Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Casserole

BY :

Ovia Smith

Posted On :

August 4, 2025

Are you looking for a delicious, easy-to-make meal that the whole family will love? Look no further than this Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Casserole. This comforting dish combines tender, shredded chicken with a rich marinara sauce, creamy cheeses, and perfectly cooked pasta, all simmered together in your slow cooker for a hassle-free dinner. With minimal prep work, you can set it and forget it, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or family gatherings. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, this recipe will become a go-to favorite in your household.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are countless reasons to adore this Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Casserole. Here are just a few:

Flavorful and Satisfying: This dish is packed with flavor from the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, and melty cheeses. Each bite is a delightful explosion of taste that will have you reaching for seconds.
Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple steps and minimal ingredients, this recipe is incredibly straightforward. All you need to do is season the chicken, add the sauces and cheeses, and let the slow cooker do the work for you!
Customizable: Feel free to adapt this recipe to your personal taste. Add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers, swap out the pasta for your favorite shape, or experiment with different cheeses. The possibilities are endless!
Perfect for Meal Prep: This casserole is perfect for meal prepping. Make a large batch, portion it out, and store it in the fridge for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Kid-Friendly: With its cheesy goodness and familiar flavors, this casserole is a kid-friendly dish that even picky eaters will love. It’s sure to become a family favorite!

Why You Should Try This Recipe

If you’re still on the fence about making this Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Casserole, here are some compelling reasons to give it a try:

Time-Saving: Slow cookers are a busy person’s best friend. This recipe allows you to prepare a wholesome meal without spending hours in the kitchen. You can set it in the morning and come home to a warm, delicious dinner waiting for you.
Healthy Ingredients: By using boneless, skinless chicken breasts and fresh ingredients, you can create a healthier meal option compared to traditional pasta dishes loaded with heavy sauces and excess fats.
Comfort Food at Its Best: There’s something incredibly comforting about a cheesy pasta casserole. This dish is perfect for cozy family dinners or when you need a little pick-me-up on a chilly day.
Great for Entertaining: Hosting a gathering? This casserole is a wonderful dish to serve when entertaining guests. It’s easy to double or triple the recipe for larger crowds, and it pairs beautifully with a fresh garden salad and garlic bread.
Leftovers that Last: The flavors of this casserole only get better the next day. Leftovers are perfect for lunch or a quick dinner, making it a great option for meal planning.

Ingredients and Necessary Utensils

To make this Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Casserole, you’ll need the following ingredients:

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup marinara sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup cooked pasta (penne or rotini work well)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)

In addition to the ingredients, make sure you have the following utensils on hand for a seamless cooking experience:

Slow cooker
Measuring cups and spoons
Two forks (for shredding chicken)
Mixing spoon
Cutting board
Knife

Detailed Recipe Steps

Now that you have everything you need, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making this Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Casserole.

Prepare the Chicken: Begin by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of your slow cooker. This will serve as the base of your casserole.
Season the Chicken: Sprinkle the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper evenly over the chicken. This ensures that each piece is well-seasoned and flavorful.
Add Marinara Sauce: Pour the marinara sauce over the seasoned chicken, ensuring it is well-coated. This will infuse the chicken with rich flavors as it cooks.
Cook the Chicken: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. The chicken should be cooked through and tender enough to shred easily.
Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and mix it with the sauce.
Add Pasta: Stir in the cooked pasta, ensuring it is well combined with the chicken and sauce. This will help to absorb the flavors and create a hearty casserole.
Add Cheeses: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the mixture in the slow cooker. The cheese will melt beautifully as it cooks.
Melt the Cheese: Cover the slow cooker again and let it cook on high for an additional 15-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
Serve: Once ready, garnish with fresh basil if desired and serve warm. This dish pairs wonderfully with a side salad or garlic bread.

FAQs

Can I make Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole ahead of time. Just follow the steps up to adding the pasta and cheese, then refrigerate it. When you’re ready to cook, simply place it in the slow cooker and follow the cooking instructions.

What type of pasta works best for this casserole?

Penne or rotini pasta works best for this recipe, as they hold the sauce well and combine nicely with the chicken. However, feel free to use your favorite pasta shape!

Can I add vegetables to the Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Casserole?

Absolutely! Adding vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini is a great way to enhance the nutritional value of the dish. Just chop them up and add them along with the marinara sauce.

How do I store leftovers of the casserole?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make this Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Casserole gluten-free, simply use gluten-free pasta and ensure that your marinara sauce is also gluten-free.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Casserole is not only an easy recipe but also a delicious and satisfying meal option for any night of the week. With its cheesy goodness, tender chicken, and hearty pasta, it’s sure to be a hit with family and friends alike. Don’t forget to experiment with your favorite ingredients to make this dish your own. If you try this recipe, please let us know how it turned out in the comments below. Happy cooking!

For more delicious recipes, check out our other slow cooker options like Slow Cooker Creamy Ham and Potato Chowder or Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Casserole. And don’t forget to visit us on Pinterest for more inspiration: Ovia Recipes on Pinterest.