Description

This creamy, cheesy Parmesan chicken pasta is a comforting, protein-packed dinner made effortlessly in your crockpot. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s a crowd-pleaser with tender chicken, tangy marinara, and rich Parmesan sauce.

Ingredients

Scale

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
2 cups marinara sauce
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup chicken broth (low-sodium recommended)
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried Italian herbs (or 1 tbsp fresh, chopped)
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/4 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
12 oz penne or rotini pasta (any short shape, gluten-free works too)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)
1/4 cup extra Parmesan, grated (for serving)
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

Place chicken breasts (or thighs) evenly in the bottom of your crockpot.
Pour in marinara sauce and chicken broth. Sprinkle in minced garlic, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Finish with 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Ensure chicken is fully submerged.
Cover and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or HIGH for 2-2.5 hours, until chicken is cooked through and tender.
Remove chicken, shred with two forks, and return to crockpot. Stir to combine.
Boil pasta in a medium saucepan according to package directions (8-10 minutes for penne). Drain well.
Add drained pasta to crockpot and stir to coat with sauce.
Sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top, cover, and let melt for 5-10 minutes on LOW.
Finish with extra Parmesan and chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

For extra flavor, use chicken thighs. Grate your own Parmesan for best texture. Add a splash of pasta water or chicken broth if sauce is too thick. For a crispier cheese topping, broil in a baking dish for 2-3 minutes. Gluten-free and dairy-free adaptations are easy. Leftovers taste even better the next day.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: About 1/6 of the recipe (1 generous bowl)
Calories: 400
Sugar: 5
Sodium: 800
Fat: 13
Saturated Fat: 5
Carbohydrates: 35
Fiber: 3
Protein: 32

Keywords: crockpot chicken pasta, parmesan chicken, slow cooker pasta, easy weeknight dinner, cheesy chicken pasta, family meal, comfort food, meal prep