Toss the chicken in the slow cooker and just 4 other ingredients. You get a meal so delicious your family will be begging for more, and it’s perfect for a cozy night in.

This 5-ingredient slow cooker chicken Parmesan pasta is one of those set-it-and-forget-it dinners that feels like a warm hug at the end of a long day. You literally toss the chicken in the slow cooker with just four other pantry-friendly ingredients, then stir in cooked penne at the end. The chicken turns tender and shreddy in a rich tomato sauce, with plenty of melty Parmesan on top. It’s perfect for a cozy night in when you want something comforting that the whole family will happily dig into without a lot of fuss.

Serve this chicken Parmesan pasta straight from the slow cooker with a simple green salad and some garlic bread or warm dinner rolls to soak up the extra sauce. A side of steamed green beans or roasted broccoli rounds out the plate nicely. If your family likes a little extra cheese, set out a small bowl of grated Parmesan at the table so everyone can sprinkle more on top. A glass of iced tea or sparkling water with lemon keeps it light and family-friendly.

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 jar (24 ounces) marinara or pasta sauce
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or dried basil and oregano blend)
2 cups shredded Parmesan cheese, divided
12 ounces penne pasta, cooked according to package directions and drained