Slow Cooker Chicken Pasta Recipe

Photo: Amy Flory

I love my Crock Pot in the winter because it warms soups, stews, and hearty meals that are perfect for cold days, but I also love it in the summer when I can throw something together in the morning, and avoid the kitchen for the rest of the day. It's really an all-season kitchen tool!

My kids love pasta. My husband does, too, and this recipe is a family favorite. There are rarely leftovers, and that's high praise around here.

​Chicken thighs can be substituted for the chicken breasts, and I've used pork chops or ground sausage in the past. If you don't have penne on hand, most other kinds of pasta would work, too. I'm going to let you in on a secret: Sometimes, I throw in a jar of spaghetti sauce instead of the Italian tomatoes and tomato sauce. I'm crazy like that.

Tip!
If you have an herb garden, add fresh herbs to your finished sauce. It takes the dish from good to great!

Slow Cooker Chicken Pasta

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast
1 small yellow onion, diced
3-4 cloves garlic, minced
1 28 ounce can diced Italian tomatoes
1 6 ounce can tomato sauce
1 teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon basil
1 pound penne pasta
Parmesan cheese and fresh oregano or basil

• Place the chicken in the bottom of the slow cooker.
• Top with onion, garlic, diced Italian tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, and basil. Stir to combine.
• Cover, and cook on low for six to eight hours.
• Cook pasta according to directions on box, ensuring they are al dente.
• Remove chicken from slow cooker and add pasta to sauce. Stir to combine. Salt and pepper to taste.
• Serve chicken over pasta. Top with parmesan cheese and fresh basil or oregano.
• Enjoy!