Crock Pot Chicken Marinara

This Crock Pot Chicken Marinara is a simple and flavorful recipe, which uses boneless skinless chicken breasts and jarred pasta sauce. It’s a no-fuss take on the classic, ready in about 4 hours and 5 minutes.

Crock Pot Chicken Marinara Ingredients

• 1 jar (24 ounces) Pasta Sauce
• ¼ teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes
• 1 teaspoon Great Value Organic Italian Seasoning
• ¼ teaspoon Garlic Salt
• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts (thawed)
• 1 package (17.6 ounces) pasta (cooked)
• Parmesan cheese and basil, for garnish

How To Make Crock Pot Chicken Marinara

1. Prep the slow cooker: Line your crockpot with a slow cooker liner or spray it with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Add sauce and seasonings: Pour the pasta sauce into the bottom of the crockpot. Stir in the red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, and garlic salt.
3. Add the chicken: Place the chicken breasts on top of the sauce. Turn them a few times to coat evenly.
4. Cook the chicken: Cover and cook on HIGH for 2 1/2 to 4 hours, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
5. Cook the pasta: While the chicken cooks, prepare the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
6. Shred and mix chicken: Once cooked, shred or slice the chicken using two forks. Return it to the crockpot and mix with the sauce.
7. Serve and garnish: Spoon the chicken marinara over the cooked pasta. Garnish with parmesan cheese and fresh basil.

Recipe Tips

• Can I use frozen chicken? Thawed chicken is best for even cooking, but if using frozen, extend the cook time and ensure it reaches 165°F internally.
• How do I know the chicken is done? Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken hits 165°F at its thickest part.
• What type of pasta works best? Penne, spaghetti, or rotini are all great options for holding the sauce well.
• How to thicken the sauce: If the sauce seems too thin, leave the lid off the crockpot for the last 15–20 minutes to reduce slightly.
• How to keep it from sticking: Make sure to spray the crockpot or use a liner to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

What To Serve With Chicken Marinara

This hearty dish pairs well with a few simple sides:

• Garlic bread or breadsticks
• Caesar salad or mixed greens
• Steamed broccoli or green beans
• Roasted vegetables
• A glass of red wine like Chianti or Merlot

How To Store Chicken Marinara

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freeze: For longer storage, freeze chicken and sauce (without pasta) in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

Chicken Marinara Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 421
• Carbohydrates: 68g
• Protein: 28g
• Fat: 3g
• Cholesterol: 48mg
• Sodium: 686mg
• Potassium: 840mg
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 7g
• Vitamin A: 515IU
• Vitamin C: 8.8mg
• Calcium: 36mg
• Iron: 2.5mg

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Can I cook this on LOW instead of HIGH?
Yes, cook on LOW for about 6–7 hours or until the chicken reaches 165°F.

Can I add vegetables to the crockpot?
Absolutely! Mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini can be added along with the sauce.

Why is my chicken dry?
Overcooking can cause dryness. Check early to avoid passing the ideal internal temperature.

Can I use homemade marinara sauce?
Yes, just substitute your favorite homemade version for the jarred sauce.

Try More Recipes:

• Crock Pot Chicken Liver With Mushrooms
• Crock Pot Chicken Legs With Gravy
• Crock Pot Chicken Enchilada Pasta