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5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Penne

This 5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Penne is an easy, comforting dinner with tender shredded chicken, saucy penne, and plenty of Parmesan. Everything cooks together with minimal hands-on time for a cozy meal that serves six.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 20 minutes
Servings 6 servings
Calories 566 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • Nonstick cooking spray for the slow cooker insert
  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 jar marinara or pasta sauce 24 ounces; use a preferred brand
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or a dried basil and oregano blend
  • 2 cups shredded Parmesan cheese divided
  • 12 ounces penne pasta cooked according to package directions and drained well

Instructions
 

  • Lightly spray the inside of your slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray.
  • Lay the chicken breasts in a single layer across the bottom of the slow cooker, keeping them as even as reasonably possible.
  • Pour the 24-ounce jar of marinara sauce over the chicken, making sure the breasts are covered, then sprinkle the Italian seasoning over the top; do not add water.
  • Cover and cook on LOW for 4 to 6 hours or on HIGH for 2 to 3 hours, until the chicken is very tender and shreds easily with a fork.
  • About 20 minutes before serving, cook the penne according to the package directions, then drain it well.
  • Use two forks to shred the cooked chicken directly in the slow cooker, stirring the shredded pieces into the tomato sauce as you go.
  • Stir 1 cup of the shredded Parmesan into the saucy shredded chicken until it melts and the mixture looks creamy and cheesy.
  • Add the hot, drained penne to the slow cooker and gently toss until the pasta is coated with the chicken, sauce, and melted Parmesan.
  • Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup Parmesan evenly over the top, cover the slow cooker, and let it sit on WARM for 5 to 10 minutes, just until the cheese melts; taste and adjust the seasoning if needed before serving.

Notes

Store leftovers in a covered container in the refrigerator for a few days. The pasta thickens as it absorbs the sauce, so add a small splash of water when reheating. Reheat in the microwave in short bursts, stirring once or twice, or gently on the stovetop over low heat.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingsCalories: 566kcalCarbohydrates: 53.5gProtein: 54.7gFat: 14.3gSaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 725mgFiber: 2.3gSugar: 7.7g