This Crock Pot Italian Chicken Pasta is a warm, comforting meal that’s super easy to make! With tender chicken, zesty tomatoes, and your favorite pasta, it’s a dinner winner!
I love tossing everything into the slow cooker and letting it do its magic while I relax. It fills the house with yummy smells! Just grab a fork and enjoy – dinner doesn’t get simpler than this!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: I recommend boneless, skinless chicken for this dish as it becomes tender when cooked in the slow cooker. If you’re looking for a twist, you can use chicken thighs for a richer flavor or even turkey breast if you want a leaner option.
Marinara Sauce: Store-bought marinara is quick and easy. If you prefer homemade, combine crushed tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and herbs for a fresher taste. You can substitute with any tomato-based sauce, like arrabbiata for some spice!
Italian Seasoning: This blend of herbs adds great flavor. If you don’t have it, mix oregano, basil, and thyme to create a similar profile. You could also use fresh herbs if available; just be sure to adjust the amounts since fresh is more potent.
Pasta: Penne is perfect for this dish, but if you’re out, feel free to swap it for other pasta types like rigatoni or farfalle. Just be sure to adjust cooking times accordingly. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free penne or chickpea pasta.
Cheese: Mozzarella and Parmesan bring a lovely creaminess and flavor. If you’re short on mozzarella, provolone or even goat cheese work well. Nutritional yeast is a great non-dairy substitute if you’re vegan.
How Do You Cook Perfect Pasta in a Slow Cooker?
Cooking pasta in a slow cooker can be tricky since it can overcook easily. Here’s how to make sure it turns out just right:
- **Timing is Key:** Add the pasta at the end of the cooking process. In this recipe, add it during the last 30 minutes when the chicken is done cooking.
- **Liquid Balance:** Ensure there’s enough liquid in the slow cooker—keep a close eye on the broth levels. If it’s too thick, you can add a splash of chicken broth during the last cooking stage.
- **Stir Carefully:** When you add the pasta, stir gently. This helps distribute it evenly without breaking it apart.
- **Check for Doneness:** Test a piece of pasta around the 25-minute mark to catch it at that perfect al dente stage. It should have a slight bite to it.
Following these tips will help you avoid mushy pasta and get that ideal texture. Enjoy your cooking!
Delicious Crock Pot Italian Chicken Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Mixture:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Pasta Dish:
- 2 cups penne pasta
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty dish requires about 10 minutes of prep time and 5-6 hours of cooking time in the crock pot. It’s a perfect dish to set in the morning and enjoy later in the day without worrying about dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken Mixture:
Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in your slow cooker. Add the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, minced garlic, and sprinkle in some salt and pepper. Stir everything together until the chicken is nicely coated with the sauce.
2. Add the Chicken Broth:
Pour the chicken broth over the chicken mixture. Give it a gentle stir to combine all the ingredients well. It’s getting flavorful already!
3. Start Cooking:
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 5-6 hours. You want the chicken to be fully cooked and tender, so it shreds easily. Don’t rush the process; slow cooking makes it extra delicious!
4. Shred the Chicken:
Once the cooking time is up, carefully take the chicken breasts out of the crock pot. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. It should come apart easily! Then return the shredded chicken back to the pot.
5. Add the Pasta:
Next, toss in the penne pasta and give it a good stir to mix it into the sauce. This is where you really start creating that lovely, hearty pasta dish.
6. Cook the Pasta:
Cover the crock pot once more. Switch the setting to high and let it cook for an additional 30 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked al dente. Keep an eye on it, ensuring it doesn’t overcook!
7. Add the Cheeses:
Once the pasta is cooked, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese on top. Cover the pot again and let it sit for about 5 minutes to allow the cheese to melt deliciously over the pasta.
8. Mix and Serve:
Gently stir the melted cheese into the pasta dish, ensuring everything is combined nicely. Serve the dish hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley for a lovely finishing touch. Enjoy your flavorful meal!
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While penne is great for this recipe, you can substitute it with other pasta shapes like rotini, fusilli, or rigatoni. Just keep an eye on the cooking time as different shapes may require adjustments to ensure they’re cooked al dente.
What If I Don’t Have Marinara Sauce?
No worries! If you don’t have marinara sauce, you can use a combination of crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and Italian herbs to create a quick homemade sauce. About 1 cup of crushed tomatoes mixed with 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning will work well!
Can I Make This Gluten-Free?
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of broth or water if it seems dry. Enjoy your tasty remakes!
