If you’re searching for a hearty dinner that’s big on flavor but light on effort, this Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Pasta is exactly what you need. It’s one of those classic chicken crockpot recipes easy enough for a busy weeknight but satisfying enough to feel like a special meal. Tender crock pot chicken cooks slowly in a rich marinara chicken recipe sauce, soaking up all those Italian herbs and spices. By dinnertime, you’ll have a pot of savory, cheesy goodness ready to toss with pasta.
This dish combines everything you love about chicken parm and pasta with the simplicity of crockpot dump recipes. You don’t have to brown the chicken or pre-cook the pasta. Just layer your ingredients, let the slow cooker do the work, and finish with a quick stir of freshly cooked pasta. The result is a flavorful bowl of chicken pasta with marinara sauce that feels like a hug in dinner form.

If you’ve been craving garlic parmesan chicken pasta or a twist on classic chicken pasta parmesan recipe, you’ll appreciate how easily this dish comes together. It’s a simpler version of a one pan chicken parmesan pasta, but without having to babysit a skillet. Whether you call it chicken penne, crockpot chicken parmesan, or pasta crockpot recipes — it’s all the same comforting idea. Slow-cooked chicken, rich marinara, and a cheesy finish.
This meal is perfect for those nights when you want something filling but don’t have time to stand over the stove. It’s one of my go-to easy crockpot dinners when I know the evening is going to be hectic. If you’re trying to plan ahead for the week, it also fits perfectly into your rotation of easy crockpot dump meals and slow cooker pasta recipes.
Serve it on its own or pair it with garlic bread and a green salad for a simple, complete meal. If you love the classic flavors of parmesan chicken pasta, crockpot chicken parmesan, or garlic parm chicken, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite.
What You’ll Need
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this delicious crockpot dinner. Most of it you probably already have in your pantry or fridge.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs if you want them extra juicy)
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce (use your favorite brand — no judgment here)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (the real kind, not the shaker)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (for that cheesy top layer)
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, rigatoni — whatever you got is fine)
How to Make Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Pasta
I’m gonna break it down step-by-step so it’s foolproof. This is an easy one, I promise!
Step 1: Prep the crockpot
Start by putting your chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot. No need to cut them or anything — just plop them in there.
Step 2: Season the chicken
Sprinkle on the garlic powder, onion powder, dried basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. This is what’s gonna give your chicken all that good flavor as it cooks.
Step 3: Add the sauce
Pour the marinara sauce right over the chicken. Make sure it covers the chicken completely. This helps the chicken stay juicy while it slow cooks. Give it a little stir if you need to.
Step 4: Slow cook it
Put the lid on your crockpot and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours. I usually do low ’cause I think it makes the chicken more tender, but if you’re in a rush, high works too.
Step 5: Shred the chicken
When the time’s up, grab two forks and shred the chicken right in the pot. It should pull apart super easy. Stir it all up so the chicken mixes into the sauce.
Step 6: Add the cheese
Stir in the Parmesan cheese and half of the mozzarella. It’ll melt into the sauce and get all gooey and delicious. This is the part where I start sneaking little spoonfuls of sauce — it’s that good.
Step 7: Cook your pasta
While your chicken is chillin’ in cheesy sauce, boil a pot of water and cook your pasta according to the box instructions. Drain it and set it aside.
Step 8: Mix it all together
Toss the pasta right into the crockpot and stir it all together. Make sure every noodle gets coated in that cheesy, saucy goodness. This is the part where you feel like a chef, but really, you just stirred stuff together.
Step 9: Top with more cheese
Sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella cheese on top. Put the lid back on for about 5-10 minutes until the cheese gets all melty. If you’re feeling fancy, you could even sprinkle on some fresh basil or parsley for a little color.
Step 10: Serve it up!
Time to eat! Scoop big spoonfuls of this cheesy pasta onto plates and watch your family race to the table. If you have garlic bread or a simple side salad, you’ve got a full-on Italian feast.
Tips & Tricks for the Best Chicken Parmesan Pasta
- Use thighs for extra juicy chicken — If you like super tender, melt-in-your-mouth chicken, thighs are the way to go.
- Cook the pasta fresh — I know it’s tempting to toss uncooked pasta in the crockpot, but trust me, it turns mushy. Cook it separately for best results.
- Want it crispy? — After you add the mozzarella on top, pop the crockpot insert (if it’s oven-safe) under the broiler for a few minutes. It makes that cheese all bubbly and golden brown, just like restaurant-style chicken parm.
Why This Recipe Works
The magic of this recipe is that you’re slow-cooking the chicken in the marinara sauce. All those spices, seasonings, and tomato flavors soak right into the chicken as it cooks. By the time you shred it, it’s packed with flavor and ready to coat every piece of pasta. Add a little cheese, and boom — instant comfort food.
Plus, you’re not standing at the stove all day. This meal practically cooks itself. On busy nights, when my brain is fried from a long day, knowing that dinner is already done feels like a little victory.
FAQs: Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Pasta
1. Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but you’ll need to increase the cooking time. It’s best to cook on LOW for 7-8 hours or HIGH for 4-5 hours to ensure the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat. If possible, thawing the chicken beforehand leads to more even cooking.
2. Do I have to cook the pasta separately?
Yes, it’s best to cook the pasta separately. Adding uncooked pasta to the crockpot can make it mushy since it absorbs too much liquid. For the best texture, cook the pasta on the stovetop and stir it into the sauce just before serving.
3. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Chicken thighs are juicier and more flavorful, so they work really well in this recipe. The cooking time will stay the same, and you’ll end up with tender, fall-apart chicken.
4. Can I make this recipe creamy?
To add creaminess, stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream or 4 oz of cream cheese when you add the Parmesan cheese. This will give the dish a rich, creamy texture similar to a garlic Parmesan sauce.
5. Can I use different types of pasta?
Yes, you can use any short pasta you like. Penne, rotini, rigatoni, ziti, or cavatappi all work great. Avoid long pastas like spaghetti or fettuccine as they don’t mix as well in the crockpot.
7. How do I store leftovers?
Let the pasta cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or broth to loosen up the sauce and heat in the microwave or on the stovetop.
8. Can I freeze this dish?
This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but if you want to freeze it, it’s best to freeze just the chicken and sauce (before adding the pasta). Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight, reheat it in the crockpot or on the stovetop, then add freshly cooked pasta.
9. Can I make this spicier?
To add heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or add a little hot sauce when you’re seasoning the chicken. You can also use a spicy marinara sauce for an extra kick.
10. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can cook the chicken and sauce ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to serve, reheat the chicken and sauce, cook the pasta fresh, and stir it all together.
11. What can I serve with Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Pasta?
This dish pairs perfectly with garlic bread, a simple green salad, or steamed veggies like broccoli or green beans. If you want something heartier, try adding a side of roasted vegetables or a classic Italian side dish like bruschetta.
12. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double the recipe if your crockpot is big enough. Just make sure there’s enough room for everything to cook properly. A 6-quart or larger crockpot works best for a double batch.
13. Why is my cheese not melting properly?
If the cheese isn’t melting, the crockpot may not be hot enough. After you add the mozzarella on top, make sure the lid is on and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. If it still doesn’t melt, you can transfer it to an oven-safe dish and broil it for a couple of minutes.
14. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of marinara sauce?
Fresh tomatoes won’t give you the same flavor or texture as marinara sauce. However, if you want a homemade option, you can cook down fresh tomatoes with garlic, onion, and Italian seasonings to make a sauce before adding it to the crockpot.
15. Can I make this without cheese?
Technically, yes, but you’ll be missing a big part of the “Parmesan” in Chicken Parmesan Pasta. If you want a lighter, dairy-free option, you can leave out the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative like vegan Parmesan and mozzarella shreds.
If you’re looking for a meal that’s simple to make but big on flavor, this Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe is it. With just a few ingredients and a slow cooker, you can create a warm, hearty dinner that feels like classic Chicken Parm and Pasta but with way less effort. It’s one of the best chicken pasta crockpot recipes for busy weeknights, fitting perfectly into your collection of easy crockpot dinners and crockpot dump recipes.
The combination of tender crock pot chicken simmered in rich marinara, cheesy goodness, and perfectly cooked pasta makes this meal a family favorite. It’s like all your favorite elements of garlic Parmesan chicken pasta, chicken penne, and parmesan chicken pasta rolled into one easy-to-make dish. Whether you’re craving Italian crockpot recipes or looking for the perfect favorite casserole recipes, this one checks every box.
Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe Card
Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Pasta
What You Need:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, or thighs for extra juiciness
- 1 jar, 24 oz marinara sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 12 oz pasta, penne, rigatoni, or rotini work well
How To Make:
Prepare the crockpot
- Place chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot. Sprinkle with garlic powder, onion powder, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Pour the marinara sauce on top, ensuring the chicken is fully coated.
Slow cook the chicken
- Cover with the lid and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and easy to shred.
Shred the chicken
- Use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the crockpot. Stir to combine the shredded chicken with the marinara sauce.
Add cheese
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese and 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella. Mix well so the cheese melts into the sauce.
Cook the pasta
- About 20 minutes before the chicken is done, cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Combine pasta and sauce
- Add the cooked pasta to the crockpot and stir until all the pasta is coated in the cheesy marinara sauce.
Top with cheese
- Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese on top. Cover with the lid and cook for another 5-10 minutes until the cheese melts.
Serve and enjoy
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
Recipe Notes
- Use chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful meat.
- For crispy, golden cheese, transfer the mixture to an oven-safe dish, add the cheese, and broil for 2-3 minutes.
- This recipe works with any short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or rotini.
You’ll love how the flavors of chicken parmesan pasta with marinara sauce come together with the creaminess of melted cheese. If you’re a fan of garlic parmesan sauce, you can even stir a little in for an extra creamy finish. It’s one of those slow cooker chicken pasta meals you’ll make again and again because it’s so simple yet so satisfying.
This recipe is proof that chicken pasta with marinara sauce doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s perfect for when you want something cozy without spending all evening in the kitchen. With minimal prep, it’s a go-to option for those who love easy crockpot dump meals and one pan chicken parmesan pasta styles of cooking. Just set it, forget it, and by dinnertime, you’ll have a warm, cheesy meal waiting for you.
Whether you call it crockpot chicken parmesan, crockpot pasta, or a new take on pasta with parmesan cream sauce, this meal will quickly become part of your weekly dinner rotation. It’s an easy, hands-off way to enjoy the flavors of chicken recipes with marinara sauce without extra work. Serve it with a side salad or garlic bread, and you’ve got a complete dinner that’s sure to please.
For a stress-free meal packed with flavor, this chicken pasta parmesan recipe is a winner. Save it, share it, and add it to your list of go-to slow cooker pasta recipes. It’s comforting, cheesy, and exactly what you need after a long day.
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