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Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Pasta - Cozy, Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
  • 24–28 ounces marinara sauce (your favorite jarred or homemade)
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste (optional, for richer flavor)
  • 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil (or use fresh at the end)
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 8 ounces dry pasta (penne, rotini, or ziti)
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth or water (for cooking pasta)
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
  • 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil (optional, for richness)
  • Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, for garnish

Method
 

  1. Layer the base: Add the chicken breasts to the crockpot. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, basil, onion powder, and red pepper flakes. Add the onion and garlic on top.
  2. Add the sauce: Pour in the marinara and stir the tomato paste into the sauce if using. Make sure the chicken is mostly covered.
  3. Slow cook: Cover and cook on Low for 4–5 hours or High for 2.5–3 hours, until the chicken is fork-tender and easily shreds.
  4. Shred the chicken: Remove the chicken to a cutting board and shred with two forks. Return it to the crockpot, stir, and taste the sauce. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
  5. Add pasta and liquid: Stir in the dry pasta and 1 cup of chicken broth or water. Make sure the pasta is submerged in the sauce. If the sauce is very thick, add an extra 1/4 cup liquid.
  6. Cook the pasta: Cover and cook on High for 20–30 minutes, stirring once halfway. Start checking at 18 minutes; pasta should be al dente.
  7. Cheesy finish: Stir in the butter or olive oil if using. Sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan over the top. Cover and cook for 5–10 minutes until the cheese melts.
  8. Garnish and serve: Top with fresh basil or parsley. Serve hot with extra parmesan and a side salad or garlic bread.