Description
All the flavors of your favorite Italian dinner in a cozy soup! Tender chicken, pasta, and marinara broth topped with melty mozzarella and parmesan cheese. An easy slow cooker meal the whole family will love.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 8 oz uncooked pasta (penne or rotini)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil for garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine Base: Place chicken, onion, garlic, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper in a 6-quart slow cooker. Pour in the marinara sauce and chicken broth.
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours until chicken is tender.
- Shred: Remove chicken, shred or chop into bite-sized pieces, and return to the pot.
- Cook Pasta: Stir in the uncooked pasta. Cover and cook on HIGH for another 20-30 minutes until pasta is al dente. (Stir occasionally to prevent sticking).
- Finish: Stir in the Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle the mozzarella on top and cover for 2 minutes until melted.
- Serve: Ladle into bowls and top with fresh basil and garlic croutons if desired.
Notes
Pasta Tip: If you plan to have leftovers, cook the pasta separately on the stove and add it to individual bowls. This prevents the noodles from getting mushy in the fridge.
Creamy Version: Stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream at the end for a rich tomato cream broth.
Veggie Boost: Add chopped bell peppers or zucchini in the beginning for extra nutrition.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 7 hrs
- Category: Dinner, Soup
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 60mg