Step 2: Prepare and Add the Sauce
In a large bowl, mix together the crushed tomatoes, diced onion, dried basil, oregano, parsley, and if you like a bit of a spice kick, some crushed red pepper flakes. Stir well to combine these ingredients into a vibrant, aromatic sauce. Pour this over the chicken in the slow cooker, then toss gently to make sure every piece of chicken is smothered in that tasty tomato mixture.
Step 3: Slow Cook to Tender Perfection
Cover your slow cooker with the lid and set it to cook on low heat for 4 hours. This slow, gentle cooking process allows the chicken to absorb all those wonderful Italian flavors while becoming incredibly tender and easy to shred.
Step 4: Shred the Chicken
Once the cooking time is up, carefully remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and shred them using two forks. This shredding step transforms the chicken into bite-sized pieces that will blend seamlessly with the pasta and sauce.
Step 5: Cook the Pasta
Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, and cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta well—this is important so the pasta doesn’t become mushy once mixed with the sauce.
Step 6: Combine Chicken, Pasta, and Cheese
Add the shredded chicken and cooked penne pasta right back into the slow cooker. Stir everything together so all those flavors get evenly distributed. Then, sprinkle shredded mozzarella and freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top for that classic cheesy finish.
Step 7: Melt the Cheese
Put the lid back on and let the dish cook on low heat for an additional 10 to 20 minutes. This step melts the cheese to bubbling, gooey perfection and lets the flavors meld even further.
Step 8: Ready to Serve!
Your Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe is officially ready. For the best presentation and taste, serve it immediately, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for a hint of brightness.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped parsley is more than just a pretty touch—it adds a vibrant herbal note that contrasts wonderfully with the rich tomato sauce and creamy cheeses. A light drizzle of good-quality extra virgin olive oil or a few fresh basil leaves can elevate the dish even more.
Side Dishes
Pair this hearty pasta with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette, or some steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans for a well-rounded meal. Garlic bread or a warm crusty baguette is also a perfect companion to soak up any leftover sauce on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe in individual oven-safe dishes, adding extra cheese and broiling for a couple of minutes for a bubbly, golden crust on top. Alternatively, try layering the pasta in a casserole dish with more cheese before baking for a comforting baked pasta style.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making for a delicious next-day meal.
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully. Divide portions into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to keep the cheese creamy and prevent it from drying out. Adding a splash of water or broth can help loosen the sauce, restoring that fresh, saucy texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but it will increase the cooking time by about an hour. Make sure the chicken is fully cooked and tender before shredding.
What type of pasta works best in this recipe?
Penne pasta is ideal because its tube shape holds onto the sauce beautifully. However, other pasta shapes like rigatoni or rotini would work just as well.
Can I make this recipe spicy?
Absolutely! Adding crushed red pepper flakes to the tomato sauce is an easy way to introduce some heat. You can also experiment with a pinch of cayenne pepper if you want it even spicier.
Is it possible to prepare this recipe without a slow cooker?
While the slow cooker is key for that tender, melt-in-your-mouth chicken, you can make a stovetop version by simmering the sauce and chicken slowly over low heat until the chicken is cooked through and shreddable—though it will require more active time.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
You can substitute fresh herbs, but use about three times the amount of fresh herbs compared to dried, since dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re looking to simplify dinnertime or impress with a cozy, crowd-pleasing meal, this Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe ticks all the boxes. It’s a delightful blend of hearty, cheesy comfort with fresh, vibrant flavors that make every bite memorable. Give it a try, and you might just find this becoming your go-to recipe for busy weeknights or casual gatherings with loved ones.
Print
Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
A comforting and hearty Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Pasta that combines tender chicken cooked in a flavorful tomato sauce with perfectly cooked penne pasta, topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. This easy-to-make, hands-off recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and serves a crowd with rich Italian-inspired flavors.
Ingredients
Chicken and Sauce
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided
- 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
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Season the boneless skinless chicken breasts evenly with 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. Place the chicken into the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker.
- Make the tomato sauce: In a large bowl, combine the crushed tomatoes, diced onion, dried basil, dried oregano, dried parsley, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), and the remaining salt and pepper. Stir well to combine all ingredients into a cohesive sauce.
- Add sauce to slow cooker: Pour the tomato mixture over the chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Toss gently to ensure the chicken is coated evenly with the sauce.
- Slow cook the chicken: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low heat for 4 hours, allowing the chicken to become tender and absorb the flavors of the sauce.
- Shred the chicken: After 4 hours, carefully remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and shred them using two forks until finely pulled apart.
- Cook the pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta well and set aside.
- Combine chicken and pasta: Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and add the cooked penne pasta. Stir thoroughly to combine the pasta with the chicken and sauce mixture.
- Add cheeses and melt: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses evenly over the top of the pasta and chicken mixture. Cover the slow cooker again and cook on low for an additional 10-20 minutes until the cheeses melt completely and begin to bubble.
- Serve and garnish: Serve the chicken Parmesan pasta immediately, garnished with fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
Notes
- If preferred, substitute penne pasta with rigatoni or rotini depending on your texture preference.
- For a spicier dish, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the tomato mixture.
- Use low-moisture mozzarella cheese to prevent excess water in the slow cooker when melting the cheese.
- The shredded chicken can be prepared ahead of time and added at step 7 for quicker assembly.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently in a microwave or stovetop.
