The first time I smelled warm slow cooker chicken parmesan pasta bubbling away from Grandma Mary’s kitchen, I was a little girl barely tall enough to reach the counter. She’d call my name and I’d come running, like dinner was the most important event of the day. The rich aroma of tender chicken, rich tomato sauce, and hearty pasta filled every corner of the house.
This slow cooker chicken parmesan pasta recipe is more than just a dump & go slow cooker dinner it’s a bite of Italian comfort wrapped in love. Stay with me, and we’ll make it together, step by step.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Pasta
- Tender chicken cooked low and slow for 4 hours
- Rich marinara sauce that melds perfectly with parmesan
- Perfect weeknight dinner that practically cooks itself
- Kid-approved and adult-friendly family favorite
- Easily made with simple ingredients you likely have on hand
- Fills your home with nostalgic Italian warmth
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Pasta
Required Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 package (12 oz) penne pasta
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Importance of These Ingredients:
Each ingredient plays a crucial role in this crockpot masterpiece. The boneless chicken breasts become fork-tender after slow cooking, while the marinara sauce provides that classic Italian base. Cream cheese creates the perfect creamy texture, and the combination of mozzarella and Parmesan delivers that authentic chicken parmesan flavor. The Italian seasoning ties everything together like Grandma’s signature touch you’ll never forget.
Preparation Instructions for Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Pasta
Step 1: Prepare the Crockpot Base
Add one pound of chicken breast to the crockpot along with marinara sauce, chicken broth, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper.
💡 Hint: You just throw boneless chicken breasts into the crockpot—no need to brown them first!
Step 2: Slow Cook the Chicken
Cook on low for 3-4 hours or high for 2-3 hours until chicken is tender and easily shreds.
Step 3: Shred and Add Pasta
Remove chicken, shred with two forks, then return to the slow cooker. Add uncooked penne pasta and stir gently.
Step 4: Final Cooking
Continue cooking on low for 30-45 minutes until pasta is tender. Stir in softened cream cheese and shredded mozzarella until melted and creamy.
Step 5: Serve
Top with grated Parmesan cheese and serve this slow-cooked to perfection dinner immediately.
From Grandma Mary’s Kitchen
I used to always worry about overcooking the pasta in the slow cooker. One time we ended up with mushy noodles instead of perfectly tender ones! Grandma just laughed and said:
“Even kitchen mistakes can teach us patience, dear. Good food takes time to learn.”
Since then, she taught me to check the pasta every 10 minutes during the final cooking stage and smile through the learning process.
Substitutions for Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Pasta
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and check that your marinara sauce is gluten-free
- Dairy-Free: Substitute dairy-free cream cheese and nutritional yeast for the cheeses
- Lower Fat: Use Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese and reduce the amount of mozzarella
- Protein Swap: Try boneless chicken thighs for even more tender results
Variations on Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Pasta
- Add fresh spinach in the last 10 minutes for extra nutrition
- Mix in sun-dried tomatoes for deeper flavor
- Try buffalo garlic parmesan chicken pasta by adding buffalo sauce
- Create a chicken parmesan casserole by topping with breadcrumbs before serving
Equipment for Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Pasta
- 7-quart slow cooker or crockpot
- Two forks for shredding chicken
- Large spoon for stirring
💡 Don’t have a large slow cooker? This recipe works in a 6-quart too, just watch the liquid levels!
Storage Tips for Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Pasta
- Fridge: Store up to 4 days in an airtight container
- Freezer: This dish is suitable for freezer storage for up to 2 months (though pasta texture may change slightly)
- Reheating: Add a splash of chicken broth when reheating to restore creaminess
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Makes 6 servings):
- Calories: 485
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Grandma Mary’s Secret to Perfect Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Pasta
Grandma used to say:
“The secret to perfect pasta in the slow cooker isn’t timing—it’s patience. Check it, stir it with love, and trust your instincts.”
And I still believe that today. This garlic parmesan chicken pasta slow cooker recipe teaches us that the best meals come to those who wait.
FAQ about Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Pasta
Can I use frozen chicken breasts? Yes! Add an extra 30-60 minutes to the cooking time. The slow cooker will safely thaw and cook frozen chicken.
How long do I cook the chicken? Cook on low for 3-4 hours or high for 2-3 hours until the chicken shreds easily with a fork.
Can I substitute the pasta? Absolutely! Try rotini, rigatoni, or even spaghetti. Just adjust cooking time as needed smaller pasta cooks faster.
Is the dish suitable for freezer storage? Yes, though the pasta texture may become slightly softer after freezing. It’s still delicious reheated!
Can I make this recipe vegetarian? Replace chicken with extra vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian version.
Do I add cheese at the beginning or at the end? Add cream cheese and mozzarella at the end to prevent curdling. Parmesan can be added as a final topping.
How do I prevent the pasta from overcooking? Check the pasta every 10 minutes during the final 30-45 minute cooking stage and test for doneness.
What toppings go well with this dish? Fresh basil, extra Parmesan, red pepper flakes, or a drizzle of olive oil make excellent finishing touches.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a recipe to gather the family around on a busy weeknight, this slow cooker chicken parmesan pasta is the one. It’s comfort food at its finest tender, creamy, and packed with Italian flavor that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
And if you’d like more cozy slow cooker recipes to pair with this, check out our Slow Cooker Chicken Curry or Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo for your next family dinner adventure!
Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Pasta
Equipment
- 7-quart Slow Cooker or Crockpot
- Two Forks for Shredding
- Large Spoon for Stirring
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 package (12 oz) penne pasta uncooked
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Add one pound of chicken breast to the crockpot along with marinara sauce, chicken broth, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper.
- Cook on low for 3-4 hours or high for 2-3 hours until chicken is tender and easily shreds.
- Remove chicken, shred with two forks, then return to the slow cooker. Add uncooked penne pasta and stir gently.
- Continue cooking on low for 30-45 minutes until pasta is tender. Check every 10 minutes to prevent overcooking.
- Stir in softened cream cheese and shredded mozzarella until melted and creamy.
- Top with grated Parmesan cheese and serve this slow-cooked to perfection dinner immediately.
Notes
• You just throw boneless chicken breasts into the crockpot—no need to brown them first!
• Check the pasta every 10 minutes during the final cooking stage to prevent overcooking
• Add a splash of chicken broth when reheating to restore creaminess
• This recipe works in a 6-quart slow cooker too, just watch the liquid levels Variations:
• Add fresh spinach in the last 10 minutes for extra nutrition
• Try buffalo garlic parmesan chicken pasta by adding buffalo sauce
• Mix in sun-dried tomatoes for deeper flavor
Other recipes you may like
- Slow Cooker Chicken Merlot Recipe
- Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy Recipe
- Gooey and Cheesy Slow Cooker Pizza
- Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe (Creamy & Ready in 4 Hours)
- Slow Cooker Chicken Curry Recipe
- White Cheddar Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Old Dutch Popcorn Salad Recipe (Classic Recipe)
- Crockpot Taco Spaghetti: The Ultimate Comfort Food Mashup
- Chicken in Crockpot for Enchiladas
- ore ida tater tots air fryer
- Easy Air Fryer Churro Pasta Chips Recipe
- Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken Recipe
