Slow Cooker Chicken Parm Party the Easiest Casserole Ever

Slow Cooker Chicken Parm Party Easiest Casserole Ever

By Amara Vitalis September 10, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction

Ever get that craving for proper comfort food , but the thought of all the effort makes you want to order a takeaway? Yeah, me too! That's where this slow cooker chicken parmesan casserole comes in.

It's the answer to your prayers for a delicious, hearty meal with minimal fuss.

Hook, Line, and Sinker

This isn't just any chicken parmesan casserole recipe . It's a game changer. Imagine all the cheesy, tomatoey goodness of chicken parm.

Now picture it made stupidly easy in a slow cooker. Sounds good, right? The key? It’s unbelievably tasty and ridiculously easy to make.

What's the Story?

Chicken parmesan is that Italian American classic. It’s been feeding families for generations. It’s typically a bit of a faff with frying and baking.

But my easy slow cooker recipes version ditches all that hassle. It's a proper dump and bake chicken parmesan casserole .

Prep time? 20 minutes tops. Cook time? A few hours while you binge watch Netflix. The recipe makes 6-8 generous servings.

Enough to feed a small crowd or have leftovers for lunch.

The Winning Points

This crockpot chicken parmesan casserole isn't just about convenience. The slow cooker makes the chicken unbelievably tender. All the flavors meld together beautifully.

Perfect for a chilly evening when you want something comforting. Plus, it’s packed with protein. It’s a good source of calcium from all that cheese.

It makes this a surprisingly satisfying meal. What makes this recipe special? It's like a big warm hug, but in casserole form.

Now, let's talk ingredients.

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get This Party Started!

Right then, are you ready for the easiest slow cooker chicken parmesan casserole recipe ever? This dump and bake chicken parmesan casserole is all about simple ingredients and minimal effort.

A true comfort food casserole recipe! Let's dive in.

Main Ingredients: The Heart of the Matter

Chicken Breasts: 2 lbs ( 900g ). Boneless, skinless is the way to go. Look for chicken breasts that are plump and pink, not pale.
Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon ( 5ml ).
Garlic Powder: ½ teaspoon ( 2.5ml ).
Onion Powder: ½ teaspoon ( 2.5ml ).
Marinara Sauce: 24 oz ( 680g ) jar. Honestly, good quality marinara makes ALL the difference.
Diced Tomatoes: 1 (14.5 oz / 411g) can, undrained.
Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon ( 15ml ).
Garlic: 2 cloves, minced. Fresh is best!.
Red Pepper Flakes: ½ teaspoon ( 2.5ml ) (optional, for some zing!).
Cooked Pasta: 1 lb ( 450g ). Penne or rotini is perfect for the chicken parmesan casserole recipe .
Ricotta Cheese: 15 oz ( 425g ). Full fat ricotta melts the best.
Parmesan Cheese: ½ cup ( 120ml ), grated, plus more for topping.
Egg: 1 large, lightly beaten. This helps the ricotta bind together.
Mozzarella Cheese: 2 cups ( 225g ), shredded.
Fresh Basil: For garnish. Because we're fancy (sort of).

Seasoning Notes: Adding a Little Oomph

The Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder are your base. Don't skimp. The red pepper flakes add a lovely subtle heat if you're into that!

For the marinara, pick your favourite brand. Experiment with the slow cooker Italian recipes . A dash of balsamic vinegar can be an awesome flavor enhancer!. It brightens the sauce beautifully.

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

Slow cooker (6-quart or larger). A must have for this easy slow cooker recipes .
Large skillet (optional). For browning the chicken.
Large bowl. For mixing the pasta and cheese.
Measuring cups and spoons. Self explanatory, really.

Seriously, that's all you need! No fancy gadgets. Just a crockpot chicken parmesan casserole and a bit of ensoiasm. What are you waiting for? Let's get cooking this easy chicken parmesan bake! It is that easy slow cooker chicken parmesan .

Right then, let’s get cracking! Time to whip up a comfort food classic with a lazy Sunday afternoon twist. We're talking about a Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Casserole less fuss, all the flavour of your Nonna's kitchen.

Honestly, it's the easiest chicken parmesan casserole recipe you'll ever try.

The Easiest Cooking Method For Chicken Parmesan Casserole

Forget slaving over a hot stove! This slow cooker chicken parmesan takes the classic Italian American comfort food and transforms it into a ridiculously easy, hands off meal.

I am gonna guide you through this super easy chicken parmesan bake that practically makes itself. It's basically a hug in a bowl, or a casserole dish, technically.

We're talking about something that even a novice chef will nail.

Prep Steps: Your Mise en Place Mission

First things first, let’s get our ducks in a row. That's the mise en place . Chop your garlic. Measure out your spices.

Cook your pasta slightly al dente - remember it continues to cook in the chicken casserole slow cooker . This is key, trust me.

Nothing worse than mushy pasta!

For time saving tips, pre-shred your mozzarella. It melts so much better. Also, browning the chicken first isn’t essential, but it does add a lovely depth of flavour.

step-by-step Slow Cooking Awesomeness

Ready to go? Here’s the dump and bake chicken parmesan casserole method:

Season your 2 lbs (900g) chicken breasts. Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper is what I recommend.
Dump your 24 oz (680g) jar of marinara sauce, 1 (14.5 oz / 411g) can of diced tomatoes, 1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil, 2 minced garlic cloves, and optionally ½ teaspoon (2.5ml) of red pepper flakes into the slow cooker.
Nestle the chicken into the sauce. Make sure it's mostly covered.
Slow cook it. Set it on low for 4- 6 hours or high for 2- 3 hours . The chicken is done when it shreds easily.
Shred the cooked chicken. Return it to the sauce.
Mix 1 lb (450g) cooked pasta, 15 oz (425g) ricotta, ½ cup (120ml) Parmesan, and 1 beaten egg in a separate bowl. Fold this into the chicken and sauce mixture.
Sprinkle 2 cups (225g) mozzarella on top. Cook on high for 15- 20 minutes , or until that cheese is all melty and bubbly.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Slow Cooker Creation

Here is where your slow cooker Italian recipes come to life, because you can use your favorite combinations. A top tip is to not overcook the chicken.

Overcooked chicken gets dry. Check it after 4 hours on low.

Another common mistake is using too much pasta. It will soak up all the sauce. Be mindful of it. Also consider that you can easily use this recipe for meal prep.

Assemble the casserole (but don’t bake!) and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours.

And that's it! A gorgeous crockpot chicken parmesan casserole that is sure to impress. A perfect comfort food casserole recipes . Enjoy!

Recipe Notes

Alright, let's dive into some extra bits and bobs to make your slow cooker chicken parmesan casserole experience even better.

These are things I’ve learned along the way making this easy slow cooker recipe !

Plating Like a Pro: Serving Suggestions

Presentation matters, right? For this chicken parmesan casserole recipe , I like to serve it straight from the crockpot chicken parmesan casserole dish rustic charm, you know? But a sprinkle of fresh basil and an extra dusting of Parmesan take it up a notch.

Seriously, it makes all the difference. Serve with garlic bread because you need something to mop up all that glorious sauce.

A simple green salad cuts through the richness nicely. I also fancy a chilled glass of Pinot Grigio as a beverage to go along.

Storage Savvy: Keeping it Fresh

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This comfort food casserole recipe keeps well.

Refrigeration: Pop it in an airtight container and it will be good for 3-4 days .

Freezing: Absolutely freezable! Portion it out, wrap it well (or use freezer bags), and it will happily sit in the freezer for up to 3 months .

Reheating: If refrigerated, microwave until piping hot or bake in a preheated oven at 350° F ( 175° C) until heated through.

If frozen, defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating. Honestly, sometimes I just microwave it straight from frozen don't judge!

Remix Time: Variations

Want to mix things up? No worries. If you’re after easy chicken parmesan bake then you could try these;

Dietary Adaptations: For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta. Easy peasy! You could also sub the pasta for Zoodles for a low carb recipe !

Seasonal Swaps: In the summer, chuck in some fresh, chopped tomatoes into the sauce for extra flavour. In winter, maybe a pinch of chilli flakes to warm things up.

Nutrition Nuggets: Quick & Easy

Okay, so this isn't exactly health food, but it's got some good stuff in there! Think protein from the chicken and calcium from the cheese.

Each serving of this chicken casserole slow cooker contains around 450-550 calories. The simplified nutrition info highlights protein, fat and carbohydrates for a balanced meal.

It's slow cooker Italian recipes and can be part of a balanced diet.

Honestly, this dump and bake chicken parmesan casserole is such a winner. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

Now go get cooking! You can make this slow cooker chicken pasta bake , its a promise!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this slow cooker chicken parmesan casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the entire casserole (up to the point of adding the mozzarella) and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to cook, add the mozzarella and follow the instructions for melting the cheese in the slow cooker.

Just remember, if it's cold, it might take a tad longer to heat through, so keep an eye on it, yeah?

My slow cooker chicken parmesan casserole turned out watery. What did I do wrong?

A watery casserole is a common slow cooker woe! This can happen if the chicken releases too much liquid or if the tomatoes in your sauce are extra juicy. Next time, try browning the chicken beforehand to help seal in the juices, or drain some of the liquid from the diced tomatoes before adding them.

Letting the casserole sit for 10-15 minutes after cooking can also help the sauce thicken up. Think of it as a "cuppa" break for the casserole!

Can I freeze slow cooker chicken parmesan casserole leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze the leftovers! Let the casserole cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It'll keep in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven or microwave.

The texture of the pasta might be a bit softer after freezing, but the flavour will still be top-notch.

What's the best type of pasta to use in this slow cooker chicken parmesan casserole?

Penne, rotini, or rigatoni are excellent choices because their ridges and shapes hold the sauce really well like little sauce catching superheroes! Avoid using smaller pastas like ditalini or orzo, as they can get mushy in the slow cooker. Also, be sure to slightly undercook the pasta during the boiling stage.

They will continue cooking in the slow cooker later and will avoid becoming mushy.

How can I make this slow cooker chicken parmesan casserole healthier?

There are a few easy swaps you can make! Use whole wheat pasta for added fibre, swap out some of the mozzarella with part skim mozzarella or reduce the amount overall, or try using ground turkey instead of chicken. You can also load it up with extra veggies like chopped spinach or mushrooms.

Every little bit helps, right?

I don't have ricotta cheese. Is there a good substitute for this slow cooker chicken parmesan casserole?

No problem! If you're fresh out of ricotta, cottage cheese (blended until smooth) works surprisingly well. You can also use mascarpone cheese for a richer, creamier flavour, but it will change the overall taste slightly, giving it a bit more of a luxurious edge.

Sour cream can also be used, but you may want to add a pinch of Italian seasoning to mimic the flavor of ricotta.