5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Pasta

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🍝 5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Pasta

Easy Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Penne for a Cozy Family Dinner

This 5-ingredient slow cooker chicken Parmesan pasta is the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it comfort meal. With tender shredded chicken, rich marinara sauce, melty Parmesan cheese, and hearty penne pasta, this easy crockpot dinner is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy nights at home.

Just toss the chicken into the slow cooker with four simple ingredients, cook low and slow, then stir in pasta and cheese for a creamy, family-friendly meal everyone will love.

❤️ Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan

✔ Only 5 simple ingredients
✔ Minimal prep time
✔ Perfect for busy families
✔ Creamy, cheesy comfort food
✔ Great for meal prep and leftovers

📝 Ingredients (Serves 6)

  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara or pasta sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or dried basil and oregano)
  • 2 cups shredded Parmesan cheese, divided
  • 12 ounces penne pasta, cooked and drained

👩‍🍳 How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Penne

Step 1: Prep the Slow Cooker

Lightly spray the inside of your slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Add the Chicken

Lay the chicken breasts in a single layer at the bottom of the slow cooker.

Step 3: Add Sauce & Seasoning

Pour the marinara sauce evenly over the chicken.
Sprinkle Italian seasoning over the top.

Step 4: Slow Cook

Cover and cook:

  • LOW for 4–6 hours, or
  • HIGH for 2–3 hours

The chicken should be tender and shred easily with a fork.

Step 5: Cook the Pasta

About 20 minutes before serving, cook the penne pasta according to package directions. Drain well.

Step 6: Shred the Chicken

Use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker. Stir it into the sauce until fully combined.

Step 7: Add Cheese

Stir in 1 cup of shredded Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.

Step 8: Combine with Pasta

Add the cooked penne to the slow cooker. Gently toss until all the pasta is coated in the cheesy chicken sauce.

Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup Parmesan cheese on top. Cover and let sit on WARM for 5–10 minutes until melted.

Serve hot and enjoy!

🍽 What to Serve with Chicken Parmesan Pasta

  • Garlic bread
  • Warm dinner rolls
  • Simple green salad
  • Steamed green beans
  • Roasted broccoli
  • Sparkling water with lemon or iced tea

🔄 Variations & Tips

Creamier Sauce:
Stir in a splash of milk or a few tablespoons of cream cheese when adding the first cup of Parmesan.

Swap the Protein:
Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for extra juiciness.

Add Vegetables:
Stir in baby spinach or frozen peas during the last 10 minutes of cooking.

Add Crunch:
Top with seasoned breadcrumbs or crushed croutons.

Gluten-Free Option:
Use gluten-free penne and ensure your marinara sauce is labeled gluten-free.

🥡 Leftover Ideas

This slow cooker chicken Parmesan pasta reheats beautifully and can be used for:

  • Baked pasta casseroles
  • Stuffed bell peppers
  • Chicken Parmesan subs
  • Meal prep containers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

⭐ Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for an easy slow cooker pasta recipe, this 5-ingredient chicken Parmesan penne delivers big flavor with minimal effort. It’s cheesy, comforting, and guaranteed to become a regular on your dinner rotation.

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