Imagine coming home to the tantalizing aroma of a hearty Italian meal wafting through your kitchen, all thanks to your trusty crock pot! Our Crock Pot Italian Chicken Pasta is a game-changer for busy weeknights, effortlessly blending tender chicken, vibrant bell peppers, and al dente penne pasta in a rich marinara sauce. With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can set it and forget it, letting the slow cooker work its magic for six hours. Intrigued? Get ready to dive into a recipe that promises to be a family favorite, leaving everyone at the table asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breasts
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 cup bell peppers, sliced
- 1 cup onion, diced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Slice the bell peppers and dice the onion, ensuring they are ready to be added to the crock pot.
- Take the chicken breasts and season them with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. This will enhance the flavor of the chicken as it cooks.
- In the bottom of your crock pot, place the seasoned chicken breasts. This will serve as the base for your dish.
- Pour the 2 cups of marinara sauce over the chicken breasts, ensuring they are well covered. The sauce will keep the chicken moist and flavorful during cooking.
- Add the sliced bell peppers and diced onion on top of the marinara sauce. This will allow the vegetables to cook down and infuse their flavors into the chicken and sauce.
- Cover the crock pot with its lid and set it to cook on low for 6 hours. This slow cooking method will make the chicken tender and allow the flavors to meld together.
- About 30 minutes before serving, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the 8 oz of penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and set it aside. Be sure not to overcook the pasta, as it will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the chicken and sauce.
- After 6 hours of cooking, carefully remove the chicken breasts from the crock pot and shred them using two forks. This will create bite-sized pieces that mix well with the pasta.
- Return the shredded chicken to the crock pot and stir it into the sauce and vegetables, ensuring everything is well combined.
- Add the cooked penne pasta to the crock pot and gently fold it into the chicken and sauce mixture. Make sure the pasta is well coated with the sauce.
- Allow the dish to sit for an additional 10 minutes on the warm setting of the crock pot, allowing the flavors to meld even further.
- Serve the Crock Pot Italian Chicken Pasta hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy your delicious Italian meal!
Tips
- Prep Ahead: For an even quicker dinner, prep your vegetables the night before. Slice the bell peppers and dice the onions so they’re ready to go in the morning.
- Season Generously: Don’t skimp on seasoning your chicken! A good sprinkle of salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning will elevate the flavors and ensure a deliciously savory dish.
- Use Quality Marinara: Choose a high-quality marinara sauce for the best flavor. A homemade version can also take this dish to the next level!
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Make sure to cook the penne pasta to al dente. It will absorb some of the sauce when mixed, so you want it to retain a bit of firmness.
- Shred the Chicken: After cooking, use two forks to shred the chicken right in the crock pot. This allows the chicken to soak up more sauce, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
- Garnish for Flavor: Serve your dish with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a dash of Italian herbs for a burst of flavor and a beautiful presentation.
- Leftovers: This recipe makes great leftovers! Store any extras in an airtight container in the fridge for a quick lunch or dinner the next day.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 85mg
