Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Pasta with Toasted Breadcrumbs
This hearty slow cooker pasta combines tender shredded chicken with rich tomato sauce, melty mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, all tossed with rotini pasta. The dish is finished with golden toasted breadcrumbs that add a delightful crunch reminiscent of classic chicken Parmesan. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want a comforting, family-friendly meal that practically cooks itself. The slow cooking process allows the chicken to become incredibly tender while the flavors meld together beautifully.
Ingredients
- 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 can crushed tomatoes, 28 oz
- 1 Tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 pound Rotini pasta, cookedpenne or rigatoni1:1carb
any short pasta works well
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup bread crumbs
- 1 Tablespoon butter
Instructions
- 1
Place chicken, salt, pepper, crushed tomatoes, and Italian seasoning in crock pot
- 2
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours
- 3
Shred the chicken and stir back into the crock pot
- 4
Stir in cooked pasta and mozzarella cheese
- 5
Top with Parmesan cheese
- 6
Cover and cook until cheese is melted
- 7
Melt butter in saucepan and sauté breadcrumbs until dark brown
- 8
Sprinkle toasted breadcrumbs over pasta and serve
Tips
Cook pasta separately according to package directions while chicken is in the slow cooker to save time
Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after adding cheese to allow it to fully melt and set
Make extra toasted breadcrumbs and store them for topping other pasta dishes
Good to Know
Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days in covered container
Can prep ingredients night before, cook pasta day of serving
Serve hot immediately after adding breadcrumbs for best texture
Common Mistakes
Don't add pasta too early or it will become mushy
Toast breadcrumbs until deep golden to avoid soggy topping
Don't skip shredding chicken for proper texture
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
any short pasta works well
FAQ
Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, add an extra hour to cooking time on low setting. No need to thaw first.
What if I don't have a slow cooker?
Use a Dutch oven in 325°F oven for 2-3 hours, checking occasionally and adding liquid if needed.
How long will leftovers keep?
Store covered in refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking pasta.