Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Casserole
Savor Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Casserole, a cheesy, saucy dish with tender chicken, pasta, and melted mozzarella. This effortless crockpot meal is perfect for Italian dinners, delivering classic flavors with minimal prep.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Casserole is a delightful, one-pot twist on the Italian classic, combining juicy chicken, tangy marinara, al dente pasta, and gooey cheese, perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. This budget-friendly recipe is incredibly easy, with the slow cooker melding rich flavors effortlessly, requiring minimal effort and cleanup. Its versatility allows for pasta and cheese tweaks, making it a crowd-pleaser for all ages. Packed with protein and comforting taste, this casserole pairs beautifully with garlic bread or salad, offering a restaurant-quality, satisfying meal that’s as delicious as it is simple to prepare.
Recipe Tips and Tricks
- Use Chicken Thighs: Thighs stay juicier; breasts work but may dry out slightly.
- Add Pasta Later: Cook pasta separately and add at the end to prevent mushiness.
- Use Low Heat: Cook on low for tender chicken and well-melded flavors.
- Layer Cheese: Add mozzarella in the last 30 minutes for perfect melt.
- Check Sauce: Add broth if mixture looks dry during cooking.
- Use a Liner: Place a slow cooker liner for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Casserole
Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Casserole, a cheesy, saucy crockpot dish perfect for Italian dinners.
Ingredients
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 lb rigatoni pasta
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- Optional garnish: extra basil, Parmesan
Instructions
- Prep Chicken: Pat chicken thighs dry and cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Chop Aromatics: Dice onion and mince garlic for savory depth.
- Layer Crockpot: Place chicken, onion, and garlic in a 6-quart slow cooker.
- Add Sauce: Pour marinara sauce over chicken; season with salt and pepper.
- Cook Low and Slow: Cover and cook on low for 5 hours or high for 2.5 hours.
- Cook Pasta: Boil rigatoni separately to al dente; drain well.
- Combine Pasta: Add cooked pasta to the slow cooker, stirring to coat.
- Add Cheese: Top with mozzarella and Parmesan; cook 30 more minutes until melted.
- Check Doneness: Ensure chicken is tender and cheese is bubbly.
- Serve with Flair: Garnish with basil and extra Parmesan, and enjoy this cheesy casserole!
Notes
- Cook pasta separately to maintain perfect texture.
- Add cheese at the end to prevent over-melting.
- Leftovers thicken; add sauce when reheating.
- Serve with garlic bread or Caesar salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition Information
Yield
8Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 405Total Fat 15gSaturated Fat 6gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 8gCholesterol 126mgSodium 1000mgCarbohydrates 34gFiber 3gSugar 6gProtein 33g
The recipes and nutritional information on Crock Pot Meal are for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice.
Ingredients Notes
- Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless thighs are juicy; breasts are leaner.
- Marinara Sauce: Store-bought or homemade provides tangy base; choose low-sugar.
- Pasta: Rigatoni or penne holds sauce well; cook al dente.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded melts smoothly; fresh for extra gooeyness.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated adds nutty flavor; pre-grated for convenience.
- Onion: Yellow onion builds savory depth; finely dice.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic enhances aroma; garlic powder quick.
- Basil: Fresh basil offers bright garnish; dried for convenience.
Variations and Substitutions
- Protein Swap: Use turkey, meatballs, or eggplant for vegetarian.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta; ensure sauce is gluten-free certified.
- Low-Fat: Use part-skim cheese and light sauce for lighter version.
- Veggie Add-Ins: Include spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce.
- Vegan Option: Use plant-based chicken, cheese, and sauce.
- Herb Variations: Swap basil for oregano or parsley.
Storage Options
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days; reheat gently.
- Freezer: Freeze in portioned containers for up to 3 months; thaw before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm with a splash of sauce to restore moisture.
- Meal Prep: Portion for easy Italian lunches.
Dish Gallery
Please share this Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Casserole with your friends and do a comment below about your feedback.
We will meet you on next article.
Until you can read, Slow Cooker Chicken Casserole with a Savory Twist
