Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Pasta

This 5-ingredient slow cooker chicken Parmesan pasta is truly a “set it and forget it” dinner. You just toss the chicken into the slow cooker along with four other easy pantry ingredients, and let it do its thing. Right before you’re ready to eat, you simply mix in cooked penne pasta.

As it cooks, the chicken turns super tender and falls apart easily in a thick, delicious tomato sauce. It’s topped off with melted, gooey Parmesan cheese that makes every bite extra tasty. This dish is perfect for those laid-back nights when you want a warm, comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara or pasta sauce
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, or mix a little dried basil and dried oregano if you don’t have it.
• 2 cups shredded Parmesan cheese, split into two batches
• 12 oz penne pasta, cooked and drained

Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Pasta: Directions

1. Spray the slow cooker – Lightly coat the inside with nonstick cooking spray so cleanup is easier later.
2. Add the chicken – Lay the chicken breasts in a single flat layer on the bottom. Avoid stacking so they cook evenly.
3. Pour on the sauce and seasoning – Cover the chicken completely with marinara sauce, then sprinkle the Italian seasoning evenly on top.
4. Cook the chicken – Cover and cook on LOW for 4–6 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours, until the chicken is soft and shreds easily.
5. Cook the pasta – About 20 minutes before serving, boil the penne per the box directions, then drain in a colander.
6. Shred the chicken – Use two forks to shred the chicken right in the slow cooker, then stir it into the sauce.
7. Melt in the first batch of cheese – Stir in 1 cup of Parmesan until melted and the sauce turns creamy.
8. Add the pasta – Toss the hot, drained pasta into the slow cooker until fully coated in sauce.
9. Top and melt the last cheese – Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan on top, cover, and switch to WARM for 5–10 minutes until melted.
10. Taste and serve – Adjust salt or seasoning if needed, then scoop into bowls and serve hot.