5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Penne

 5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Penne

This 5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Penne is an easy, cheesy dinner that brings together tender chicken, hearty pasta, rich marinara sauce, and plenty of melted cheese. Everything comes together with just five simple ingredients, making it a convenient meal for busy weeknights.

The slow cooker does most of the work, while the pasta is added toward the end so it stays tender without becoming overly soft. It’s a cozy family dinner that delivers all the comforting flavors of classic chicken Parmesan with very little effort.

Ingredients

• 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 24 ounces marinara sauce
• 12 ounces penne pasta
• 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

The five main ingredients are: chicken breasts, marinara sauce, penne pasta, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese.

How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Penne

1. Add the Chicken and Sauce

Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker. Pour the marinara sauce over the chicken, making sure it is well covered.

2. Slow Cook the Chicken

Cover and cook on LOW for 4–6 hours, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is tender enough to shred or slice.

Cooking time can vary depending on the size and thickness of the chicken breasts and your slow cooker.

3. Shred the Chicken

Carefully remove the cooked chicken and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the marinara sauce and stir to combine.

4. Add the Pasta

Break the penne into the sauce if necessary and stir it into the slow cooker. Make sure the pasta is well coated with sauce.

Cover and continue cooking on HIGH for about 25–40 minutes, stirring once or twice, until the pasta is tender.

Check the pasta toward the earlier end of the cooking time because slow cookers can vary. Avoid cooking it much longer than necessary to prevent mushy pasta.

5. Add the Cheese

Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the top. Cover again and cook for about 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Let the dish sit for a few minutes before serving.

Tips for the Best Chicken Parmesan Penne

Use a good-quality marinara sauce because it provides most of the flavor in this simple recipe.

Try to use similarly sized chicken breasts so they cook evenly.

Add the uncooked pasta near the end rather than at the beginning. This helps prevent it from becoming overly soft during the long slow-cooking time.

For an extra cheesy finish, sprinkle a little additional mozzarella over individual servings.

Easy Variations

You can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. The cooking time may vary slightly.

For a stronger Parmesan flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

You can also substitute another short pasta shape, such as rotini or rigatoni, although cooking time may need to be adjusted.

What to Serve With Chicken Parmesan Penne

Serve this cheesy pasta with garlic bread, a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or steamed broccoli.

The marinara sauce also makes this dish especially good with crusty bread for soaking up every last bit of sauce.

How to Store Leftovers

Allow leftovers to cool before transferring them to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3–4 days.

Reheat individual portions in the microwave or gently in a covered skillet. Add a small splash of water or marinara sauce if the pasta seems dry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add the pasta at the beginning?

It is better to add the pasta near the end of cooking. Adding it at the beginning can cause the penne to become overly soft after several hours in the slow cooker.

Can I use chicken thighs?

Yes. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and can make the dish especially tender.

Can I use another type of pasta?

Yes. Short pasta shapes such as rotini, rigatoni, or ziti can work. Keep an eye on the pasta during the final cooking stage because different shapes cook at different rates.

How do I know when the chicken is done?

The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) when measured in the thickest part with an instant-read thermometer.

Final Thoughts

This 5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Penne is a simple way to enjoy the comforting flavors of chicken Parmesan without complicated preparation. Tender chicken, marinara sauce, penne pasta, mozzarella, and Parmesan come together for a hearty, cheesy dinner that is perfect for busy family nights.